Everything you need to know for a great visit to Dyersville Iowa. Start with our Quicklinks to zero in on a popular attraction or event. Learn more from our introduction and links to the local history timeline. Explore recommendations for sights, activities, food, lodging, entertainment, and festivals and events. No time to do all this online? Download a travel guide or have Amazon deliver one to you door.
Dyersville Iowa Quick Links
Top Attractions
Field of Dreams Movie Site National Farm Toy Museum
Top Events
National Farm Toy Show
Discover Dyersville Iowa
When Shoeless Joe Jackson magically appeared in the movie Field of Dreams, he mistook Dyersville for heaven. That’s an easy mistake to make, say locals who know their hometown best. The Field of Dreams movie site is well marked and easy to find just outside of town.
Dyersville was founded in northeast Iowa in 1848 by Englishman James Dyer, whose family quickly set about opening farms and making improvements which would later lead to the town growing up around their land.
Dyersville is often called “the farm toy capital of the world.” Home to both the National Farm Toy Museum and the Ertl Company (now Tomy Corporation), the undisputed leader in die cast farm equipment and vehicle replicas, it has plenty to brag about. The town welcomes a Summer Farm Toy Show in June each year. That’s just a warm up for the National Farm Toy Show, the “Granddaddy of all toy shows,” held every November. It’s the largest farm toy show in the world, with over 400 vendors in town. Visitors are also welcome year round at the Ertl (Tomy) factory outlet.
These are our top recommendations for visitors to Gadsden Alabama. Why the Faber dozen?
Dyersville Iowa has a lot to offer visitors, including the following:
Field of Dreams Movie Site Farm with a baseball field carved out of cornfields, from the movie Field of Dreams. Open daily April-November. 28995 Lansing Road, +1 (888) 875-8404.
Basilica of St. Francis Xavier One of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the American midwest. Open daily during daylight hours. 104 3rd Street SW, +1 (563) 875-7325.
National Farm Toy Museum Discover the history and development of farming through the lens of miniature replicas. Open daily. 1110 16th Avenue Ct SE, +1 (563) 875-2727.
Becker Woodcarving Museum View the works of Iowa woodcarving artist Jack Becker. Open May-October by appointment. 15346 Becker Lane, +1 (563) 875-2087.
Dyer-Botsford Historical House & Doll Museum Tour the restored Victorian home of the city founder. Collection of over 2000 dolls. Open May-November. 331 1st Avenue E, +1 (563) 875-2414.
Plaza Antique Mall Browse over 250 dealers of antiques, collectibles and farm toys. Open daily. 1235 16th Avenue Ct SE, +1 (563) 875-8945.
Heritage Trail Enjoy year round beauty biking, walking, skiing and more on this scenic trail. Seasonal and daily passes. Highway 136, +1 (563) 556-6745.
FarmTek Greenhouse Tour Explore the latest advances and techniques in growing, hydroponics, fodder production, aquaponics and more. 1440 Field of Dreams Way, +1 (800) 327-6835 x795.
Hurricane Lanes Bowling Center Enjoy bowling year round. Restaurant on premises.. 703 13th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-2512.
Plum Creek Archery Full service archery shop with indoor practice range. 204 1st Avenue E, +1 (563) 875-7525.
TOMY Factory Outlet Formerly RC2 Ertl. Visit the factory store offering high quality farm toys and other replicas, collectibles, infant and toddler products, and more. 2021 9th Street SE, +1 (563) 875-8945.
Hungry? We can help you with food and drink recommendations for Dyersville Iowa. Choose from family dining, country cooking, pizza, pub food, chinese, fast food, and more.
Dyersville Iowa Food and Drink
Boji Sweet Tooth 613 1/2 16th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-8872.
Casey’s General Store 1402 9th Street SE, +1 (563) 875-2175.
Chad’s Pizza & Restaurant 108 1st Avenue W, +1 (563) 875-2483.
Country Junction Restaurant 913 15th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-7055.
DQ Grill-n-Chill 640 16th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-7117.
English Pub 210 1st Avenue E, +1 (563) 875-8832.
First Avenue Bakery 135 2nd Street NE, +1 (563) 875-6198.
Golden Wok 639 16th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-8160.
Golf Side Grille 30824 Old Hawkeye Road, +1 (563) 875-6336.
Groovy Grounds 213 1st Avenue E, +1 (563) 875-6251.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor 1213 12th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-7263.
Joe’s 2nd Street Diner 131 2nd Street NE, +1 (563) 875-7721.
Kwik Stop 740 18th Avenue SW, +1 (563) 875-8490.
McDonald’s of Dyersville 1510 9th Street SE, +1 (563) 875-7600.
Palace Saloon 149 1st Avenue E, +1 (563) 875-2284.
Pizza Hut 1845 8th Street SE, +1 (563) 875-2788.
Quizno’s 1426 9th Street SE, +1 (563) 875-2434.
Subway 605 16th Avenue SE, +1 (563) 875-6060.
Also Nearby:
Breitbach’s Country Dining 563 Balltown Road, Balltown, +1 (563) 552-2220.
Coldstone Creamery 806 Wacker Drive #118, Dubuque, +1 (563) 556-6766.
J&D Mart Catering. 6835 Columbus Street, New Vienna, +1 (563) 921-2935.
Simon’s Family Restaurant 202 2nd Street SW, Worthington, +1 (563) 855-2055.
Lodging in Gadsden Alabama
Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites 205 Enterprise Drive, +1 (256) 570-0569.
Budget Inn 2704 West Meighan Blvd, +1 (256) 543-3790.
Comfort Suites 96 Walker Street, +1 (256) 538-5770.
Deerfield Inn & Suites 2580 Hwy 77, +1 (256) 413-1300.
Econo Lodge 1612 West Grand Avenue, +1 (256) 570-0117.
Fairfield Inn & Suites 116 Walker Street, +1 (256) 538-2100.
Hampton Inn 129 River Road, +1 (256) 546-2337.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 106 Walker Street, +1 (256) 691-0225.
Motel 6 1600 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 543-1105.
Redwood Inn 201 North Hood Avenue, +1 (256) 543-8410.
Rodeway Inn 3909 Meighan Blvd, +1 (256) 543-0323.
Super 8 Motel Gadsden 2110 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 547-9033.
Gadsden Alabama Camping
The Cove RV Resort & Campground 4122 Old Pump Station Road, +1 (256) 467-3158.
Noccalula Falls Campground 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 543-7412.
River Country Campground 1 River Road, +1 (256) 543-7111.
Shopping Near Gadsden Alabama
Gadsden Mall 1001 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 547-0501.
Historic Downtown Attalla Downtown Attalla, +1 (256) 538-1872.
Historic Downtown Gadsden Downtown Gadsden, +1 (256) 547-8696.
Mountain Top Flea Market 11301 US Hwy 278 W, Attalla, +1 (205) 589-2706.
Beat 60 Group entertainment. Work together to find clues and solve puzzles. 227 Broad Street, +1 (256) 813-4909.
The Factory Fun center with trampoline, dodge ball, foam pits, arcade. 100 Thomas Drive, +1 (256) 312-8974.
Pioneer Village at Noccalula Falls Park A display of pioneer living with demonstrations, period furnishings, general store. 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 549-4663.
Paradise Lanes Bowling fun for the whole family. 729 Sutton Bridge Road, Rainbow City, +1 (256) 413-0300.
Premiere Cinemas 16 1001 Rainbow Drive, +1 (256) 547-3030.
Sand Mountain Corn Maze Corn maze, pumpkin patch, general store and hay rides. 8420 Cox Gap Road, Sardis, +1 (256) 302-0900.
Tigers for Tomorrow Exotic animal rescue preserve, environmental center and barnyard. Over 35 large animals. 708 County Road 345, Attalla, +1 (256) 524-4150.
Big Wills Outfitters Experience “River Time” floating along scenic Big Wills Creek. 2881 Wesson Gap Road, Attalla, +1 (256) 538-3226.
Cherokee Rock Village Premiere site for hiking, camping, rock climbing and exploring. 2000 County Road 70, Leesburg, +1 (256) 523-3799.
Chief Ladiga Biking Trail Alabama’s premiere rails-to-trails project, offering 33 miles of county trails through Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. +1 (256) 549-0351.
Horse Pens 40 Historic nature park offering hiking, camping, bouldering. Picnic areas. 3525 County Hwy 42, Steele, +1 (256) 538-7439.
James D. Martin Wildlife Park & Walking Trail Urban green space on a wooded island. Birdwatching, hiking, biking. US 411, +1 (256) 549-4680.
Noccalula Falls Park Noccalula Falls, Pioneer Village, Black Creek Trail. Beautiful natural area with multi use trails. Main trail handicap accessible. 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 549-4663.
Big Wills Outfitters Experience “River Time” floating along scenic Big Wills Creek. 2881 Wesson Gap Road, Attalla, +1 (256) 538-3226.
Cherokee Rock Village Premiere site for hiking, camping, rock climbing and exploring. 2000 County Road 70, Leesburg, +1 (256) 523-3799.
Chief Ladiga Biking Trail Alabama’s premiere rails-to-trails project, offering 33 miles of county trails through Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. +1 (256) 549-0351.
Horse Pens 40 Historic nature park offering hiking, camping, bouldering. Picnic areas. 3525 County Hwy 42, Steele, +1 (256) 538-7439.
James D. Martin Wildlife Park & Walking Trail Urban green space on a wooded island. Birdwatching, hiking, biking. US 411, +1 (256) 549-4680.
Noccalula Falls Park Noccalula Falls, Pioneer Village, Black Creek Trail. Beautiful natural area with multi use trails. Main trail handicap accessible. 1500 Noccalula Road, +1 (256) 549-4663.
Top Events in Dyersville Iowa
March
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Local parade and community races held the Saturday before St Patrick’s Day.
May
Farmers’ Market Outdoor market held every week from Mid May to Mid October. Thursdays 14:00-17:30, at Dyersville Commercial Club Park.
June
Farmers’ Market Outdoor market held every week from Mid May to Mid October. Thursdays 14:00-17:30, at Dyersville Commercial Club Park.
Summer Farm Toy Show Featuring thousands of farm toys to buy, sell and trade. Tractor ride, parade. Held the first full weekend in June.
Downtown Friday Nights Live music, food, games, and rides. Car and motorcycle show, turtle races. Held on 1st Street in downtown Dyersville on the second Friday of each month, June-August, 18:30-22:00.
July
Farmers’ Market Outdoor market held every week from Mid May to Mid October. Thursdays 14:00-17:30, at Dyersville Commercial Club Park.
Independence Day Celebration Held July 3rd at the Dyersville Commercial Club Park. Food, games, music, and more. Fireworks at dusk.
Downtown Friday Nights Live music, food, games, and rides. Car and motorcycle show, turtle races. Held on 1st Street in downtown Dyersville on the second Friday of each month, June-August, 18:30-22:00.
Ghost Sundays The world famous Ghost Players take the field to play baseball at the Field of Dreams movie site. Held every other Sunday during July and August. Admission FREE.
August
Farmers’ Market Outdoor market held every week from Mid May to Mid October. Thursdays 14:00-17:30, at Dyersville Commercial Club Park.
Downtown Friday Nights Live music, food, games, and rides. Car and motorcycle show, turtle races. Held on 1st Street in downtown Dyersville on the second Friday of each month, June-August, 18:30-22:00.
Ghost Sundays The world famous Ghost Players take the field to play baseball at the Field of Dreams movie site. Held every other Sunday during July and August. Admission FREE.
September
Farmers’ Market Outdoor market held every week from Mid May to Mid October. Thursdays 14:00-17:30, at Dyersville Commercial Club Park.
New Vienna
October
Farmers’ Market Outdoor market held every week from Mid May to Mid October. Thursdays 14:00-17:30, at Dyersville Commercial Club Park.
Local Services in Dyersville Iowa
Practical Matters
By Car
Dyersville Iowa is about 35 minutes west of Dubuque, Iowa on U.S. Highway 20.
By Bus
Scheduled service between Dyersville and Dubuque runs Monday through Friday, departing at 07:40 and returning at 14:30 from the JFK Transfer Station. As of writing cost was $12 one way.
Iowa Region 8 RTA Transportation Service
The Iowa Regional Transportation Authority provides transportation between Dyersville and other locations around Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties. All routes are open to the general public, including people with disabilities. Most RTA routes are door to door unless specified.
Reservations for service are required 24 hours in advance, dispatch hours are 5am-5pm. If you qualify for a waiver program, are a member of NEIAAA or 60 years and older, are a veteran or have Medicaid please provide that information when you make your reservation.
All fares are contingent upon fitting into a current service.
By Air
Dyersville is served by Dyersville Airport (IA8), which offers flight services for private aircrafts. There are no scheduled commercial flights at this airport.
The closest commercial service is to Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ). American Eagle offers three flights daily connecting DBQ with Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Gadsden operates a convenient to use “trolley service” on four routes around the city. These are not actual trolley cars, but shuttle buses.
See the downloadable Gadsden Alabama trolley service route maps:
East Trolley (Gadsden State CC) Route
East Trolley (Gadsden Regional) Route
Cost to Ride: 50 cents Regular Fare. Age over 60, the Disabled and Those on Medicare 25 cents Fare
Days of Operation: Monday through Saturday*
Hours of Operation:
– 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. Monday through Friday
– 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. Saturday
Transfer Stations:
– Broad St @ 4th St
– East Broad Street @ South 8th St
Trolleys Do Not Operate on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Memorial Day (4th Monday in May
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (1st Monday in September
Veteran’s Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November
Christmas Day (December 25)
Service During Severe Weather
Gadsden Trolley Company services are suspended during severe weather . Listening to your radio will keep you informed about service stoppages.
For more information about the Gadsden Trolley Company, call the Transportation Services office at 543-3278 or 549-4519.
Gadsden Alabama is a fun place to visit anytime of year, with a lot of local activities and events to make it interesting whenever you choose to visit.
Best Time of Year to Visit Gadsden Alabama
Weather wise, the best times to visit Gadsden are from early May to mid June and late August to early October, when the skies are relatively clear and temperatures mild. Mid-summer days can be too hot for anything but water activities.
Dyersville Iowa Travel Resources
City of Dyersville Municipal website, including contact details and rudimentary city guide.
Gadsden Travel Guidebooks:
Gadsden Travel Memoirs:
Coming soon
