iowa

Homestretch

| Chris

We’re very tired at this point. It’s the 13th day of our most epic road trip yet, but we are now on the homestretch. However, what’s one more stop before heading home? I’ve been to Des Moines before but my friend Russell hasn’t. So, here we go. Last one.

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a hidden gem. Downtown is where the city’s heartbeat resonates. It’s a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity. Unfortunately, the weather was overcast that day, as these photos attest.

The State Capitol stands tall, its golden dome gleaming against the sky. A masterpiece of architecture. We climbed the steps, pausing to admire the intricate carvings and the grandeur of the rotunda. Surrounding the building is a patchwork of green parks, historic buildings, and modern skyscrapers.

A few blocks away was the Des Moines River. A serene pathway on both sides offered glimpses of the water shimmering under the sun. There were fun things to see as well, such as the Lauridsen Skatepark, the Robert Ray Asian Garden, The Principal Riv Walk Bridge, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and the Des Moines Historic District. The city skyline stood as a backdrop, reminding us that nature and urban life can coexist harmoniously.

Our time was limited, but we enjoyed every moment of our short stay in Des Moines. It truly was a joy to experience all the sights.

Until the next road trip. Now, time to go home and rest.

Downtown Cedar Rapids in Two Hours

| Chris

Heading back West, we stopped by Cedar Rapids for a few snapshots. Quaint streets, friendly locals, and a dash of Midwest charm. It was a whirlwind affair though. Since it was late in the afternoon, we only had a couple of hours to spare before we had to move on. So, Russell and I hurriedly explored the riverside and downtown areas.

This town wears its art on its body. Murals adorned alleyways, transforming mundane brick into canvases of color. Sculptures and other large art pieces lay on parks everywhere.

The bridge beckoned, a steel-and-concrete whisperer connecting two worlds. As we crossed, the Cedar River murmured tales of floods and resilience.

And just like that, our rendezvous with Cedar Rapids drew to a close. We didn’t conquer museums or scale skyscrapers, but we soaked in the essence of the heart of the city as much as we could.

Onward and Westward.

If You Build It…

| Chris

Dyersville, a quaint town nestled in the heart of the Midwest, had been etched into my travel bucket list for years. It was home to the Field of Dreams — a place where baseball, nostalgia, and a touch of magic converged.

The movie came out in 1989. The first one I’ve seen Kevin Costner in. It tells the heartwarming tale of Ray Kinsella, an Iowa corn farmer. Guided by a ghostly voice, Ray plows his crops and builds a baseball field right in the middle of his cornfield. This field becomes a portal for long-departed White Sox players, ousted from the team in the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal.

Today, the very same baseball diamond from the movie exists as a tangible slice of Americana. Located just outside Dyersville, Iowa, it stands as a testament to the enduring magic of cinema.

The Iowa scenes for Field of Dreams were shot across two neighboring farms. Don Lansing and Al Ameskamp generously lent their cornfields for the project. Most of the turf fell on Lansing’s side, creating the iconic baseball diamond.

The production company left the field behind after filming, and Lansing turned his property into a tourist attraction. Visitors can now stand on the pitcher’s mound, gazing out at the endless rows of corn, and feeling the whispers of baseball legends.

And just a short drive away was the Baseball Hall of Dreams. Owned by Dwier Brown, who played Ray Kinsella’s father in the movie, and David Feigin, this gift shop is a treasure trove for baseball enthusiasts. From signed memorabilia to T-shirts, they’ve got it all. I picked a simple fridge magnet, as I do in all of my travels.

Russell and I, then, took a leisurely drive through downtown Dyersville on our way out. Historic buildings lined the streets, I’m sure each with its own story to tell. The town exuded a timeless charm.

As we merged back onto the highway, I glanced back one last time. I was reminded that sometimes, reality and fantasy intertwine in the most unexpected places. Today, the iconic whisper — “If you build it, he will come” — echoes on.