Iowa's Cinematic Treasures: 4 Towns Where Iconic Movies Were Filmed
Iowa, the heartland of America, has become a cinematic wonderland, serving as the backdrop for numerous iconic films that have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. From sports dramas to romantic tales, these movies showcase the beauty and charm of Iowa's landscapes and communities. Here's a journey through four towns that played pivotal roles in creating cinematic magic.
Dyersville: Where Dreams Become Reality
Dyersville, a quaint town in eastern Iowa, became an overnight sensation after the release of the 1989 blockbuster Field of Dreams. The film, starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, and Ray Liotta, tells the story of an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice urging him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. The movie's iconic scene, featuring the baseball field carved out of the corn, was filmed on two adjacent farms in Dyersville. Today, the Field of Dreams Movie Site is a must-visit destination for fans, offering a chance to walk the bases, play catch, and even rent the field for a game. The original farmhouse, now a museum, provides a glimpse into the filming process, and the on-site pub, The DugOut, serves up traditional baseball-park fare.
Winterset: A Romance Set in Time
Winterset, located southwest of Des Moines, is a haven for romance enthusiasts. It served as the setting for Clint Eastwood's The Bridges of Madison County, a tearjerker about a National Geographic photographer and an Italian American farm wife. Eastwood's decision to film on location in Madison County, using the actual covered bridges, added authenticity to the story. The Roseman Covered Bridge, built in 1883, is a key feature of the film. Visitors can explore the six historic covered bridges in the area, with the Madison County Chamber Welcome Center providing maps and guided tours. The town also hosts the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, a celebration of food, arts, and local culture.
Eldora: Chasing Tornadoes in the Heartland
Eldora, a small community in Iowa, played a starring role in the 1996 blockbuster Twister. The film, starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, follows storm chasers in pursuit of massive tornadoes. While primarily set in Oklahoma, the production moved to Iowa after the Oklahoma City bombing. The thrilling climax, featuring the F5 tornado, was filmed in and around Eldora, with a two-story farmhouse serving as a key exterior location. The iconic scene of Bill and Jo fleeing through a cornfield was shot near Ames, and the community of Boone provided the location for the Twister Hill scene. Eldora's involvement in the film brought excitement to the town, attracting fans eager to explore the locations.
Dubuque: A City's Rise to Cinematic Fame
Dubuque, Iowa's oldest city, along the Mississippi River, has a rich history that made it an ideal setting for the 1978 film F.I.S.T. The movie, starring Sylvester Stallone, is a drama about a Cleveland warehouse worker rising through the ranks of a trucker's union. Dubuque's older sections, resembling 1930s Cleveland, and the absence of rooftop television antennas due to early cable adoption, made it a perfect match for the film's setting. The production employed hundreds of residents as extras and utilized key locations like St. Raphael's Cathedral, the Fourth Street Elevator, and the Dubuque Star Brewery. Today, these sites offer a self-guided walking tour, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the characters.
Iowa's cinematic treasures offer a unique blend of history, charm, and storytelling. From the baseball diamond in a cornfield to the covered bridges of Madison County, these towns have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. So, whether you're a sports fan, a romance enthusiast, or a history buff, Iowa's film locations are sure to captivate and inspire.
