Field Of Dreams (28963 Lansing Rd., 888-875-8404)--the site of the movie that equated Iowa with heaven--is the center of attention in farm town Dyersville. If you're a baseball fan or just a Kevin Costner fan, drive out and whack a couple into the cornfield or buy a vial of souvenir dirt. (Go the second to last Sunday of every month, June through September, to watch the movie's original ghost players at bat; call 888-875-8404.)

Otherwise, concentrate on Dyersville's more longstanding reputation--farm toy capital of the world. It hosts several toy shows and festivals throughout the year. The history of farm-toy production unfolds at the National Farm Toy Museum (1110 16th Ave. SE, 563-875-2727; admission: $4 adults, $1 kids 6-11). Look for the signs shortly after you turn off Highway 20 onto Highway 136. Parents risk nostalgia-attack looking at all the vintage die-cast metal tractors and farm implements, most of them manufactured by Ertl Company, a major source of income for the area. Upstairs is filled with collector toy trucks, cars and planes. Kids can look, play a little and get a painless history lesson on farming. Don't miss it.

To appease the kids' more feminine side, stop at the Dyer-Botsford Historical House (331 First Ave. E, 563-875-2414; admission: $4; children under 10 are free) and see its collection of more than 900 dolls in an 1850s Victorian setting.

For more active entertainment, follow the 26-mile Heritage Trail (563-556-6745) past limestone cliffs, an old mill and the Mississippi River. Travel by foot, bike or cross-country skis on the path that once held a railroad's route.

In Dubuque, start with an overview--take the 100-year-old 4th Street Elevator Cable Car (4th and Bluff Sts., 563-582-6496; round-trip admission: $1.50 for adults, $.50 children; closed in winter) to the top of one of Dubuque's trademark bluffs.

Fifteen miles away, downtown Galena is one big museum, every building a relic of its successful mid-1800s lead-mining days. Once the home of President Ulysses S. Grant, the town holds tight to its Civil War-era roots. Visit the U.S. GRANT HOME (500 Bouthillier St., 815-777-0248; donation: $2 adults, $1 children) for a dose of patriotism.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.