It’s Iowa baseball season! And while we may not have our own Major League baseball team, there are plenty of Minor League teams to cheer on.
Summer might feel like it is winding down, but baseball is still in full swing. While Iowa does not boast a major league baseball team of its own, there are several minor league teams scattered around the state that offer up a great ballpark experience.
Check out the list of teams below and make plans to head out to a baseball game to cheer on the boys of summer!
1. Iowa Cubs
Principal Park
1 Line Dr., Des Moines
(515) 243-6111
Perhaps the best-known team in the state, the Iowa Cubs call Des Moines Home. As the Triple-A affiliate team of the Chicago Cubs, a trip to an Iowa Cubs game is as close as you can get to major league baseball in Iowa. The team actually started as the Iowa Oaks back in 1969 but shifted to the Cubs in 1982 to complement their major league affiliation.
Some notable players and managers for the I-Cubs who have been a part of the Iowa Cubs include Ryne Sandberg (manager), Tony LaRussa (player and manager), Rafael Palmeiro, Kris Bryant, Harold Baines, Greg Maddux, Goose Gossage, and Jamie Moyer.
Today, games are played at Principal Park in Downtown Des Moines at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. This stadium, which seats 11,500 people, first opened in 1992. There are great seats available at several price levels, along with a party deck and other spaces that groups can reserve. And there’s a splash pad play area on the right field concourse that is popular with kids at the game.
Grab a tenderloin sandwich or something from the “state fair stand” that serves up state fair specialties like cheese curds and corn dogs. And you can grab some Sweet N Boozy ice cream.
Keep in mind that this baseball park is now cashless and if you are bringing a bag along, it must be clear. Try to grab a picture with Cubbie the adorable mascot while at the game.
See the remaining season schedule here.
2. Cedar Rapids Kernels
Veterans Memorial Stadium
950 Rockford Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids
(319) 363-3887
It’s always a “party at the park” when you go watch the Cedar Rapids Kernels play at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids. The High-A feeder team of the Minnesota Twins is the reigning 2023 Midwest League Champions.
The team is always a lot of fun to watch as they play other Midwest teams. Plus, there’s great food to be had while you enjoy the game. We recommend the nachos from the La Cantina Mexican cart or something from the Hot Corner Grill, including a local beer from Millstream Brewing.
There are treats for the kids, too, including ice cream or a shaved ice treat from Kona Ice. They will want to check out the fun zone located in left field where they can play on the bounce houses and try out the batting cages. If you’re lucky, you might snag a photo with Mr. Shucks, the ever-smiling, baseball-headed team mascot.
See the remaining season schedule here.
3. Quad Cities River Bandits
Modern Woodmen Park
209 Gaines St., Davenport
(563) 324-3000
Head to Davenport to catch a Quad Cities River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park, which is located right on the river. The stadium has been voted the best minor league ballpark in America for two years in a row by USA TODAY 10. That may be in part to all the amusement rides that you can enjoy when visiting. There’s a double-decker merry-go-round, a giant Ferris wheel, a frog hopper ride, and much more. All-you-can-ride wristbands are just $15.
The River Bandits are the High-A affiliate team of the Kansas City Royals and make watching a game lots of fun. Of course, there are plenty of good eats and game-time entertainment to be had as well. We recommend snagging a bandit dog (footlong chili dog with bacon and cheese). The kids will delight in seeing Bandit (the raccoon mascot) wander around the stadium as you cheer on the team.
See the remaining season schedule here.
4. Sioux City Explorers
Lewis and Clark Park
3400 Line Dr., Sioux City
(712) 277-9467
When you’re in Western Iowa, head to Lewis and Clark Park to take in a Sioux City Explorers game in Sioux City. Part of the American Association of Professional Baseball, the Explorers play teams from around the Midwest.
Tickets range from $8 to $15 making it a great option for the whole family. There are season-long promotions like souvenir Saturdays, military Sundays, and Bark at the Park (when you can bring your dog along) every Wednesday. On Sundays, the first 500 fans get a voucher for free ice cream. And kids can run the bases after the game!
There’s also a party deck that is perfect for group outings and they have options to host a birthday party at the park. You might even invite Slider, the team mascot.
See the remaining season schedule here.
5. Waterloo Bucks
Riverfront Stadium
850 Park Rd., Waterloo
(319) 232-0500
Head to Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo to cheer on the Bucks. This team is part of the North Woods League, a collegiate summer baseball league that plays other teams around the Midwest.
Their most recent North Woods League championship was back in 2020, but they have won it four other times. That’s particularly impressive considering they are one of the newest ball clubs in the state, getting started in 1995.
Celebrating their 30th season in 2024, Bucks games offer a fun outing for the whole family. There are nightly and season-long promotions to take advantage of, including two-for-one beverages every Friday night and fireworks after Saturday night games.
Fido can get in on the fun, too. For just an extra $5, you can bring your dog to any home game during the season!
See the remaining season schedule here.
6. Burlington Bees
Community Field
2712 Mt. Pleasant St., Burlington
(319) 754-5705
The Bees, located in Burlington as yet another river baseball town, are a part of the Prospect League, playing other teams from around the Midwest.
The team began a number of major league careers over the years, including those of Hall of Famers Billy Williams and Paul Molitor. It has been around since 1889 and has been playing in its current location at Community Field since 1947.
Despite its long history, the ballpark offers all the modern fun, including great, economical concessions, fun entertainment between innings (trivia, chicken wing flings, musical chairs, and much more!), and great season-long and specific day promotions.
Tickets range from $7 to $11 ( with kids 5 years old and younger free) so it’s a great way to entertain the whole family.
See the remaining season schedule here.
7. Clinton Lumberkings
NelsonCorp Field
537 Ballpark Dr., Clinton
(563) 242-0727
Yet another baseball team in a river town! And a Prospect League team, too. You might even catch a game where they play the Burlington Bees.
The Clinton Lumberkings play their games at NelsonCorp Field. This Mississippi River town team has been around since 1956 and their games are such fun to this day. Plus, you’ve got a great view of the river while you cheer on the team. T
he Clinton Lumberkings are known for fun giveaways (flat screen TVs!) and fireworks shows that make a trip to the ballpark that much more exciting.
See the remaining season schedule here.
Other destinations for Iowa baseball lovers
Field of Dreams
Of course, if you are a baseball fan, you might want to make a trip to see Field of Dreams in Dyersville. The iconic site of the cult classic 1989 film, the field that Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, and fellow cast members played on still looks very much as it did in the movie.
Additional amenities have been built around the original field (which you can still walk out on) making this a fun destination for the whole family. Ghost Saturday baseball games are played featuring special guests as well as youth baseball tournaments. There’s also a gift shop with great movie-inspired merchandise.
Check out all the details on the website.
Iowa Baseball Museum of Norway
You can also check out the Iowa Baseball Museum of Norway. This small town in Eastern Iowa has a rich baseball tradition that includes 20 state championships and many college, semi-pro, and professional baseball players coming through the program. The movie “The Final Season” is also based on the last high school’s last championship team before it was consolidated with surrounding schools.
Tours are only available by appointment, so check out more information to plan your visit here.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Katie Giorgio
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Publish date : 2024-08-23 09:29:00
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