The Best Places to Visit Between Ames, Iowa and Rolling Meadows, Illinois

If you're planning a road trip between Ames, Iowa and Rolling Meadows, Illinois, there are plenty of great places to visit along the way. Here are our top five picks for must-see stops on your journey.

Route Highlights

The trip from Ames to Rolling Meadows takes you through some beautiful midwestern scenery, including rolling hills and expansive fields of corn and soybeans. You'll also pass through several charming small towns along the way.

Stop 1: Grotto of the Redemption (West Bend, Iowa)

The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa is a stunning feat of religious architecture and art. The grotto is a series of nine separate shrines built into a hillside, each dedicated to a different scene from the life of Jesus Christ. It boasts an impressive collection of minerals and rock formations, and is truly a unique and awe-inspiring place to visit.

Stop 2: Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville, Iowa)

If you're a fan of the classic 1989 movie "Field of Dreams," you won't want to miss the opportunity to visit the famous ball field in Dyersville, Iowa where the movie was filmed. You can walk on the same hallowed ground as Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones, and even play catch with your own "ghosts" of baseball past.

Stop 3: John Deere Pavilion (Moline, Illinois)

Moline, Illinois is home to the John Deere Pavilion, a museum and interactive exhibit space dedicated to the iconic farming and construction equipment company. You can explore the history of John Deere and its impact on agriculture and industry, as well as test your skills operating various pieces of heavy machinery.

Stop 4: Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio (Oak Park, Illinois)

Architecture buffs won't want to miss a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois. Wright lived and worked in this house and studio for 20 years, and designed many of his most famous buildings here. You can take a guided tour to learn more about Wright's life and work, and get a glimpse into his creative process.

Stop 5: Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts (Schaumburg, Illinois)

Our final stop is the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Schaumburg, Illinois. The center hosts music, dance, and theater performances throughout the year, as well as art exhibits and classes. It's the perfect place to round out your journey with a dose of creativity and inspiration.

Conclusion

From religious marvels to cinematic history, heavy machinery to world-renowned architecture, and artistic expression to sprawling prairies, there's truly something for everyone on a trip between Ames, Iowa and Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Don't miss these top five must-visit stops on your next road trip.