IOWA IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Iowa is a long way from Hollywood, but time after time, the state has found its way to the stage and screen. Many sites where movies and other productions were filmed have become popular tourist attractions and places for meeting groups to have special events.

Best known is Dyersville’s “Field of Dreams” Movie Site, one of the most famous baseball fields in the world, where the ever-popular baseball classic of the same name was filmed.

Mason City is all about “The Music Man,” the Broadway musical and movie whose creator, Meredith Willson, grew up there and used his hometown as the model for the musical’s River City. A favorite venue there is Music Man Square, with its recreated movie set of a 1912 streetscape.

For a movie-themed driving tour, groups can head to Winterset to see the covered bridges made famous by the 1995 film “The Bridges of Madison County” starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Local guides can lead tours of the bridges and supply tidbits about the movie. Winterset has another significant Hollywood tie: It is home to the John Wayne birthplace and the John Wayne Museum.

Fans of “American Pickers” may recognize Antique Archaeology in LeClaire, the television show’s home base. A stop there is a chance to marvel at antiques and other finds.

In Clear Lake, not far from Mason City, the famous Surf Ballroom was the last place that musical legend Buddy Holly played before a fatal plane crash. It has continued its tradition as a showplace for musical talent, hosting big names in music such as Santana, and Robert Plant. Seeing a performance is a possibility, and the ballroom can also be booked for private events.