The Unexpected Basilica

Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa

 During our trip to the Midwest this summer, we visited three baseball fields: Wrigley Field (Chicago), American Family Field (Milwaukee), and the Field of Dreams (Dyersville).  After visiting the last on a beautiful early summer day, we headed into town for lunch.  After lunch, we were surprised to find the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a spectacularly beautiful, historic church that is indeed a minor basilica.  A gentleman mowing the lawn outside gave us a brief overview of its history and encouraged us to tour the interior.  The photo included here is from the choir loft.  The parish website has good information about its history and the church building.

Also in Iowa is Hawkeye Point, the state's high point, which Mike Warner described in a post on his blog.