Vacation: Midwest Baseball Cities
The crack of the bat, the smell of cut grass and hot dogs—what’s better than baseball in the summer? Not much.
The only thing that could make the national pastime even better would be a trip in your RV! So why not combine the two and take your RV to major league ballparks?
Though Iowa lacks a major league baseball team, many of the adjoining states are home to historic, fun and awesome ballparks. Pack your bags—we’re going on a road trip to three of the best ballparks in the country. And, with your RV, it’s like you’re not even leaving home.
MINNEAPOLIS: TARGET FIELD
Minneapolis, home to modern sculpture, exciting theaters and plenty of family-friendly activities, is also home to the three-time World Series Champion Minnesota Twins.
From Des Moines, Minneapolis is just a 3.5-hour drive north on I-35. Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins, is conveniently located in Central Minneapolis, with easy access to 35W and Highway 94.
Where to Stay:
The best RV park in the Minneapolis area is located about 30 minutes south of downtown. Timber Lodge RV park combines the natural beauty of Sam Houston State Park with the modern amenities that RVers expect, such as swimming and electrical hookups.
Where to Park:
As with any major city, parking in congested downtown areas is difficult. Combine that with a 30-foot RV and you’ve got a big headache. Finding a parking lot suitable for your RV within walking distance of a ballpark can be a challenge.
With that in mind, the best parking place for your RV near Target Field is Rapid Park, located just northeast of the stadium. They offer ample parking for RVs, but might require a reservation ahead of time, so make sure you call.
MILWAUKEE: MILLER PARK
Milwaukee, nicknamed Cream City for its collection of cream-colored brick homes, was founded on hard work and lots of beer. Accordingly, it’s the home of a handful of excellent breweries, plenty of great food and fun for everyone.
Miller Park, home to the Milwaukee Brewers, is a unique stadium with a adjustable roof that opens and closes to accommodate the weather. It’s a great place to see a game, whether on opening day or in the chilly October playoffs.
Where to Stay:
The best place to set up camp near Miller Park is the nearby Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, which is mere miles from Miller Park. Offering 70 full-service hook-ups, coin laundry, propane filling and more, the state fairgrounds are the perfect place to stay any day of the year.
During the Wisconsin State Fair (usually in early- to mid-August), the park gets very crowded and might be difficult to find RV parking. Make sure you plan ahead if you’re planning your trip during this time.
Where to Park:
The Miller Park lot opens three hours before each game for tailgating and parking. It costs $40 to park an RV.
CHICAGO: WRIGLEY FIELD
Just north of Downtown Chicago is the heart of Chicago baseball (according to Cubs fans, that is). The Cubbies have ruled over this chunk of the city for years, despite not having a World Series victory since 1908.
More than Milwaukee and Minneapolis, Wrigley Field is located in a much more condensed, urban area, and bringing along an RV might be a challenge.
Where to Stay:
The Chicago Northwest KOA is located northwest of town, and is the closest RV campground to Chicago. A family campground with planned activities on weekends from Memorial Day thru Labor Day (hay-wagon rides, movies, face painting, flashlight candy hunt and a lot more).
Where to Park: Order your bus parking for select dates through Group Sales. The Cubs have a limited number of spaces for bus parking on weekday afternoon games only (excluding Opening Day and holiday games). Parking is available in the Cubs Green Lot for $60 per RV.
If you’re staying at the Chicago Northwest KOA, the Metra Train runs to Elgin and connects to the “L”, which takes you right to Wrigley Field.
