Baseball and road trips are some of our best traditions, and we think the two make a natural pair. When it comes to wide open roads sprinkled with fun-filled stops—and the promise of a beloved pastime at every turn—America gives us a real reason to stand up and cheer.
If you are looking for your own field of dreams, it’s time to (re)discover your love of minor league baseball. Why the minor leagues? They represent a strong sense of community in more accessible cities, and the friendly atmospheres make them perfect for the whole family. The stops on this list lend the spellbinding charm you seek on the road, while housing some of the most enjoyable minor league experiences you’ll find. From stadium amenities to team spirit to other must-see attractions, these teams and towns will have you rooting for the home team.
Pack up your rental van or SUV with snacks, bats, and baseball gloves and make a journey of it; we’ve picked some of the best cities to catch minor league baseball on a route around the country.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne TinCaps
Class-A, Midwest League
Affiliate: San Diego Padres
Stadium: Parkview Field
The TinCaps call award-winning Parkview Field home, which boasts honors such as No. 1 Ballpark Experience in Minor League Baseball from Stadium Journey and No. 4 most vegetarian friendly from PETA.
Best Road Trip Stop: Car lovers can’t miss the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.
Miles to Louisville: 235
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Bats
Triple-A, International League
Affiliate: Cincinnati Reds
Stadium: Louisville Slugger Field
Via Flickr/Jamie
Sports history lovers, this stop’s for you. Baseball is in this town’s roots, from the first crack off a Louisville Slugger bat (133 years ago). After a Louisville Bats game, visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and find your favorite player on the Signature Wall.
Best Road Trip Stop: The Indiana Caverns offer memorable adventures and a chance to stretch your legs.
Miles to Rochester: 599
Rochester, New York
Rochester Red Wings
Triple-A, International League
Affiliate: Minnesota Twins
Stadium: Frontier Field
Via Yelp/Sweta K.
Grab some wings and a pint at the Genesee Brew House, then head to Frontier Field for a Rochester Red Wings game. If you haven’t had your fill of local food, get a Chicken French sandwich and enjoy the prime view of downtown Rochester from the stands.
Best Road Trip Stop: The town is about 175 miles west of the Baseball Hall of Fame, so add it to your Rochester itinerary.
Miles to Pawtucket: 390
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Pawtucket Red Sox
Triple-A, International League
Affiliate: Boston Red Sox
Stadium: McCoy Stadium
Via Flickr/Yzukerman
“Not a bad seat in the house” is a consistent review of McCoy Stadium. Fun fact: On April 18, 1981 the Pawtucket Red Sox (PawSox, provincially) began the longest professional baseball game, clocking in at 33 innings and 8 hours 25 minutes, so it’s possible you’ll really get your money’s worth.
Best Road Trip Stop: Take the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor past sites like the historic Slater Mill.
Miles to Durham: 656
Durham, North Carolina
Durham Bulls
Triple-A, International League
Affiliate: Tampa Bay Rays
Stadium: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Via Flickr/Connie
Famously, the Durham Bulls were featured in the film, “Bull Durham,” and have seen distinguished players such as Hall of Famer Joe Morgan and World Series MVP Hideki Matsui. Bonus: the stadium features one of the few breweries in the country that’s housed in a minor league ballpark, Bull Durham Beer Co., so pair a game with a cold Kölsch.
Best Road Trip Stop: Let architecture awe you at Duke University’s impressive Gothic-style West Campus.
Miles to Memphis: 726
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis Redbirds
Triple-A, Pacific Coast League
Affiliate: St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium: AutoZone Park
AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds, has the largest video screen in the minor leagues, a picnic pavilion, and guests are welcome to view batting practice. If you want to grab a bite and a pint in a sports-centric atmosphere, go to Brookhaven Pub & Grill for a pre- or post-game fill up.
Best Road Trip Stop: Find a good place to park the car, then walk the rockin’, neon-strewn, pedestrians-only Beale Street.
Miles to El Paso: 1,087
El Paso, Texas
El Paso Chihuahuas
Triple-A, Pacific Coast League
Affiliate: San Diego Padres
Stadium: Southwest University Park
Minor league baseball (and its historical equivalent) has been a part of El Paso culture since the 1890s, and the El Paso Chihuahuas are keeping traditions alive. Post-game, keep the excitement going at Bob-O’s Family Fun Center, where you and the kids can practice your swing in the batting cages.
Best Road Trip Stop: Stop in Big Bend National Park before taking the scenic drive up to El Paso.
Miles to Fresno: 1,020
Fresno, California
Fresno Grizzlies
Triple-A, Pacific Coast League
Affiliate: Houston Astros
Stadium: Chukchansi Park
Chukchansi Park, where the Fresno Grizzlies play, features pitching and batting activities, a carousel, an inflatable slide, an obstacle course, and a pool playground. Haven’t had enough? John’s Incredible Pizza Co. houses so many family-friendly activities, the fun never ends.
Best Road Trip Stop: Marvel in the great outdoors at nearby Sequoia National Park, and see the world’s largest tree.
Miles to Eugene: 644
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene Emeralds
Class-A Short Season, Northwest League
Affiliate: Chicago Cubs
Stadium: PK Park
Eugene is the perfect stop on a long road trip—with gorgeous outdoor adventure opportunities and a laid-back and welcoming city vibe. At PK Park, enjoy good food (the Eugene Emeralds once partnered with famed Voodoo Doughnut to offer a bacon maple bratwurst), refreshing drinks (local brewers are on tap), and for the kids, the Sluggo FunZone.
Best Road Trip Stop: Take the West Cascades National Scenic Byway through the Willamette National Forest and stop at waterfalls and lakes all along the way.
Miles to Great Falls: 824
Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls Voyagers
Advanced Rookie, Pioneer League
Affiliate: Chicago White Sox
Stadium: Centene Stadium
Pre-game at Giant Springs State Park to picnic with the fam and throw the ball around. The Great Falls Voyagers and their mascot Orbit get their name from a 1950 UFO sighting, so keep your eyes peeled for alien life. Regardless, absolutely nothing beats the Montana sky, so come early for tailgating and sky gazing.
Best Road Trip Stop: Drive through Glacier National Park and make sure to take Going-to-the-Sun Road for unbelievable views.
Miles to Fort Wayne: 1,536
With teams winning in welcoming stadiums across the U.S., the minor leagues are a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with new places. So pack the family into a comfy rental car, order some peanuts and Cracker Jack, and get ready to share the kind of comradery that only comes with rooting for the home team.
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