Known as the only city on the planet that's home to a Frank Lloyd Wright hotel, Mason City boasts architectural wonders, historic charm and stunning cultural attractions. Check out this itinerary for your Mason City inspiration.
FLY THROUGH MASON CITY
Day One
Do: Historical Architectural Walking Tour
Dive into one of the world’s best cities for architecture lovers by enjoying Mason City’s Prairie School Architectural Tour. The self-guided stroll includes 14 blocks of homes designed by world-famous architects like Walter Burley Griffin, William Drummond, Curtis Besinger and more. Combine it with the 13 blocks of the Historical Walking Tour for a closer look at the community’s iconic buildings.
Be sure to also stop by the Architectural Interpretive Center for the chance to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Stockman House, learn the history behind Mason City’s unique buildings and shop for fun architectural-themed gifts.
Do: The Music Man Square
After admiring the area’s history from the outside, it’s time to step inside to enjoy the community’s strong music connections. Mason City honors the legacy of native son Meredith Willson, who wrote the “The Music Man” Broadway musical, with The Music Man Square. Inside, you can explore the replica 1912 “River City” streetscape (which includes an old-time ice cream parlor and gift shop) and the Meredith Willson Museum, which features displays about the creation of the musical and his rise to fame. Then, head next door to tour the 1895 Queen Anne home and learn about Meredith Willson’s childhood in the early 1900s.
Eat: Northwestern Steakhouse
When it’s time to refuel, you won’t want to miss the famous flavors at Northwestern Steakhouse. It’s known as one of the most iconic steakhouses in Iowa and is especially famous for its Greek-style steaks. Each steak dinner features aged, USDA top choice beef cooked with butter and savory Greek seasonings. Locals also love the Greek pasta, rice and the side salad with homemade ranch. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to reserve a table ahead of time.
Stay: Historic Park Inn Hotel
After a day filled with adventure, you deserve a night of luxury. Book a room at the famous Historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and -built hotel in the world. Choose from 27 unique rooms and suites to enjoy historical fixtures, handcrafted woodwork and bright windows paired with modern amenities.
If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, find more fun onsite by grabbing a snack at Leadlight restaurant or enjoying a nightcap at the Draftsman Bar. Or, venture out to Fat Hill Brewing to sample locally crafted beers.
Day Two:
Eat: LD's Filling Station
Loved by locals, LD’s Filling Station is a popular gathering spot for breakfast. Owned by a local family, its retro flair takes visitors on a trip down memory lane with its collection of vintage car memorabilia and historic photos. The menu features all the classics like biscuits and gravy, eggs and toast, omelets and what some claim are the best hashbrowns around.
Do: Charles H. MacNider Art Museum
After a hearty meal, head to the MacNider Art Museum for a relaxing post-meal adventure. Hailed as one of the top collections of American art in the Midwest, the museum houses the famous marionettes used in “The Sound of Music” and an impressive range of ceramics. Plus, admission is free for a self-guided tour.
Do: Lime Creek Nature Center
Venture out of downtown and explore the rolling hills surrounding the Lime Creek Nature Center. It features hands-on exhibits about local wildlife, plants and habitats inside, and a bird-feeding station, nature playscape, butterfly garden and over 440 acres to explore outside.
Bring your hiking boots to conquer over seven miles of trails, which are made up of several loops of various distances. Along your hike, be sure to keep an eye out for unique stopping points like a fossil site, native grass seed production plots and historic brewery cave.
Eat: Birdsall’s Ice Cream
After hiking, grab a well-earned treat from Birdsall’s. Another Mason City staple, Birdsall’s has been serving ice cream, smiles and nostalgia since 1931. Locally owned, its menu is packed with more than 20 different flavors of homemade ice cream that’s crafted onsite, including seasonal flavors like Iowa sweet corn and peach in the summer and pumpkin in the fall. They also offer classic treats like sundaes, splits, malts and milkshakes plus poffertjes, Dutch mini pancakes.
