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Known for its musical roots and architectural wonders, Mason City is home to a variety of unique Iowa gems. From awe-inspiring art and thrilling outdoor adventures to iconic flavors and vibrant events, there’s a surprise around every corner. Here are 15 can’t-miss attractions.
Tucked right in the heart of the downtown, Music Man Square is more than a tribute to Meredith Willson. Step inside and be amazed by the nostalgic 1912-inspired streetscape straight out of “The Music Man.” Stroll past old-timey storefronts of a barbershop, soda fountain, bakery, grocery store and more, plus exhibits sharing the stories of Meredith Willson’s life and career.
After this trip down memory lane, stop by Meredith Willson’s boyhood home next door. Not only is it a beautiful 1895 Queen Anne home, but its rooms include original furnishings, family photos and more stories about the famous musician.
Hidden on a quiet residential street, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Stockman House is one of the community’s best treasures. Designed and constructed in 1908, it’s known as the first Prairie School-style home built in Iowa. Reserve your spot on a tour at the Architectural Interpretive Center next door to see the home’s stunning open floor plan that inspired today’s popular design plus Arts & Crafts and Wright-designed furnishings.
For more architectural wonders, enjoy a serene stroll through the community’s Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District. Winding along a scenic creek, this prestigious neighborhood houses one of the largest collections of Prairie School homes in the country. Take your time admiring the designs by many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s contemporaries, which feature his famous bold horizontal lines, natural materials and ribbon windows.
Make your way to another beautiful Mason City home to see an impressive collection of American art. Located inside a 1920 English Tudor home, the MacNider Art Museum boasts the largest collection of Bil Baird puppets and marionettes, including those used in the iconic “Lonely Goatherd” scene from “The Sound of Music.” The permanent and rotating exhibits also include stunning paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics, glass works and sculptures from many well-known artists.
River City Sculptures on Parade has transformed Mason City’s downtown into a pleasant open-air gallery. Set off on the 1.9-mile self-guided walking tour, which winds around the MacNider Art Museum, Mason City’s public library, Southbridge Center and City Hall and features 80 permanent and rotating sculptures. Each year, visitors can vote for their favorite sculpture between June and September, and the winning piece will be purchased by the city as a permanent part of the collection.
BONUS: Find more stunning artwork but in a rural setting at Art Farm Iowa.
Spend the night at (or pay a short visit to) the Historic Park Inn Hotel, a true architectural treasure. Known as the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world, this 1910 Prairie School masterpiece invites visitors to experience the architect’s ingenuity through its 27 uniquely designed rooms. The Queen Park View room boasts scenic views of Central Park complimented by a wine refrigerator and elegant seating area; the King Room combines historic charm with amenities like heated floors and stately club chairs; the Historical Suite recreates the original 1910 design complete with a clawfoot tub and vintage furnishings.
Enjoy an immersive journey through Northern Iowa’s storied past at the Kinney Pioneer Museum. This hidden gem features a pioneer village complete with a one-room schoolhouse, an 1863 log cabin, blacksmith shop, jailhouse and a retired Milwaukee Railroad caboose. Step inside each building to see exhibits that showcase related stories. The main museum building contains the area’s largest doll collection, quilts dating back to the 1800s, Civil War artifacts and more.
For a thrilling outdoor adventure, hop on your bike and race along the Prairie Rock Trails. These new mountain biking trails feature several routes that cater to different skill levels. The Rapids are beginner-friendly with optional features like log/bridge skinnies, and Little Riverhawk is a wide trail with dual inner pump tracks. For more advanced riders, check out Evans Preserve, an adult playground complete with progressive jump/tech lines, table tops, steep drops and rock gardens, or Riverhawk, a linear multi-directional trail that flows through the trees and allows riders to hit high speeds.
Part of Mason City’s 600 acres of parkland, Margaret MacNider Campground and East Park are nestled along the scenic Winnebago River. Take advantage of the campground’s 95 campsites and tent-only spots as well as the footbridge that connects to East Park’s disc golf course, open green space, pickleball courts, playground and trails plus bicycle rentals.
Reconnect with nature at the Lime Creek Nature Center, which spans 440 acres atop limestone bluffs that overlook the Winnebago River. Explore the nine miles of trails that meander through diverse habitats, including upland timber, restored prairie, floodplain forest and open fields. Don’t forget your binoculars – the trails offer an amazing opportunity to spot wildlife. Head inside the nature center to discover interactive exhibits that feature live and mounted animals, aquariums and a natural resource library.
For just over a century, Northwestern Steakhouse has been a culinary landmark for curious visitors and true foodies alike. Established by Greek immigrants in 1920, its menu blends Midwestern comfort foods with Greek flavors. The unassuming brick eatery is especially renowned for its Greek-style steaks, which have garnered acclaim from food critics, alongside other popular menu items like lamb chops, broiled shrimp, Greek-style spaghetti and more timeless recipes.
Another cherished Mason City tradition, Birdsall’s Ice Cream has delighted generation after generation with its homemade ice cream and nostalgic space. Sample one of the 20 ice cream flavors, which includes specialties like Chippermint and lemon custard plus seasonal favorites like peach, and pair it with a homemade waffle cone. Or try other traditional treats like sundaes, splits, malts and milkshakes.
Hosted in honor of Meredith Willson’s musical brilliance, the North Iowa Band Festival has been a cherished community tradition for over 85 years. Held every May, it is recognized as the largest free marching band competition in the Midwest and features talented musicians, vibrant parades and family-friendly activities, plus a strong sense of community and heritage.
When the weather heats up for summer, mark your calendar for the Friday Night Live Summer Series. This event takes over the downtown’s Principal Pavilion (near the Southbridge Mall) every Friday night June through August, where the area’s best bands entertain the crowd from 6-8 p.m.
Located on a 500-acre countryside campus just east of Mason City, North Iowa Community College’s Performing Arts Series brings a diverse array of national touring shows and performances to the community. The college’s auditorium seats 1,200 people, ensuring every viewer has the best spot in the house to get the full effect of the series’ award-winning musicals and other family-friendly performances.
