Mason City Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Iowa region, Mason City is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "River City," Mason City is located along the banks of the scenic Winnebago River, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to explore.

One of the must-visit attractions in Mason City is the Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House. This iconic architectural masterpiece was designed by the renowned architect himself and is one of the few Wright-designed Prairie School houses open to the public. Immerse yourself in the genius of Wright's design as you explore the beautifully preserved interiors and learn about his vision for organic architecture.

For art enthusiasts, the Mason City Sculpture Walk is an absolute delight. This outdoor gallery features an impressive collection of sculptures created by talented artists from around the country. Take a leisurely stroll through the downtown area and be captivated by the diverse range of artworks that adorn the streets and public spaces.

History buffs will find solace in the Historic Park Inn, the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world. Step back in time as you enter this architectural gem and marvel at the intricate details that showcase Wright's genius. The hotel also offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into its rich history.

Nature lovers will find solace in the Lime Creek Nature Center. Situated just minutes away from downtown Mason City, this nature center boasts miles of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Explore the diverse ecosystems, spot native wildlife, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

No visit to Mason City is complete without experiencing the vibrant arts and culture scene. The North Iowa Performing Arts series showcases a wide array of performances, ranging from theater and dance to music and comedy. Catch a show at the historic Mason City Community Theatre or attend a live concert at the North Iowa Events Center.

Alternative names: Population: 27.4 thous.Area: 28.09 mi²Elevation: 1119 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°8'59"N, 93°12'3"W

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IowaUnited States

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Mason City Top Attractions

Mason City Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mason City offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dr. G.C. Stockman House, MacNider Art Museum, The Music Man Square, East Park Band Shell. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum • Art museum
Dr. G.C. Stockman House
The Dr. G.C. Stockman House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1908 for Dr. George C. and Eleanor Stockman in Mason City, Iowa. The home was originally located at 311 1st St. SE, but was moved to 530 1st St. NE to avoid demolition.
Museum • Art gallery • Art museum
MacNider Art Museum
MacNider Art Museum, officially the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, is an art museum conceived in 1964 and opened to the public in 1966 in Mason City, Iowa. It is housed in a former convent.
43°8'57"N • 93°11'56"W
The Music Man Square
Specialty museum • Museum • Theater

Music and shows • Nightlife • Music venue
East Park Band Shell
The East Park Band Shell is a historic structure located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. The band shell was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. In 2014 it was included as a contributing property in the East Park Historic District.
43°8'59"N • 93°11'55"W
Keerl–Decker House
The Keerl–Decker House is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. It was designed by local architect E.R. Bogardus, and completed in 1902. The two-story frame structure features a full height front porch with Ionic columns. There is also a similar single-story side porch.
Bridge
State Street Bridge
The State Street Bridge is a historic structure located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. The span carries East State Street over Willow Creek for 62 feet. In the mid- to late-19th century, State Street was the only road into town from the east.
43°9'5"N • 93°12'9"W
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse
The Cerro Gordo County Courthouse is located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. The courthouse is the fourth structure to house court functions and county administration.
Library
Mason City Public Library
The Mason City Public Library is located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. The building that was funded by Andrew Carnegie, and is now an office building, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Chicago school architecture
First National Bank of Mason City
The First National Bank of Mason City, also known as Norwest Bank Building and City Center of Mason City, is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. It was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen, and it was the only Mason City commission for this firm.
Concerts and shows • Opera • Theater
Parker's Opera House
Parker's Opera House, also known as Opera House Store, Woolworth's and Parker Place, is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. It was designed by the prominent Des Moines architect William Foster. Cousins H. G. and A. T. Parker built this structure as an opera house, which was the first one in the community.
Church
First Church of Christ
The former First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 23 3rd Street, N.W. in Mason City, Iowa, is an historic structure that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, and as a contributing property in the Mason City Downtown Historic District in 2005.
Church
St. John Baptist Church
St. John Baptist Church is an African American Baptist congregation that started in 1919 and is the name of its historic church building at 715 6th Street SW in Mason City, Iowa that was built in 1937.
43°9'29"N • 93°12'11"W
Charles Seney House
The Charles Seney House, also known as the Van Heel Residence, is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. This house is attributed to local architect Einar Broaten and built by Sivert Rivedal, a native of Norway.
Bridge
Stewart Avenue Bridge
The Stewart Avenue Bridge is a historic structure located in Mason City, in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Iowa. The span carries North Carolina Avenue over the Winnebago River for 116 feet.
43°9'14"N • 93°12'4"W
Len Jus Building
The Len Jus Building on Federal Avenue in Mason City, Iowa was constructed in 1882. It has a rare sheet-metal facade, manufactured by the Mesker Brothers.
Shingle style architecture
Duncan Rule House
The Duncan Rule House is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. Rule was an attorney who hired E.R. Bogardus, a local builder to design and construct this house. The 2½-story frame structure features a large gable on the north and south elevations of the house.
43°9'14"N • 93°12'28"W
Hotel Lester-Lester Cafe
Hotel Lester-Lester Cafe, also known as the Dodge House-Long Branch, is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. Its construction, completed in 1915, was a project undertaken by local real estate developer Meir Wolf.
43°9'8"N • 93°11'44"W
William C. and Margaret Egloff House
The William C. and Margaret Egloff House is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. The house is a rare example of the International style in the Midwest.
43°9'10"N • 93°12'28"W
Jewell Apartments
The Jewell Apartments is a historic building located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. Completed in 1917 by local contractor Fred Lippert, this apartment building is two C-shaped buildings joined together. Lippert may have also designed the building.

Day trips

Mason City – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mason City, it's worth seeing attractions such as: SPAM Museum (Austin), Surf Ballroom (Clear Lake), East Side Lake (Austin).

38 milesN
Specialty museum, Museum, History museum
SPAM Museum, Austin
The Spam Museum is an admission-free museum in Austin, Minnesota, dedicated to Spam, a brand of canned precooked meat products made by Hormel Foods Corporation. The museum tells the history of the Hormel company, the origin of Spam, and its place in world culture.
9.5 miW
Music and shows, Bars and clubs, Concert hall
Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake
The Surf Ballroom is a Historic Rock and Roll Landmark at 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, Iowa, United States. The Surf is closely associated with the event known colloquially as "The Day the Music Died" – early rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.
38 milesN
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
East Side Lake, Austin
East Side Lake is a 40 acres reservoir in Austin, Minnesota in western Mower County, which is in the southeast part of the state. It is one of two man-made lakes in Mower County, which is one of only four counties in Minnesota without a natural lake. The majority of the lake is only 5–6 feet deep.
38 milesN
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
St. Augustine's Church, Austin
St. Augustine's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Austin, Minnesota, United States, located in the Diocese of Winona. Completed in 1896, both the interior and exterior have been well-preserved, showcasing a distinct Gothic Revival architecture style. The large sanctuary can accommodate more than 600 people.
44 milesS
Bridge
Washington Avenue Bridge, Iowa Falls
The Washington Avenue Bridge in Iowa Falls, Iowa is an attractive concrete two-span open spandrel arched bridge that brings Washington Avenue over the Iowa River. Originally it carried US 20. It was built in 1934 by the Weldon Brothers for $51,710.55.

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Best Time To Visit Mason City

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mason City weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mason City?

The top attractions to visit in Mason City are:

What is the best time to visit Mason City?

June and September are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.