Things To Do
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Historic Park Inn Hotel & City National Bank
Tour the only remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Originally opened in 1910 as the City National Bank and Park Inn, the building now functions as a 27-room boutique hotel following its extensive restoration/rehabilitation which was completed in 2011. Stop by the Wright on the Park headquarters for exhibits and unique gifts, located on the downtown plaza at 17 S. Federal Avenue. Tours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday 11:30 AM & 1 PM; Saturday 11:30 AM. All other times by appointment. Admission: $10 per person
The Music Man Square
The Music Man Square features an indoor 1912 streetscape with an ice cream parlor and gift shop, all in set designs recreated from the Warner Bros. motion picture The Music Man. There’s also an interactive museum highlighting Meredith Willson memorabilia and music-related exhibits and exploratorium. Plus, visit the restored 1895 modified Queen Anne house that was Meredith Willson’s birthplace and boyhood home. NOTE: The last house tour begins at 3:30 PM. Visitors are encouraged to arrive no later than 4 PM for Museum and Streetscape tour. Ice Cream Parlor is open until 5 PM. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students through age 18, children 6 & under are free. Admission includes The Music Man Square.
Rancho Deluxe: The Original Bicycle Garden
Recycled, re-purposed and rogue, this garden is a half acre of land filled with art that is a constant work in progress. Elements from throughout North Iowa’s history including bicycle racks, hub caps, license plates, school gates, signs and even a 3,000 lb. piece of granite from the former County Courthouse have been utilized in creating this strangely unique, and ever-evolving hub for folk/art outsider art at its best. The Rancho Deluxe calls for a slow walk-through in order to take in every detail. If you have an appreciation for odd, quirky and outside the box art then stop by for an unique experience like none other. Garden Hours: Year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission: Free: for a self-guided tour.
River City Sculptures on Parade
River City Sculptures on Parade is an exciting exhibit of outdoor sculptures displayed year-round. Delight in the sights and sounds of downtown Mason City while experiencing the unique sculpture works of artists from all over the country. The self-guided tour starts downtown and loops through the cultural crescent which includes historical architecture, art museum, public library, and The Music Man Square.
Country Axe
Recreational ax throwing, family-owned and operated. Country Axe is an ax-throwing venue located in Southbridge Mall, downtown Mason City. Walk-ins are welcome. Advance reservations recommended.
Lime Creek Nature Center
A 440-acre public conservation facility, the Lime Creek Nature Center and Conservation Area is nestled atop the limestone bluffs of the Winnebago River. The Lime Creek Nature Center is a premier conservation education facility in Iowa, and a “must-see” destination for travelers and nature enthusiasts. The center features a variety of displays about the wildlife and natural resources of North Iowa. An outdoor amphitheater, hands-on nature displays, and nearly nine miles of trails through prairie, forest, and wetland habitat provide remarkable experiences. Hours: The Nature Center is open Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4 PM; Saturday & Sunday 1 PM – 4 PM. Closed Holidays. Lime Creek Conservation Area and trails are open daily, 6 AM-10:30 PM. Admission: Free.
Shellrock River Greenbelt Trail & Preserve
Explore 590 acres of woods, meadows, and ponds along the limestone bluffs of the Shellrock River. The 7.5-mile trail from Nora Springs to Rock Falls provides for a scenic drive, walk, canoe float, or bicycle or horseback ride. Trailheads are located at 295th Street south of Wilkinson Pioneer Park and Highway 122 west of Nora Springs. Enjoy a picnic or set-up camp in the preserve section of the greenbelt located on Yucca Avenue between 290th & 280th Streets. Two small shelters, fire rings, pit toilets, and hitching posts are provided at this site.
East Park
Located on the east side of Mason City, East Park spans 57.6 acres of developed parkland. Two rivers – Winnebago River and Willow Creek – flow through the park. The park is also home to a 2-mile hard surface trail system featuring two scenic pedestrian bridge crossings. Entrances to the park are located at East State Street, Virginia Avenue, and 4th Street NE. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities including picnics, baby swing, bandshell, basketball, benches, bike rental, charcoal grills, disc golf, fireplace (only located in shelter #1), fishing, fitness equipment, open space, parking lot, Pickleball courts, restrooms, shelters, sledding hill, tennis, trails, playgrounds including Prairie Playground and the NEW ZipKrooz play system. The Cannonball 457 steam locomotive is on display on the south side of the park, near the entrance located at East State Street. Cannonball Gardens and the flower gardens surrounding the gazebo provide a serene and colorful backdrop.
Lady of the Lake
Built in 1960 by Dubuque Boat & Boiler Works, the Lady of the Lake is one of the last remaining paddle boat ferries still in operation today. Come aboard and enjoy a relaxing lake excursion on beautiful Clear Lake! Catering is available. Admission: $16 for adults, $7 for children 12 and under, and kids two and under ride for free. Those looking for a private charter can reserve Lady of the Lake by emailing cruiseclearlake@gmail.com or calling 641- 357-2243.
Surf Ballroom & Museum
This beautifully restored, National Historic Landmark is the final concert site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and one of the last remaining ballrooms in the Midwest. Less than a block to the west of the Surf Ballroom is Three Stars Plaza which features a sculpture honoring the rock and roll icons. Directions to Crash Site: From US Hwy 18, go north on N. 8th St. in Clear Lake for 4.7 miles. When the paved road (which turns into Grouse Ave) turns to your left (west), take the gravel road (310th St) to your right (east), then immediately left (north) on Gull Ave. Follow Gull Ave to the north for 1/2mile, just past the grain bins to the 1st fence row on your left (west). Walk along the fence row towards the west for just under 1/2 mile. A small memorial is located at the place the plane came to rest. 4 trees were also planted along the fence row in 1999, one for each performer and the pilot.
Fossil & Prairie Center
Dig for Devonian fossils, walk along a native prairie and view historic beehive kilns.