Built in 1912, this last remaining Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway steam locomotive – No. 457, the “Cannonball” – has been restored to reflect its appearance in the late 1920s. Surrounded by the Cannonball Gardens, the site also features a relaxing landscape of terraces and patios. The Educational Plaza tells Read more [...]
All Cultural & Historic
Charles H. MacNider Art Museum
The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum is a North Iowa cultural treasure; the museum includes a permanent collection of American art, the famous Bil Baird puppets, and an impressive range of ceramics. Genuinely an active center for the Arts, the museum offers changing exhibits, films, studio classes, special events, Imagination Read more [...]
Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery
The Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery is a scenic and serene setting for visitors looking to capture a glimpse of the past, celebrate life, and learn more about the community’s history. This park-like cemetery is home to 70 acres of beautiful grounds that now serve as the final resting place for thousands Read more [...]
Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House & Interpretive Center
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed in 1908, the Stockman House is the first Wright-designed Prairie School-style house in Iowa. Its open floor plan led to the floor plan of the modern American home. The restored home is furnished with Arts & Crafts and Wright designs of its period. Read more [...]
Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Murals
Don’t miss the colorful Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired murals that have transformed downtown buildings into breathtaking works of art. Various locations throughout the Downtown District.
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 Read more [...]
Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
Discover small towns, rural vistas, and architectural treasures on a two-lane road trip along the historic Jefferson Highway! Named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, the Jefferson Highway is one of America’s earliest automobile highways. The historic north-south U.S. border-to-border route runs over 2,300 miles from Winnipeg to New Orleans. Read more [...]
Kinney Pioneer Museum
Take a step back in time and experience life on the Iowa frontier through the vintage exhibits and living history at the Kinney Pioneer Museum. Explore the pioneer village featuring a one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, jail, and blacksmith shop and more. Hours: May-September, Tuesday-Saturday 1 PM-5 PM; Special event Sundays Read more [...]
Mason City Veterans Monument
Honoring more than 3,300 veterans with local connections, the Mason City Veterans Monument features 12 Black India Granite stones, each standing 8-feet high and weighing 4,000 pounds. Located in Central Park – in the heart of downtown Mason City – the memorial is a beautiful spot for veterans, their families, Read more [...]
Meredith Willson Boyhood Home
Tour the Meredith Willson Boyhood Home. This restored 1895 modified Queen Ann house was the birthplace and boyhood home of songwriter and composer of “The Music Man,” Meredith Willson. Located adjacent to The Music Man Square. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students through age 18, children 6 & under are free. Read more [...]
Prairie School Architectural Tour
Discover why Mason City, Iowa is ranked by Condé Nast Traveler among “The World’s 20 Best Cities for Architecture Lovers” as you explore the Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District. The largest collection of Prairie-style homes surrounding a natural setting features architectural treasures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Burley Griffin, Read more [...]
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 Read more [...]
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 Read more [...]
The Music Man Footbridge
Named in honor of Meredith Willson, Mason City native and internationally renowned composer of “The Music Man,” this footbridge spans across Willow Creek and is featured on the Prairie School Architectural Tour / Historical Walking Tour. The Music Man Footbridge is located at 2nd Street SE, connecting River Heights Drive Read more [...]
The Music Man Square
CLOSED FOR TOURING UNTIL APRIL 2024. 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 Read more [...]