Located on the east side of Mason City, East Park spans 57.6 acres of developed parkland. Two rivers—the Winnebago River and Willow Creek—flow through the park and are great spots for fishing. The park is also home to a 2-mile hard surface trail system featuring two scenic pedestrian bridge crossings. The trail connects to every shelter house within the park, as well as the garden areas, bandshell, and gazebo. The park's entrances are located at East State Street, Virginia Avenue, and 4th Street NE. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including picnics, disc golf, tennis, volleyball, and basketball, and numerous 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 for a picnic or special event. The Margaret MacNider Campground and Mason City Aquatic Center are located north of the park, directly across the footbridge over the Winnebago River. Park amenities include 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, playground, restrooms, shelters, sledding hill, tennis, trails. East Park offers four shelter houses, a gazebo, a historic bandshell, and plenty of parking space. Reservations are taken from January to the end of September. Shelter #2 and Shelter #4 have restroom facilities. Restroom facilities are located within walking distance of Shelter #1 and Shelter #3. All shelter houses have electricity and drinking fountains.
