Arthur J. Gerk Arboretum

Located within Georgia Hanford Park on the southeastern side of Mason City, the Arthur J. Gerk Arboretum has 39 acres and more than 400 trees and shrubs, including 70 different species of trees – most of which are identified with both common and scientific names. Entrances to the park are located at South Pennsylvania Avenue and South Massachusetts Avenue. Visitors can explore the Arboretum on 1.6 miles of winding, paved pathways. View a map of the pathways located in the Arboretum. A bird and butterfly sanctuary is located on the eastern end of the park surrounded by Crimson King and Amur Maples, Russian Olive, and several beautiful Arbor Vitae. The oldest trees within the Arboretum were planted in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These trees include: a grove of giant White Poplar near the west entrance; windrows of evergreens and conifers near the north entrance; more than a dozen Linden, including Redmond, American, and Greenspire, on the southeastern section; and showcased in the center of the Arboretum is a variety of trees native to Iowa and other unique specimen trees. Donations are welcome and may be sent to: Arthur J. Gerk Arboretum Fund % The Mason City Foundation 308 S. Pennsylvania Avenue Mason City, IA 50401