Tag: Family-friendly

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 Read more [...]

Enjoy the largest outdoor play area in Mason City, including a maze of wooden playground equipment and shelter areas. Located at the East State Street entrance of East Park, next to the Cannonball 457 / Cannonball Gardens and ZipKrooz play system. Prairie Playground Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm Admission: Free

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 Read more [...]

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 [...]

Located in the heart of downtown Mason City, this 2.6-acre park was commonly referenced as “Public Square”. Surrounded by shopping, dining, and historic architecture the park is home to several monuments including the magnificent 1884 Civil War statue, the Statue of Liberty, and Mason City Veteran’s Monument. Several sculptures from Read more [...]

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 [...]

Cinema West Movie theater features 10 auditoriums, all with stadium seating and digital sound. Two auditoriums feature LDX (Luxury Digital Xperience) screens. The LDX screen features all of the following state-of-the-art features: Luxury power reclining loungers throughout the auditorium Reserved seating throughout the auditorium Dolby Digital 7.1 Sound New screens Read more [...]

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 and are great spots for fishing. The park is also home to a 2-mile hard surface trail system featuring two scenic Read more [...]

Located on the southeast side of Mason City, Georgia Hanford Park contains 59.73 acres of parkland. Entrances are located at South Pennsylvania Avenue and South Georgia Avenue. Mason Creek traverses the park, creating two man-made ponds. The park features 1.26 miles of walking trail, volleyball, basketball, a baseball diamond, playground, Read more [...]

Located on South Pierce Avenue on the southwest side of Mason City, Lester Milligan Park was used for 90 years by the Brick and Tile Co. as a quarry area for the production of brick and clay tile products. The land was deeded over to the city in 1977 and Read more [...]

Located on 38 acres along a meander of Beaver Dam Creek, this 66-site campground features modern amenities including electricity, dump station, showers, and restrooms. No advanced reservations. Nearby public golf course, swimming pool, and tennis court. Located 13 miles south of Mason City, just southeast of the intersection of US Read more [...]

Located along the north bank of Willow Creek, MacNider Woods is a 28-acre wooded park. The lime-chipped multipurpose trail runs beside Willow Creek, connects to Parker’s Woods and continues to the Downtown District.

Located along the Winnebago River, within steps of the Mason City Aquatic Center. A pedestrian footbridge connects the 95-site campground to beautiful East Park. The campground is open from mid-April to mid-October depending on weather conditions. Campers can choose from 20 full hookup trailer camping pads with water, sewer, and Read more [...]

Hours: Memorial Day-Mid August; Public Swim: Monday-Friday Noon-6 PM, Saturday-Sunday Noon-5 PM; Family & Lap Swim: Daily 11 AM-Noon. Admission: Infant to 3 years old: $2; 4 years old and older: $6; Non-Swimmers: $3. Lap/Fitness Swim Rates: $2. Everyone entering/using the Aquatic Center must pay non-swimmer price or daily coupon, Read more [...]

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, North Iowa’s Miniature Golf Course offers 18 holes of fun and challenging play. The greens feature various obstacles to test and improve your putting skills. The well-designed fairways are bisected by a meandering creek and surrounded by colorful landscaping. Par on 18 Read more [...]

Located near Willow Creek, Parker’s Woods provides a great spot for fishing and wading. A lime-chipped multipurpose trail runs beside Willow Creek, connects to MacNider Woods, and also provides access to the Downtown District. Additional amenities within the 13-acre park include baby swing, basketball, benches, charcoal grills, fishing, fitness equipment, Read more [...]

Bring your imagination and paint your own pottery in Downtown Mason City. Pottery on the Plaza provides a large variety of pottery items to choose from including platters, vases, figurines and more! Choose your colors and let your imagination run free. Once your masterpiece is complete it will be glazed, Read more [...]

River City Mini Golf provides family-friendly, face-to-face fun! Come enjoy 18 holes of indoor mini-golf, themed from trucks to pets to farms! Hours: Thursday & Friday 4 PM-8 PM; Saturday 10 AM-7 PM; Sunday Noon-5 PM. Open year-round including additional days in the summer and during multipurpose arena events. Admission: $7 Read more [...]

Providing safe, family-friendly skating experiences since 1978. Firebrick pizza, arcade, and, of course, roller skating fun! Renting options are available for private birthday parties, school events, corporate events, and fundraisers. Check Roller City’s Facebook page for special events, themed roller skating nights, discounts and more! Price includes skate rental. Buy Read more [...]

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 Read more [...]

Mason City’s largest indoor mall offers a variety of apparel and retail stores, specialty shops, gift stores, jewelry, tasty dining, ax-throwing, mini golf, and more!

A beautiful 80-acre park offers trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Located in Rock Falls, along the Shellrock River. The covered bridge and rare native prairie remnants provide the opportunity for peaceful reflection as well as beautiful photo ops. Enjoy a picnic or a relaxing river float. Canoe/kayak launch Read more [...]