Discover fabulous parks, trails, and relaxing outdoor adventures in Mason City, Iowa. Your exploration begins here…
BIKING & HIKING TRAILS
Hitting the trails is a great way to exercise and to explore Mason City. There are over 20 miles of trails within the city that provide an assortment of scenic routes, ranging from limestone bluffs along the Winnebago River, to views of flowing prairie grasses and wildflowers.
The Trolley Trail can be accessed in Mason City at the Ray Rorick Skate Park, located adjacent to the 81-acre Lester Milligan Park. The trail will lead you to 19th St. Southwest, where the asphalt Trolley Trail formally begins. This 7.5-mile rural excursion will lead you to the western edge of Clear Lake. Delight in the wide-open spaces as you travel along this route!
The NIACC Trail is a 2.2-mile trail that links the North Iowa Area Community College with the eastern edge of Mason City. Take a spin on this mostly rural, off-road trail to enjoy the serene country landscape.
The Winnebago Trail is a 3.7-mile trail that winds from East Park through residential areas to the Lime Creek Nature Center as it meanders next to the Winnebago River. The majority of the route is flat and wooded, making this a fairly easily navigated trail for biking or hiking.
At the Lime Creek Nature Center, you’ll find an additional nine miles of trails, interactive educational displays, picnic areas, bird watching, fishing, and prime wildlife viewing areas to explore on this 450-acre conservation area. Take a walk on the wild side!
MASON CITY BIKE SHARE
No bike? No worries. The Mason City Bike Share Program provides 12 bikes at 3 locations throughout the community. Bikes are available in racks located at City Hall, Margaret MacNider Campground, and Prairie Playground.
To get started, all you need is a cell phone and a credit card. Instructions on the bikes and racks explain how to download the KoloniShare app, enter your information, and book the bike that you wish to rent. The bike is unlocked through the app. The cost is $1 per hour to rent a bike.
The Mason City bicycle map provides a comprehensive guide for visitors and locals alike. You’re sure to discover cool new places! So go ahead and bring your bike (or borrow one of ours) … Mason City awaits!
PARKS
Mason City parks and trails cover over 600 acres of land and include more than 20 miles of walking/biking trails that run throughout the city. Whether you enjoy taking a leisurely stroll along a path near the riverbank or prefer to take to the trails on two wheels, you’ll find nature at its finest in these parks!
At over 63 acres, Georgia Hanford Park is the largest park in Mason City. It offers playground equipment, 1.6 miles of walking/biking trails, ball fields, a basketball court, and restroom facilities. One of Mason City’s premier parks, it contains numerous tree species, prairie flowers and features a 39-acre walk-through style arboretum set in rolling farmland. A nature enthusiast’s dream!
East Park is a 59-acre park offering walking/biking trails, a 9 hole disc golf course, basketball courts, tennis courts, sledding hill, Prairie Playground, a historic bandshell, gazebo, stone footbridge, and fishing.
Built in 1912, the Cannonball 457 is the last remaining Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway steam locomotive. The engine 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. Visit this permanent display near the Prairie Playground. Throw a line in the river, relax on the riverbank, feed the geese, or bring a picnic lunch. You’ll want to spend some time basking in the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque park.
Lester Milligan Park is an 81-acre park that offers two fishing and swimming ponds, hiking/ biking trails, a playground, winter ice skating rink and restrooms. Ray Rorick Skate Park, located nearby, is a 110 x 50-foot cement slab that include 9-foot quarterpipes and a 5-foot flybox for skaters and BMX bikers.
FISHING
Recreational fishing is the nation’s second most popular outdoor activity! It’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Get ready to relax and cast your cares away at any of these great local fishing spots!
ART EVERYWHERE
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 begins downtown and loops through the cultural crescent which includes historical architecture, an art museum, public library, and The Music Man Square.
Six colorful Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired murals dot the exterior of downtown businesses, while seven additional murals adorn the exteriors of businesses throughout the city. Challenge yourself to see if you can locate them all!
GEOCACHING
Geocaching is an adventure that can be enjoyed all year. Several geocaches can be found in and near Mason City, however, one of our favorites is the Mr. Toot Adventure.
Mr. Toot is the mascot of the North Iowa Band Festival, and representative of Mason City as a whole. Now, Mr. Toot has been used to create a geocaching trail throughout Mason City. Each of the puzzles in this collection of caches includes a fun fact or story related to Mason City history, native son Meredith Willson, or “The Music Man” theme. Questions answered correctly reveal coordinates and clues that lead the participants along the Mr. Toot trail. Get outside and come play along! You might be surprised by what you learn on this adventure!
HOMETOWN EATS & DRINKS
When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll delight in the culinary skills at our hometown eateries & coffee shops! If an adult beverage is on your list, let us set you up!
Looking for comfort food? The Quarry & Tapas Bar, located on the downtown plaza, offers everything from gourmet cuisine to a cheeseburger club and everything in-between! Enjoy the ambiance of their fine dining room or unwind in the outdoor patio. Paired with one of their signature cocktails, your dining experience will be unforgettable!
Located at the south entrance to Southbridge Mall, The Sports Page is a family-friendly bar and restaurant that serves pizza, wings, burgers, sandwiches, and more. This hometown pub has a relaxed atmosphere where you can catch a game on TV, shoot a game of billiards or try your hand at the golf simulator.
Be sure to stop by Three on the Tree for your favorite cup of joe to start your morning or for an early afternoon pick-me-up treat. Located downtown, you’ll find the freshest handcrafted coffee drinks, loose leaf teas, breakfast, and made from scratch baked goods. Your taste buds will say ‘Thank you’!
Locally owned, Pasta Bella Italian Restaurant offers succulent Italian dishes filled with the finest, freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection! You’ll arrive as a stranger, you’ll leave feeling like family.
Looking for a little romantic ambiance? Brix Wine & Whiskey is nestled into the downtown district, near Southbridge Mall, and specializes in serving a little wine, a lot of whiskey, and a handful of craft beers. You won’t want to miss this stylish, yet cozy spot!
INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
The Mason City Arena is the largest entertainment venue in North Iowa. Feel the thrill of the fast-paced action of a North Iowa Bull’s Hockey game from September until March.
Are you looking for a family-friendly activity? Roller City offers skating Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm-9pm. Cerro Gordo Pizza Co., located inside Roller City, is the perfect place to pick up a slice or a pie to feed your hungry crew!
Country Axe is an ax-throwing venue, located in the Southbridge Mall. Grab a beer and test your skills when you throw an ax! Yeah, you can do that!
Grab your family and friends and put your skills to the test at Mason City’s only indoor mini-golf course, River City Mini Golf. Located in Southbridge Mall, this venue provides year-round family fun & entertainment with their themed 18 hole golf course.
