Art, Music & History: Best Things to Do in Mason City

Historical Architecture Walking Tour

Recognized as one of the world’s best cities for architecture lovers, you don’t have to be an expert to appreciate Mason City’s collection of impressive buildings and homes. Explore the community on foot with the Prairie School Architectural Tour, a self-guided stroll through 14 blocks of homes designed by world-famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, William Drummond, Curtis Besinger and more. Combine it with the 13 blocks of the Historical Walking Tour for a closer look at the community’s iconic buildings such as the City National Bank, its original post office, the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum and more.
 

The walking tour guidebook is available to purchase for $5 at shops throughout Mason City, or download the Mason City Historical Architecture Tour map to lead your own way. Guided tours are also offered May-September with an advance reservation.
 

Be sure to also stop by the Architectural Interpretive Center for the chance to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Stockman House, learn the history behind Mason City’s unique buildings and shop for fun architectural-themed gifts.
 

The Music Man Square & Meredith Willson Boyhood Home

After admiring the area’s history from the outside, it’s time to step inside to enjoy the community’s strong music connections. Mason City honors the legacy of native son Meredith Willson, who wrote the “The Music Man” Broadway musical, with The Music Man Square. Inside, you can explore the replica 1912 “River City” streetscape (which includes an old-time ice cream parlor and gift shop) and the Meredith Willson Museum, which features displays about the creation of the musical and his rise to fame.
 

Then, head next door to tour the 1895 Queen Anne home and learn about Meredith Willson’s childhood in the early 1900s.
 

Lime Creek Nature Center

Venture outside of downtown and explore the surrounding rolling hills at the Lime Creek Nature Center. Located atop a limestone bluff above the Winnebago River, the nature center features hands-on exhibits about local wildlife, plants and habitats inside, and a bird-feeding station, nature playscape, butterfly garden and over 440 acres to explore outside.
 

Bring your hiking boots to conquer over seven miles of trails, which are made up of several loops of various distances. Along your hike, be sure to keep an eye out for unique stopping points like a fossil site, native grass seed production plots and historic brewery cave. If you’re visiting with young kids, be sure to ask about the nature center’s Explore Outdoors Packs, which contain books, games, activity guides and more centered around one of three themes.

Northwestern Steakhouse

When it’s time to refuel, you won’t want to miss the famous flavors at Northwestern Steakhouse. It’s known as one of the most iconic steakhouses in Iowa and is especially famous for its Greek-style steaks. Each steak dinner features aged, USDA top choice beef cooked with butter and savory Greek seasonings. Locals also love the Greek pasta, rice and the side salad with homemade ranch. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to reserve a table ahead of time.
 

Birdsall’s Ice Cream

Another Mason City staple, Birdsall’s has been serving ice cream, smiles and nostalgia since 1931. Locally owned, its menu is packed with more than 20 different flavors of homemade ice cream that’s crafted onsite, including seasonal flavors like Iowa sweet corn and peach in the summer and pumpkin in the fall. They also offer classic treats like sundaes, splits, malts and milkshakes plus poffertjes, Dutch mini pancakes.

Historic Park Inn Hotel

After a day filled with adventure, you deserve a night of luxury. Book a room at the famous Historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel in the world. Choose from 27 unique rooms and suites to enjoy historical fixtures, handcrafted woodwork and bright windows paired with modern amenities.
 

If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, find more fun onsite by grabbing dinner at Leadlight restaurant or enjoying a nightcap at the Draftsman Bar.