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Known as the only city on the planet that's home to a Frank Lloyd Wright hotel, Mason City boasts architectural wonders, historic charm and stunning cultural attractions. Check out this itinerary for your Mason City inspiration!
Day One: Casual Exploration
Eat: Three on the Tree Coffee & Café
Kickoff your visit to Mason City with a delicious breakfast downtown! In addition to Three on the Tree's hand-crafted drinks, this automotive-themed coffee shop also serves scratch-made scones, quiche and more.
Do: River City Sculptures on Parade
From the coffee shop, begin exploring downtown through an exciting exhibit of outdoor sculptures. The self-guided tour features a collection of permanent and rotating artworks from artists from all over the country.
Eat: Suzie Q Café
Staying downtown, stop for lunch at Suzie Q Cafe - one of the only Valentine Diners left in the nation. Originally opened in 1948, this cute and compact cafe boasts just 10 stools.
Do: Lime Creek Nature Center
Nestled atop the limestone bluffs of the Winnebago River, the Lime Creek Nature Center is the perfect setting for an afternoon adventure. A hands-on educational facility accompanies nearly nine miles of scenic trails.
Eat: Northwestern Steakhouse
Named Iowa’s “most iconic” and “most famous” restaurant, the Northwestern Steakhouse has been family-owned and operated for over a century. It specializes in Greek-Style broiled steaks that melt in your mouth.
Bonus stop: Complete your final meal of the day with dessert! No trip to Mason City is complete without stopping at Birdsall’s. Since 1931, this vintage ice cream parlor has been scooping up the same recipes in its original location.
Stay: Historic Park Inn Hotel
Head back into town and settle down for the night at the Historic Park Inn, the last standing hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Each of the 27 rooms maintain the historical nature of his design while integrating modern comfort and amenities.
Day Two: Artful Adventures
Eat: LD's Filling Station
Loved by locals, LD’s Filling Station is a popular gathering spot for breakfast. With a retro flair, take a trip down memory lane as you peruse its collection of vintage car memorabilia and historic photos.
Do: Prairie School Architectural Tour
Take a docent-led or self-guided walking tour of the world’s largest neighborhood of Prairie-style architecture.
Eat: Awe'z Sandwich Shop
After walking up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Awe’z Sandwich Shop. A hometown favorite, it’s been serving classic beef delights and delicious malts since the 1960s!
Do: MacNider Art Museum
Hailed as one of the top collections of American art in the Midwest, the museum houses the famous marionettes used in The Sound of Music. Admission is free for a self-guided tour.
Do: The Music Man Square
A tribute to Mason City native and The Music Man composer Meredith Willson, this museum features a life-sized replica of the movie set used in the Warner Bros. motion picture. Admission also includes a tour of the adjacent Meredith Willson Boyhood Home.
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Eat: The Blue Heron Bar & Grill
Before heading home, fill your soul with some homemade cooking at The Blue Heron. Well-known for its friendly staff, expect to experience the art of hospitality in your gracious goodbye.
