Mason City, Iowa

Mason City is located in north central Iowa, 121 miles (195 kilometers) north of Des Moines and 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of the Twin Cities. It is the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, and home to 29,172 residents.

Mason City contains a number of historic treasures, many of which can be seen on a walking tour of the city. Highlights include the Stockman House along with a hotel and bank designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Other heritage attractions include the Kennedy Pioneer Museum, a large number of homes in the Prairie School design, and a 1940s steam locomotive called the Cannonball 457. One of the city's former residents was composer Meredith Willson, who wrote the musical The Music Man. Visitors can tour Willson's boyhood home, cross the Meredith Willson/Music Man Footbridge, and spend the afternoon at the Music Man Square, which features a 1912 streetscape based on set designs from the movie, along with a number of exhibits and activities.

Modern attractions in Mason City include Diamond Jo Casino, tours of Winnebago Industries, and cruises on beautiful Clear Lake. For a day of family fun, head to the Fort Custer Maze, a replica of an 1850 fort that offers two miles (three kilometers) of zigzagging paths and almost two acres (one hectare) of grounds to explore. Kids will also love the North Iowa Fair, which offers a full week of rides, competitions, and great entertainment each July.

On the arts scene, Mason City offers the Clear Lake Arts Center and the MacNider Art Museum. The museum houses an excellent American art collection, along with puppets owned by Bil Baird, the puppeteer responsible for the marionette performance in the The Sound of Music movie. Live entertainment is provided by the Mason City Community Theatre and the Stebens Children's Theatre, along with touring acts during the North Iowa Performing Arts Series.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing on Clear Lake, or picnicking and hiking in McIntosh Woods State Park. The Central Gardens of North Iowa offers 22 beautiful theme gardens for visitors to explore, while the Lime Creek Nature Center features informative displays about local wildlife and nine miles (14 kilometers) of hiking trails.

Offering diverse attractions for all ages and interests, Mason City is a wonderful place to call home!

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