Local Attractions
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Mason City offers award-winning attractions, one-of-a-kind shops, eateries, and fabulous shopping – all blended with rich history and stunning architecture. Whether you’re visiting for a day during RAGBRAI or already planning a longer trip the area, we extend you a warm welcome! We encourage you to explore the pages of this guide below to help plan your trip.
Below is just a sample of attractions. For more details and a full list of everything our community has to offer, we encourage you check out the Visit Mason City website.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Historic Park Inn Hotel & City National Bank
15 W State Street
Tour the only remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Originally opened in 1910 as the City National Bank and Park Inn, the building now functions as a 27-room boutique hotel following its extensive restoration/rehabilitation which was completed in 2011. Wright on the Park headquarters and gift shop are also on-site.
Rancho Deluxe: The Original Bicycle Garden
500 2nd Street NE
Get your Instagram ready! Recycled, re-purposed and rogue, this garden is a half acre of land filled with art that is a constant work in progress. Elements from throughout North Iowa’s history including bicycle racks, hub caps, license plates, school gates, signs and even a 3,000 lb. piece of granite from the former County Courthouse have been utilized in creating this strangely unique, and ever-evolving hub for folk/art outsider art at its best.
Meredith Willson Boyhood Home
308 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
Tour the Meredith Willson Boyhood Home. This restored 1895 modified Queen Ann house was the birthplace and boyhood home of songwriter and composer of “The Music Man,” Meredith Willson. Located adjacent to The Music Man Square.
Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House & Architectural Interpretive Center
530 1st St. NE
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed in 1908, the Stockman House is the first Wright-designed Prairie School-style house in Iowa. Its open floor plan led to the floor plan of the modern American home. The restored home is furnished with Arts & Crafts and Wright designs of its period. Tours begin at the adjacent Architectural Interpretive Center which offers visitors a unique look at Mason City’s Prairie School Homes in the Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District, as well as a Gift Shop of Wright-inspired items.
LEARN MORE about these sites and others on the VMC website: www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com
Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Murals
Various locations
Don’t miss the colorful Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired murals that have transformed downtown buildings into breathtaking works of art.
River City Sculptures on Parade
Various locations in downtown Mason City
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 starts in downtown and loops through the cultural crescent which includes historical architecture, art museum, public library, and The Music Man Square.