Perhaps most famous for their natural beauty, Iowa’s 99 counties offer a vast Midwestern scenery ofwildly underrated citiesand lush farmland scattered with rolling hills and flat plains formed by ancient glaciers. Conveniently situated about two hours’ drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to the north and Des Moines International Airport to the south, Cerro Gordo County in North-Central Iowa is home to a city that provides much more than outdoor activities in scenic settings. Although it may seem surprising, Cerro Gordo’s county seat, Mason City, offers a blend of arts, entertainment, and historical sites. Mason City is the biggest urban area in North Iowa and a location where guests can admire distinctive Prairie School architecture and discover the city’s deep musical heritage. If you’re seeking a vibrant place with an engaging cultural past, this Iowa treasure is definitely worth exploring, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Clear Lake.
Incorporated in 1870, Mason City’s history is closely tied to its rich deposits of clay and limestone. When the railroad arrived in 1866, the local brick, Portland cement, and tile industries thrived, leading several notable residents to commission design projects. There are numerous architectural landmarks to explore, and this is the only city in the world that still has a hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A standout downtown structure, the Historic Park Inn Hotel is worth visiting, much like other works by Wright.The Pennsylvania House was regarded as the “best architectural achievement in American history.”Music enthusiasts and those interested in architecture will appreciate a tour of the renovated 1895 Queen Anne-style childhood home of renowned American composer Meredith Willson, offering a view of life in the early 1900s.
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Mason City Holds a Wealth of Architectural Mastery
Both self-guided and guided tours are available for visitors interested in discovering Mason City’s significant historic structures and museums that highlight its impressive architectural legacy. In the early 1900s, Frank Lloyd Wright developed the unique American architectural style called the Prairie style, which he introduced to Mason City. By visiting Wright’s Stockman House and the City National Bank building, both recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, you can observe features like flat roofs and extended eaves characteristic of the Prairie style, which was influenced by the dramatic Midwestern scenery. At the Robert E. McCoy Architectural Interpretive Center, you can explore displays and view photographs that illustrate the city’s architectural history, as this is where the Stockman House tour starts. Explore the world’s largest collection of Prairie-style homes located around a natural area within the Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District, many of which were designed by Wright’s colleagues and local architects who embraced this style. Given all these remarkable designs, it’s understandable that Mason City was ranked among “The World’s 20 Best Cities for Architecture Lovers” by Condé Nast Traveler on two different occasions.
In addition to the horizontal lines that define Prairie style, this Iowa city showcases other architectural masterpieces with unique features. After exploring the “Bil Baird’s World of Puppets” exhibit at the Charles H. MacNider Museum, take a look at the building’s updated exterior. Originally a 1920s private residence, it includes English Tudor elements such as wooden beams and an appealing imitation thatch-style cedar shingle roof. Moreover, you don’t need to dig through its historical records to appreciate the architecture of the Mason City Public Library. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie supported the renovation of this two-story structure, which was designed in Neoclassical style and includes a protective portico and Doric columns inspired by ancient Greek design.
Mason City’s Music Events and Past
Renowned native son Meredith Willson plays a significant role in Mason City’s musical history, offering visitors a glimpse into the core of genuine American music. His 1957 Broadway smash hit, “The Music Man,” which was later turned into a Warner Bros. film, continues to attract audiences through its ongoing Broadway performances. Make your way downtown to Music Man Square and discover an attraction fully devoted to Willson’s life and contributions. Walk through a replica of the movie’s 1912 “River City” street scene and grab a cold dessert at the ice cream shop. Explore artifacts and displays at the Meredith Willson Museum, and then check out the Madison Park room to view its mural and hanging collection of 76 trombones, a tribute to one of the show’s songs and locations.
Although it is strongly connected to Mason City’s musical background, its link to Broadway is just one part of the area’s broader cultural arts environment. Throughout the year, you can enjoy live music from bands, choral ensembles, and other musical groups at numerous locations. If you’re in Mason City during the summer, you can experience a free weekly concert where the Mason City Municipal Band performs at the Principal Pavilion in Southbridge Mall. This tradition has been ongoing since 1920, when musicians from across the country participated in the band.
Daily flights operate to and from Chicago at the Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW), serving as the primary transportation center for northern Iowa. For international travelers, one of the simplest ways to reach Mason City is to fly into the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (check out the)airport’s advanced, 24/7 cinemawhile you’re there, rent a car to make the roughly two-hour trip to Mason City.
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