Driving Through the Heartland Mason City’s Must-See Sites Along the Jefferson Highway Go for a drive on Iowa’s picturesque northern portion of the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway. This stretch of road takes visitors on a camera worthy journey past the man-made wonders of the Midwest in Mason City. How did a town in northern Iowa become a Midwestern architectural mecca? Mason City is home to the largest collection of Prairie School-style homes in a single neighborhood, making it the perfect place to pull off the highway and take a look around.   The Origins of River City Mason City’s pla ..read more

Navigating Identity: Prairie Rock Trails Logo Unveiled Wheels of progress are turning in Mason City, Iowa. We’ve embarked on an ambitious journey to construct a world-class bike park, adding another jewel to the crown of our region’s outdoor offerings. But every endeavor needs an emblem, and thus, the Prairie Rock Trails logo emerges as a symbol of our community’s commitment to adventure. Drawing inspiration from the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly his captivating stained glass artworks, the logo pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Mason City. Wright’s designs ..read more

Spring Break Family Day Join us for a day of family fun and exploration in Mason City! On March 13th, from 1 PM to 4 PM, we’re offering free access to four of our city’s top attractions. Pick up a passport at any of the four featured locations or download a printable passport here. Collect stamps at each attraction to enter our prize drawing. Families who visit every stop and get stamped will be eligible to win exciting prizes! Featured Attractions The Music Man Square: Immerse yourself in the world of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man.” MacNider Art Museum: Explore diverse artworks for all a ..read more

29 Things to do in North Iowa on Leap Day 2024 is a leap year! To celebrate, here are 29 ways to spend your Leap Day in North Iowa. There are plenty of places to shop, eat, explore, and even a couple of special events! Shop Mason City is home to many local businesses that offer a wide variety of goods to shop: (1) Simply Nourished (pictured) is a popular place to get produce and housewares. Right next door, you can explore (2) Three Bells Books, a new bookstore that has a large variety of books, so there’s sure to be something for everyone! (3) Affordables is a great place to go thrifting. Sel ..read more

From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to hayrides and haunted hikes, there’s plenty of fall fun to be found in North Iowa… FALL FOLIAGE Surround yourself with the beauty of the season and discover dazzling displays of vibrant fall foliage along miles of trails at the Lime Creek Nature Center or Shell Rock River Greenbelt Trail. Discover dazzling displays of vibrant fall foliage and architectural masterpieces as you explore the Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District. According to the Iowa Fall Colors Report, the peak for fall colors in North Iowa is the last week of September through the seco ..read more

Mason City Experiences Mobile passports Visit Mason City offers three free digital experiences to help visitors and locals navigate the area. There is never anything to download and no bulky apps to take up space on your phone. Discovery Pass Save on the best of Mason City with this exclusive savings passport that functions similarly to a coupon book. North Iowa Brew Pass Enjoy some of the best hand-crafted beer in the state while exploring the unique taprooms of several North Iowa breweries. Culture Pass Embark on an unforgettable journey of breathtaking murals, enchanting sculptures, world-c ..read more

Welcome Sutton Foster: Treasure Hunt Giveaway The Music Man on Broadway star Sutton Foster is coming to Mason City! Before she arrives, get into River City spirit with the Sutton Foster Treasure Hunt Giveaway! Follow along with Visit Mason City on Facebook August 28 – September 8. Clues will be posted daily. Participants who follow the clues to the daily location(s) will be eligible to enter a prize drawing via QR code at each location. Find the location, scan the code, and enter to win prizes. The first participant to discover the location and claim the treasure voucher will win the daily pri ..read more

TOUR THE ELMWOOD-ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY Take a trip through Mason City’s rich history as you learn more about the historical figures who led Mason City to where it is today. The Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery is a scenic and serene setting for visitors looking to learn about the community’s past. With an impressive collection of elaborate grave markers and monuments and very distinct, free-standing walk-in mausoleums, the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery is a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. This park-like cemetery is home to 70 acres of beautiful grounds that now serve as t ..read more

The NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series lineup has been announced for the 2023-24 season! This year’s series, Our Star is Shining, offers Tony award-winning shows, Grammy Award-winning artists, comedy, and internationally acclaimed speakers. Tickets may be purchased online or by stopping by the NIACC Box Office. Contact the NIACC Box Office at 641-422-4188 to learn more about group rates! 2023-24 PERFORMING ARTS LINE-UP: Sutton Foster Date: Thursday, September 14th Time: 7 pm Straight from her Broadway run as Marian Paroo in The Music Man opposite Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foste ..read more

Proclamation               WHEREAS, groundbreaking for the new High Line Trail is another step in solidifying Mason City’s reputation as “the new outdoor recreation capital of the Midwest”; and               WHEREAS, this builds a third pillar to Mason City’s standing as a worldwide destination for architecture lovers and its national stature among music fans; and               WHEREAS, Mason City’s downtown renaissances is now serving as a model for other communities and drawing visitors f ..read more