Mason City— Population 29,172
Many sightseeing pleasures await visitors to Mason City where exceptional architecture and renowned entertainers are celebrated.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Park Inn Hotel is in the heart of downtown Mason City. Next door is one of only two remaining bank buildings designed by Wright. A short walk away is the Stockman House, designed by Wright and situated among other fine examples of Prairie School architecture.
Birthplace of famed composer Meredith Willson, Mason City has created Music Man Square, an event center and museum complex which features a recreated turn-of-the-century Main Street. Willson's boyhood home is adjacent to the square and the famous footbridge is within a few blocks.
Nearby is the Charles MacNider Museum which houses collected works of another native son, Bil Baird, whose marionettes have for many years delighted children of all ages.
Mason City Downtown Association
202 First Street SE, suite 151
Mason City, Iowa 50401
Phone: 641.494.0003
Fax: 641.494.0004
E-mail: director@masoncitydowntown.org
www.mcdowntown.com
History
The core of Mason City's early economy was the meat-packing and brick and tile industries, both of which brought many immigrants to the area in the early 20 th century. The community has for decades been home to a wide range of ethnic groups as well as diverse religious backgrounds.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Nine downtown buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Park Inn Hotel Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1910, the hotel is an excellent example of Prairie School architecture. As the only extant Wright-designed hotel, it is internationally significant both architecturally and historically, and is currently under restoration.
- City National Bank Building Considered best of the two remaining Wright-designed banks, it was constructed in conjunction with the Park Inn Hotel.
- First National Bank Building This seven-story building, completed in 1910, currently houses offices and upper floor apartments. A daring robbery in 1934 by John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and their cohorts is part of this building's history.
- E. R. Gibson House Designed with a strong Prairie School influence, the house was built in 1915 and remains owner-occupied.
- Parker Opera House Once the social and cultural mecca of Mason City, this 1883 building now houses offices.
Annual Events
- Farmers Market Tuesdays and Thursdays, May through September.
- North Iowa Band Festival first weekend after Memorial Day. Music, entertainment and various events for the young and young at heart as well as a carnival, craft show and food booths.
- Moonlight Bike Ride last Saturday in July. After enjoying live music and children's games, riders depart starting point at 11:57 p.m. for a 10 or 20 mile moonlight bike ride around Mason City's pre-lighted trails.
- MacNider Museum Arts Festival third weekend in August. Three days of entertainment including musicians, actors, magicians, balloon artists and art activities for children. An Art Market is featured on Sunday.
- Home for the Holidays Thursday before Thanksgiving. Join new friends and old for horse-drawn sleigh rides, Christmas lights, retail specials, a live Nativity scene, window displays, Santa and more.
- It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas weekend after Thanksgiving. The Music Man Square hosts this event featuring food, libations, songs and entertainment showcased in a Victorian setting and dinner theatre format.
- Tuba Christmas second Saturday in December. Tuba, baritone and euphonium players from across the state perform Christmas carols.
Low-Interest Loan/Grant Program and Commercial Properties
For more information on loan and grant programs, TIF and available commercial properties, contact Mason City Downtown Association at 641.494.0003.
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