Quick Summary:

  • Bordered entirely by rivers to the east and the west and home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the country, the Hawkeye State of Iowa is charming, quaint, and beautiful and offers a plethora of fun things to do.
  • Two hours south of the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Mason City is home to a world-famous hotel, an array of interesting attractions, an award-winning steakhouse, and friendly, warm people.
  • Here are some of the best things to see and do in Mason City.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Stockman House Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Stockman House Museum | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Stockman House Museum

2. Historic Park Inn Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Accommodations
Historic Park Inn Hotel | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Historic Park Inn Hotel

3. Music Man Square

Category: Entertainment
Music Man Square | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Music Man Square

4. Charles H MacNider Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Charles H MacNider Art Museum | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Charles H MacNider Art Museum

5. Lime Creek Nature Center

Category: Activities
Lime Creek Nature Center | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Lime Creek Nature Center

6. Rock Crest - Rock Glen Historical District

Category: Attractions
Rock Crest - Rock Glen Historical District | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Rattanachat/stock.adobe.com

7. East Park

Category: Activities
East Park | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© Sved Oliver/stock.adobe.com

8. Northwestern Steakhouse

Category: Food & Drink
Northwestern Steakhouse | Things to Do in Mason City, Iowa
© rebecca/stock.adobe.com

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