Find fun things to do in Mason City, from shopping to hiking

Book a comfortable hotel room at the Country Inn & Suites in Mason City to stay less than a mile from the North Iowa Events Center, home of the North Iowa Fair and plenty of other things to do throughout the year. You can experience local culture with a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Stockman House or with a lively performance at the Clear Lake Arts Center. Traveling with energetic kids? Little ones love the wooden train and maze at East Park’s Prairie Playground, and the whole family will get a kick out of a cruise on The Lady of the Lake. For a break from business meetings, you can watch a thrilling race at Mason City Motor Speedway or get some fresh air at Lime Creek Conservation Area.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Nightlife

Mason City Arena

0.32 mi / 0.51 km from the hotel
Attend a trade show, rock out to a concert, or cheer on the North Iowa Bulls during hockey season at this multipurpose arena.

Stockman House

3.62 mi / 5.83 km from the hotel
Mason City is a must-visit for architecture-lovers, and this little gem is one of the reasons. Designed in 1908 for a local doctor, the house reflects the genius of its architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Lady of the Lake

6.16 mi / 9.91 km from the hotel
Looking for an idea for a family outing? Reserve a 90-minute cruise on Clear Lake aboard The Lady of the Lake. You can also book a private event or participate in a pirate- or ghost-themed cruise.

The Music Man Square

3.28 mi / 5.27 km from the hotel
Relive all your favorite scenes from The Music Man, the beloved musical by Robert Meredith Willson. At this attraction, you can explore Willson’s boyhood home and a replica of the iconic 1912 streetscape featured in the Warner Bros. film.

Clear Lake Arts Center

5.96 mi / 9.59 km from the hotel
Take time to tour the art galleries or attend a live performance at the Clear Lake Arts Center. The center also hosts annual arts and crafts events, and you can purchase works by local artists in the shop.

Diamond Jo Casino

21.1 mi / 33.96 km from the hotel
You could strike it lucky at Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood. Enjoy table games such as craps, blackjack, and Texas Hold’em as well as over 800 slot machines.

Mason City Family Aquatic Center

4.02 mi / 6.47 km from the hotel
This family-focused attraction features multiple swimming pools, a waterslide, and other water features to keep you cool in the summer.

Mason City Motor Speedway

0.51 mi / 0.82 km from the hotel
If you have a passion for fast cars and loud engines, find a spot in the stands at this dirt racetrack for local stock-car racing.

North Iowa Events Center

0.31 mi / 0.5 km from the hotel
This destination hosts the annual North Iowa Fair during the summer, and you can catch horse shows, craft markets, auctions, and expos throughout the year.

East Park

2.82 mi / 4.54 km from the hotel
This 57-acre fun zone features a disc golf course, sports fields, a band shell, gardens, Winnebago River access, and a 2.08-mile walking trail. Kids will especially love the exciting Prairie Playground.

Charles H. MacNider Art Museum

3.42 mi / 5.5 km from the hotel
Featuring modern American art in media from paintings to glasswork, this family-friendly museum makes a worthy stop on your itinerary. If you’re interested in the unique, you’ll also enjoy the collection of marionettes and hand puppets.

Lime Creek Conservation Area

4.31 mi / 6.94 km from the hotel
Pack a picnic and head to this 450-acre preserve to enjoy cool woods, sunny prairie, rich wetlands, and views of the Winnebago river. You can learn about each habitat at the Nature Center before heading out to hike, ski, bike, or ride the trails.