Top Things to Do in Clear Lake and Mason City
Just 10 miles apart, these neighbors have distinct personalities (120 miles north of Des Moines).
Due to possible coronavirus-related travel restrictions, please check destinations' websites for the current status of attractions, events, restaurants and lodgings.
Rock and roll history and lake fun anchor Clear Lake; Mason City is great for architecture buffs.
What to do
Stockman House and Robert E. McCoy Architectural Interpretive Center Frank Lloyd Wright's 1908 Stockman House illustrates how Prairie School style suited middle-class homes. The interpretive center next door shows a video on Wright's influence in Mason City. stockmanhouse.org
The Music Man Square (Currently closed due to COVID-19.) Tour the childhood home of Meredith Willson, who wrote and composed The Music Man, and see a replica of the 1962 movie's streetscape. The Music Man Square on Facebook
The Surf Ballroom and Museum In Clear Lake, big-name concerts typically pack the venue best known for the gig Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played before all three died in a 1959 plane crash in northern Iowa. Expect live events to resume in 2021. surfballroom.com
Where to eat
Northwestern Steakhouse Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth steak in a cozy atmosphere in Mason City. Northwestern Steakhouse on Facebook
PM Park This Clear Lake spot looks a little plain, but the cheerful cafe's breakfast is good. PM Park on Facebook
Where to stay
The Historic Park Inn Hotel The best stay in town is the world's only surviving Wright-designed hotel. stoneycreekhotels.com
More information: Visit Mason City visitmasoncityiowa.com and Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce clearlakeiowa.com