30 Things To Do in Mason City

Growing up in Mason City, Iowa I always thought "There's nothing to do in Mason City." While in the wintertime there are not a lot of options, Summer provides a lot of options for fun things to do. For those of you who live in Mason City, when's the last time you did the fun tourist things in Mason? Bet you didn't even know there were 30 things to do!

Recreation
1. East Park - There is so much to do here, it's crazy. There are walking/biking trails throughout the park that connect with the city-wide trail system. It has the best playground equipment for the kiddos. A super cool 9-hole disc golf course. Basketball courts. Tennis courts. Picnic tables. Plenty of favorite local fishing spots. Flower garden. Sunday Night Municipal Band Concerts. The Cannonball train. Plus there are a bunch of events that happen at the park. Concerts, civil war reenactments, BBQ Bash, and in the past they have shown movies in the park on Saturday nights in the summer. Keep an eye on media outlets for all the special events.
2. Other parks - Mason City enjoys other parks as well. Central Park has quite a bit of history with the war memorial, the Statue of Liberty, other statues, and a beautiful view of downtown. They just put in a statue of Frank Lloyd Wright, so you need to check that out too! Sometimes there are even concerts down there. Other parks have a lot of open space for some football, volleyball, or whatever you fancy.
3. Lime Creek Nature Center - Such a peaceful place on the outskirts of town. There is a lot to do out there! The hiking is my favorite! You can also picnic, bow hunt, and camp a night out there for a small fee.
4. Mini Golf and Driving Range at North Iowa Golf - Did you know we have one of the nicest and coolest outdoor mini golf places? It's pretty cheap fun! They also have a fun driving range. M-F 9a-7p, Sat: 9a-5p, and Sun: 12p-5p.
5. Golf Courses - If regular golf is your thing, then have you tried Highland Park or Pine Creek? I'm not sure how they rank, but they both seem like nice courses. If you have never gone, give it a try!
6. Aquatic Center - The new pool offers hours and hours of fun for you water loving people. I'm not a huge fan of water, but I've gone a few times. 
7. Big Blue - If you are not a fan of chlorine water, then try the popular swimming hole called "Big Blue." Nice place to swim and hang out.
8. Softball/Baseball Games - Summer means it's time for Softball and Baseball games. Dig around on the internet for some games, or just show up at one of the fields around town and I'm sure something will be going on. 
9. I-35 Speedway - Mason City is home to this 1/2 mile dirt track. This is a popular place on Sunday Nights, although I've never been to a race. Hot Laps begin at 6pm with the race following. $12 for Adults; $5 for ages 6-12; Free for under 6.
10. North Iowa Events Center - There always seems to be something going on over there. If it's not racing, then there is usually a horse show on the weekends. During their respective seasons there is hockey, ice skating, and roller derby. The county fair is July 9 - 13. The big Fireworks convention is back this summer, August 10 - 15! Check out all the fun things happening out there!
11. The YMCA - If you are a member, then you know all about this place. If not, you can get a $10 day pass for weightlifting, walking/running track, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, swimming and other typical YMCA stuff. M-F 5a-9p; Sat 7a-5p; Sun 1p-6p.
12. Bowling - Currently the only bowling place that is open is Mystic Lanes, but the Rose Bowl is set to re-open in the Fall so that will be an option again.
    
    Tours
13. Sculptures Walking Tour - Have you noticed the sculptures around downtown? Did you know you can do the walking tour of them? It's about a mile and a half loop that takes 30 minutes to an hour. You can get a free self-guided map here. 
14. Park Inn Hotel - Newly renovated, this hotel was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. And, they give tours! Thursday and Friday: 11:30a and 1:00p; Saturday: 11:30a; Sunday: 1:30p. Only $10!
15. Stockman House - Our very own Frank Lloyd Wright designed house. Typical FLW look, beautiful inside and out. Tours this summer are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10a, 11a, 1p, 2p, and 3p and on Sundays 1p, 2p, and 3p. Groups are limited to 8 people each time. $10 for Adults, $5 for ages 12-17, and $3 for ages 6-11.
16. Prairie School Architectural Tour - Another self-guided tour is available in Mason City. This one is of all the cool looking Prairie School houses.You can purchase a $5 map at MacNider Museum, Music Man Square, The Visitors Information Center, and the Stockman House.
17. MacNider Art Museum - Really, when is the last time you took a stroll through here? They have a bunch of cool things! The puppets are my favorite! T & Th: 9a-8p; W, F, & Sat: 9a-5p. FREE.
18. Kinney Pioneer Museum - I know the last time I was out there was when we went in Elementary School... A bunch of cool things are out there for sure. I need to go again. Tuesday - Sunday: 1p-5p. $3 for adults, $1 for kids under 12.
    
    Shopping and Entertainment
19. Southbridge Mall - While there isn't as much to do there as there was 20 years ago, it still offers a few fun things. Pretzelmaker, Rieman Music, the trading card place, and the model train area are my favorites. M-F: 10a-9p, Sat: 10a-7p, and Sun: 12p-6p.
20. Cinema West - Lots of good movies come out this summer, and Cinema West is the happening place to go see them. Well, it's really the only place to go see them in Mason City... Tuesdays are the day to go if you can. $5 tickets and some cheap concession items all day on Tuesdays.
21. Stebens Children's Theater - Every show I have seen from them have been amazing! We have very talented kids in North Iowa. Check the internet for upcoming shows and times.
22. Mason City Community Theater - An amateur theater group that puts on excellent shows. I have never been disappointed! Check the internet for upcoming shows and times.
23. NIACC - Once in a while NIACC has something fun going on. No Performing Arts shows going on this summer, but keep an eye out for other things going on.
24. Cup of Coffee - Mason City has lots of places for you and a friend to grab some coffee. My favorite is Jitters in the mall. Great coffee and relaxing atmosphere. Other places include Coffee Cat, Borealis, Cabin Coffee, and Starbucks in Hy-Vee West. Starbucks in going to open a regular store soon, so that is exciting!
25. Birdsall's - My favorite place to grab ice cream is Birdsall's. So many memories have been made there. All the ice cream is good. It looks like they are open until 10:30p everyday this Summer.
26. The Cupcake Store - Another place I haven't been, but I've been told they are delicious! Tue.-Sat. 10a-4p, but looking at their Facebook page it varies.
27. Orange Leaf/Cherry Berry - I prefer Orange Leaf a little better, but both places are good to get some frozen yogurt! Orange Leaf: Sun-Thur 12p-10p; Fri-Sat 12p-11p.
28. Garage Sales - Every weekend you can drive the streets of Mason City finding fun little stuff. Most people advertise in the paper, but some just throw a couple signs out and attract business. Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are the best time to look for them.
29. The Library - When is the last time you went to the Library? The renovations look awesome and there are a bunch of cool things to look at. Plus, there are quite a  few books and magazines to check out. And there is a fun little trail behind the library where I used to hang out occasionally. Monday - Thursday: 9a-8p; Friday - Saturday: 9a-5p.
30. Plenty of other shopping - There are lots of places to shop in Mason City. The west side has developed over the past few year and downtown has been making a comeback. You don't have to spend any money to have fun just window shopping.

So there it is! Hope you enjoy the fun things to do in Mason City, Iowa!