EXPLORE IOWA

Fans of the famous Warner Bros. motion picture The Music Man will rejoice when they get to sample ice cream and shop at a gift shop inside the set of the film. The Music Man Square features a transportive indoor 1912 streetscape. Stop by the interactive museum highlighting Meredith Willson memorabilia, music-related exhibits and Exploratorium.

Built in 1908 as a private home and a prime example of Wright's Prairie School style, tour the Stockman House and immerse yourself in the architectural mastery of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Nestled atop a limestone bluff above the Winnebago River, the Lime Creek Nature Center features a recently renovated exhibit with plenty of interactive learning experiences for all ages. The backyard wildlife area, with its flowing water habitat and bird-feeding station, provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and a tranquil place to spend some enriching time out in the fresh air.

Enjoy the great outdoors at East Park. Spanning more than 57 acres of beautiful parkland with two fishing rivers, scenic trails, gardens and pedestrian bridge crossings, visitors flock here to picnic, play disc golf, tennis, volleyball, and basketball, while the little ones enjoy the playgrounds. The gorgeous Cannonball 457 steam locomotive is on display on the south side of the park.

Housed inside what used to be a beautiful private residence, Charles H. MacNider Art Museum exhibits and interprets a permanent collection of American art and temporary exhibitions, and provides art classes for all ages, while also offering enriching programs and maintaining an art library.

Located in the heart of downtown Mason City, Central Park is a tranquil, 2.6-acre green space that adds a touch of respite and relaxation to the hustle and bustle of downtown. Sit on one of several park benches that line the sidewalks, enjoy a grab-and-go lunch outdoors, and take in scenic views and various historic monuments.