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City guide

Mason City, Iowa

Mason City is a city in and the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population was 27,338 in the 2020 census.

Type CityPopulation 27,338

Why go

  • City in Iowa, United States.
  • Served by Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW).

History

Mason City is a city in and the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population was 27,338 in the 2020 census. Mason City is known for its musical theatre heritage, serving as the inspiration for the town of “River City” in The Music Man. It is also a historic industrial center for brick and cement production, and is home to a significant collection of Prairie School style architecture. Along with nearby Clear Lake, the city forms a regional commercial, industrial, and cultural hub for north-central Iowa.

Airports

Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW) 6.4 mi to the centre
Mason City, IA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Northeast Iowa Regional Airport (CCY) 30 mi to the centre
Charles City, IA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Forest City Municipal Airport (FXY) 22 mi to the centre
Forest City, IA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Hampton Municipal Airport (HPT) 30 mi to the centre
Hampton, IA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Harris Field 5.7 mi to the centre
Mason City, IA, US
Outdoor
Spotts Field 6.8 mi to the centre
Nora Springs, IA, US
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Lady of the Lake
Ferry terminal · 9.3 mi from the centre
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW); 15 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 1 ferry terminal within 12 mi (nearest: Lady of the Lake, 9.3 mi).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Mason City, Iowa. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach