Spend an Afternoon being a Tourist in Mason City, IA

I have spent virtually my entire life living near Mason City, Iowa, but have never taken the time to be a tourist. This changed recently when I accompanied by friend Melody from Where I May Roam on a few adventures in the River City!

Come along with me as I share the perfect way to be a tourist for an afternoon in Mason City, IA.  

Music Man Square

If you grow up in North Iowa, you are well aware that Mason City’s nickname is the River City. This is based off the musical, “The Music Man”.  This musical written by Meredith Willson which he patterned after his hometown of Mason City. This is a heritage that Mason City is very proud of.

Start your afternoon as a tourist at Music Man Square to learn more about Willson. Inside this beautiful building, you’ll find the 1912 streetscape of River City. This is a replica of the set from the filming of “The Music Man”. Stroll the brick streets and enjoy the store fronts and even shops. You can duck into to and experience it as if you were on the movie set itself! Snag ice cream or a soda from the Candy Kitchen or see the infamous pool hall.

Right here in River City. Trouble with a capital T, and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool!

Through the doors titled Jacey Squires River City Livery Stable, you’ll find the museum of Music Man, Meredith Willson, and other music artifacts on load from the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota.

Meredith Wilson Museum

In the museum you’ll find amazing artifacts from Meredith Willson’s past. These include the piano on which he wrote “The Music Man” and the very first Grammy, which was presented to Willson. In the museum, it is very clear to see the impact of “The Music Man” on musical and film history. You can see posters of each revival, cast lists from endless numbers of performances.

As far as the display from the National Music Museum, there is an homage to Willson’s time in the John Philip Sousa Band. Explore other displays that represent a variety of musical instruments and periods of music.

Meredith Willson Boyhood Home

After your visit to Music Man Square, head next door to Meredith Willson’s Boyhood Home to learn more about the personal life side of the composer. See where he grew up and hear the stories of his childhood from the volunteers that guide the tour.

Visiting Music Man Square & Willson’s Boyhood Home

Music Man Square is located at 308 South Pennsylvania Ave, Mason City and Willson’s boyhood home is right next door. Tours are available Friday and Saturday 1PM-5PM or by appointment. Cost is $10 for adults and that includes all of the previously mentioned (except ice cream).

Walk to the Meredith Willson Footbridge

Once you’re done touring Music Man Square and Willson’s Boyhood Home, walk two blocks (approximately) along 2nd Street SE to the Meredith Willson Footbridge. According to Visit Mason City’s website, this footbridge has been a part of Mason City for over 100 years. The condition it is in today has been in place since 1940. Marking the North approach to the bridge, you’ll find a unique and distinctive sculpture created out of trumpets and other musical instruments. Make sure to take the short walk across or even to the middle of the bridge and enjoy the views!

Explore the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum

On your walk to or from the Meredith Willson Footbridge, stop by the Charles H MacNider Art Museum. It’s a free museum full of a variety of different works of art! There are great paintings and a beautiful Chiluhly! But, perhaps my favorite part of this museum is the Bil Baird World of Puppets! Check out these amazing puppets and marionettes including those from the original filming of the Sound of the Music.

Grab Ice Cream at Birdsall’s Ice Cream Shop

After you’re done sightseeing, you’ll need a snack and there’s nothing more “Mason City” than ice cream from Birdsall’s Ice Cream! This vintage ice cream shop has been a Mason City staple for over 88 years now. At one time, they had s shop on North Federal Street, but also a shop in the food court at Southbridge Mall. As a young girl, I remember going to the mall to shop. If we were good, we could get a snack from the food court and I almost always chose rainbow sherbet from the Birdsell’s stand!

With a large variety of homemade hand dipped ice cream, you’re sure to find a flavor for everyone. They also have sundaes, malts, and even an icee machine! I’ve always selected Banana Fudge in a homemade waffle cone. However, after my last visit when I got to sample a few flavors. I’ll be switching it up and adding red raspberry into the mix as well! This family owned business is a fun stop for a snack with girlfriends or the family.

Touring Mason City

There are so many great things to do in Mason City, IA. This is just the beginning with these awesome stops! But, it’s easy to forget what we have in our hometown or in nearby towns. Every once in awhile it’s great to stop and take time to be a tourist. Even if it’s right in your own “backyard”. Music Man Square & Meredith Willson Boyhood Home, the Meredith Willson Footbridge, Charles H MacNider Museum, and Birdsall’s Ice Cream are a great way to get started in North Iowa!

Read more about great places in North Iowa to visit HERE!