The Ultimate North Iowa Winter Bucket List

If you’re anything like me, winter gets long for you! Well, lucky for you I’ve compiled a bucket list of things for you, your family, and loved ones to complete this winter here in North Iowa! And if you’re not from North Iowa, it’s a great time to visit. Check out these different options to fill your winter bucket list!

Things To Do

Enjoy Live Music at Fat Hill Brewing – Mason City, Iowa

Mason City, Iowa, is brimming with lots of places to enjoy live music and a few drinks! One of those places is Fat Hill Brewing located in historic downtown. With a full schedule of live music, you’re bound to find a band or individual you like! Plus, you can enjoy a few brews!

Watch North Iowa Battle of the Badges – Mason City, Iowa

The North Iowa Battle of the Badges is an annual hockey game that puts local law enforcement against local firefighters and paramedics, but the real winner is local Wish families. All proceeds from the game benefit Make-A-Wish North Iowa. The hockey players also annually help grant a North Iowa Wish Kids’ wish by adopting a wish. The 10th Annual Battle of the Badges is taking place on Saturday, March 7th at 7PM in the new Multi-Purpose Arena in downtown Mason City! Tickets are only $5!

Read more about this awesome event by clicking HERE! Submitted by Val of Corn, Beans, Pigs, Kids

Play the links at River City Miniature Golf – Mason City, Iowa

This brand new indoor miniature golf course in Mason City is bound to be a fun time for you and your family! River City Mini Golf is located inside Southbridge Mall, each of the 18 hole is designed to match a unique business or location in North Iowa! Play all 18 holes for a fun time and enjoy getting out of the cold!

Music Man Square – Mason City, Iowa

We’ve got trouble…right here in River City. Anyone familiar with Broadway musicals knows that line is from Meredith Wilson’s, “The Music Man”. Wilson was born and raised in Mason City and patterned that musical off his hometown, Mason City, who’s nickname is “The River City”. Now, in homage to Wilson and his fame and talent, Mason City is home to Music Man Square. Here you can walk the streets-cape patterned after River City in “The Music Man” and tour the museum which tells the story of Wilson and his career! Don’t forget to grab ice cream from the parlor either! Read more about it HERE!

North Iowa Youth for Christ Comedy Cafe – Hampton, Iowa

When you’re ready to scratch your funny bone, head to the Comedy Cafe, a fundraiser for the Franklin County chapter of Youth for Christ. While it’s not as much during the winter as other activities, you’ll be happy you went! This free-will donation event complete with a family-friendly stand-up comedian and dessert bar is fun for all ages. Join them in Hampton at the Franklin County Convention Center on Thursday April 2nd. Reserve your spot by going to their website (soon to be updated) or calling (641-456-4106) the local chapter!

Catch Some Hockey – Mason City, Iowa

Make a trip to the new Multi-Purpose Arena in downtown Mason City to watch the local NA3HL hockey team, the North Iowa Bulls. The Bulls always put on a great game with lots of fun for the whole family! Check out their schedule for special activities during and after games too!

Submitted by Val of Corn, Beans, Pigs, Kids

Tour the Surf Ballroom – Clear Lake, Iowa

Located in Clear Lake – adjacent to Mason City – you’ll find the historic Surf Ballroom. While this venue has been home to many performers over the years, it really gained its fame back in 1959 when Ritchie Vallens, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly played a concert as part of the Winter Dance Party prior to dying in a plane crash in a field nearby. Now, the Surf not only hosts world renown vocalists, but can be rented for special occasions, meetings, etc. In addition, you can tour this historic ballroom either on your own or with a knowledgeable tour guide! The Winter Dance Party is still held the first weekend in February each year! Check their website for a full schedule of events and concerts!

Burn Energy at Roller City – Mason City, Iowa

Bring back memories by going roller skating at Roller City in Mason City. Roller City offers a variety of open skate sessions throughout the week and is a great family-friendly spot to have some winter fun. All skill levels are welcomed! The staff is top notch to help the beginner skaters and encourage those dusting off the skates after years or decades! Plus, you can snag a hot pizza from the new Cerro Gordo Pizza Co. that only serves at Roller City!!

Submitted by Val of Corn, Beans, Pigs, Kids

Places to Eat

Warm Up at Block 10 @ 1921 City Hall – Sheffield, Iowa

Nothing goes better with winter than a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa! And, when you’re ready for a cup in North Iowa, you must head to Block 10 at 1921 City Hall! Located on main street in Sheffield, Iowa, you’ll find this coffee shop in a historic city hall. Owners, Randy & Holly Coffee, restored this historic building to be a stunning local spot that serves up delicious coffee and outstanding baked goods and lunch!

Go “South of the Boarder” at Tequila’s Mexican Bar & Grill – Northwood, Iowa

Mexican food is good any time of the year, but it’s also a great way to experience a brief getaway during the gloomy winter months! Head to Tequila’s Mexican Bar & Grill to sip a delicious margarita, bunch on some hot tortilla chips, and enjoy a delicious meal! We promise you’ll be happy you made the trek to Northwood!

Step Back in Time at The Princess Grill & Pizzeria – Iowa Falls, Iowa

A mix of vintage 50s style and delicious food will leave you wanting more when you visit the Princess Grill & Pizzeria in Iowa Falls, Iowa. This historic restaurant has been a mainstay of Iowa Falls for over 100 years! A wide menu of options from burgers to pasta to steak, and more, there is something for everyone! And don’t forget to snag a milkshake or an old fashioned soda from this soda fountain!

Enjoy KB Emporium – Clear Lake, Iowa

KB Emporium in Clear Lake,Iowa has high quality food in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. They serve lunch and have a dining room upstairs that is absolutely stunning with a ROK cooking experience. I love there vast menu and all of their fine food. They have delicious baked goods. Read more about it HERE!

Submitted by Laura of A Cat’s Tales with Laura

Drive the North Iowa Tenderloin Trail

If you’re not from Iowa, you’re probably unfamiliar with the Tenderloin Trail, but us Iowans know it well! Each year the Iowa Pork Producers put ona contest to find the best Breaded Pork Tenderloin! North Iowa is lucky to be home to several top 5 finishers! Take your pick from these or try them all: Stumble Inn in Bradford, The Pub at the Pinicon in New Hampton, Nine & Dine in Eagle Grove, Willie’s Sports Bar & Grill in Hampton, Belmond Drive-In in Belmond, and Rustix Restaurant in Humboldt.

Stays to Have

Get Cozy at Red Cedar Lodge – Charles City, Iowa

When it’s time to hibernate for a few days, head to Charles City and stay at the Red Cedar Lodge. Rent one of their 3 beautifully appointed cabins for you and your special someone or the entire family! Since they are fully stocked (other than food), you won’t need to leave once you’ve arrived! You’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hibernate at Country Heritage Bed & Breakfast – Hampton, Iowa

Located in a rural setting between Hampton and Latimer, you’ll find Country Heritage Bed & Breakfast. This beautiful farm home is cozy and can be rented by the room or by the entire house! So, we recommend grabbing all your girlfriends and hunker down for a weekend!

Feel Nostalgic at Historic Park Inn – Mason City, Iowa

The Historic Park Inn is the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel in the world!  It’s a great place to stay but for those not looking for overnight accommodations, you can go on a tour of the hotel and learn all about the history of the hotel (fun fact, it was once listed on eBay for $1!).  You’ll also find the 1910 Grille serving up tasty food and the 1910 Lounge which has a 100yr old pool table! Read more about the hotel and things to do in Mason City HERE!

Submitted by Kylie of Between England & Iowa

Spend Winter in North Iowa

From historic hotel stays, cozy lodges, authentic Mexican food to prize winning tenderloins, hockey, live music, and more, North Iowa has everything you could want on your winter bucket list! Try checking them all off this winter or pick one or two that sound the best! Whichever you pick, you will have a great time in North Iowa this winter!

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