DAY
ONE
Morning:
Start the day with a wonderful tour of the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, formerly a gracious 1920’s Tudor revival home, which now houses a permanent collection of American art, including works by Regionalists Thomas Hart Benton and Grant Wood. Other highlights of the collection are post World War II paintings, contemporary prints, and works by Iowa artists. The museum also features the puppet collection of renowned puppeteer and Mason City native, Bil Baird, including his most famous puppets from the movie, The Sound of Music.
Afternoon:
The group will then uncover the story about Mason City's famous hometown son, Meredith Willson, author of "The Music Man". The group will tour the Meredith Willson Boyhood Home to learn more about the man behind the music. Next, enjoy a tour of Mason City's newest $10 million attraction The Music Man Square. The tour will highlight the Meredith Willson Museum and an old fashion 1912 streetscape replica of the movie set designs from the Warner Brothers motion picture.
Evening:
Guests will check into a Mason City lodging facility of
their choice and freshen up for evening activities. Get
ready to enjoy an elegant evening in Mason City, "The
Original River City". The group will enjoy a delightful
evening meal at one of the numerous restaurants in the community,
with true River City entertainment, a
barbershop quartet featuring songs from "The Music
Man" and other musical favorites. Another option available
would be to enjoy a private showing of the video "The
Music Man". Popcorn can be included as a special
treat for those who choose to enjoy this Broadway favorite.
DAY TWO
Morning:
Mason City is known for our appreciation of music since
it is the hometown of Meredith Willson, composer of "The
Music Man". Plus, the area is known for wind power!
What, wind power in Iowa? Your group will learn about the
55 wind turbines at the Cerro Gordo Wind Farm. These structures are mounted on 237-foot
tall tubular towers. The facility represents a growing effort
to meet America’s energy needs with clean, reliable
and economical electricity generated in harmony with the
environment. The wind farms energy is equivalent to electricity
consumed by 30,000 typical Midwest homes. This unique self guided tour
will amaze your group as you discover how homes are powered
by these “gentle giants”.
Mason City is also home to Prairie School
Architecture with several buildings in the community designed
by Frank Lloyd Wright including a residential home, a bank
building and the only remaining Wright designed hotel in
the world. Discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright, Mason
City's architecture and about the past, present and future
of the community on an Architectural
Tour of Mason City. The tour can be strictly a guided
tour by motorcoach or can include a 20-minute slide presentation
of the architectural aspects in the Rock Glen and Rock Crest
area, the largest grouping of Prairie School Architecture
on a unified site. Continue your quest to learn more about
Frank Lloyd Wright while touring the Frank
Lloyd Wright Stockman House. The Stockman House, constructed
in 1908, is located adjacent to the Rock Glen - Rock Crest
National Historical District. This home was the first and
only Prairie School house designed in Iowa by Wright.
Afternoon:
Take a step back in time at the Kinney
Pioneer Museum and relive the memories of days gone
by. Experience life on the Iowa frontier through the vintage
exhibits and living history, which includes a pioneer village,
one-room schoolhouse, log cabin and blacksmith shop. Plus,
demonstrations of pioneer crafts and trades including weaving,
broom making and radio deejay. Civil
War presentations are the next stop of the day. Discover
why Iowa was the number one provider of volunteer infantry
in the Union Army. See and feel the fashions worn during
this time period and learn about the life of a soldier.
An additional option would be to take part in a barbecue
taste testing experience. Learn the in’s and out’s
of barbecue provided by a sanctioned barbecue judge. These
interactive presentations cover what is barbecue, how to
and end with everyone becoming a judge with actual taste
testing.
Evening:
Experience a breathtaking sunset over the lake during an
evening excursion on a paddlewheel vessel, the Lady
of the Lake. A perfect end to a delightful day.
DAY THREE
Morning:
First stop of the day will be at Winnebago
Industries where the group will witness the production
of recreational vehicles at the largest motor home production
facility. Next, the group will try their luck at the Fort
Custer Maze , a one of a kind wooden maze. This replica
of an 1850 western fort covers almost 2 acres with approximately
2 miles of zigzagging and adventurous paths. The maze features
bridges, a lookout tower and 8 stations to help guests find
their way out and conquer the maze.
Afternoon:
Next, a chance to have some time on their own as they uncover
those special treasures at the abundance of antique/specialty
shops and retail stores in Mason City. A map of retail stores
within walking distances can be provided.
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Suggested Itineraries
Music... Memories... Wright... here in Mason City, Iowa -
(3-day tour)
