DAY
ONE
Morning:
Start the day with a wonderful tour of the last remaining Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway steam locomotive - the Cannonball No. 457. This unique locomotive has been restored to reflect its original appearance. Next, tour 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 The
Music Man Square featuring replica set designs from “The Music Man“ plus the Meredith Willson Museum bursting with musical history, movie clips, instruments, memorabilia and great stories to tell. The group will also enjoy a tasty treat at the Ice Cream Parlor located along Music Man Square’s beautiful indoor 1912 streetscape.
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.
DAY
TWO
Morning:
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 a hotel. Discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright and Mason City's architecture on an Architectural
Tour. The tour can be strictly a guided
tour by motorcoach or can include a 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 and Architectural Interpretive Center. 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. The Architectural Interpretive Center, inspired by a Walter Burley Griffin design, helps tell the story of Wright and Prairie School architectural designs in the area.
Afternoon:
Next tour the Historic Park Inn Hotel. Built in 1910 for two Mason City attorneys, the Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank building is the last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This classic example of Prairie School Architecture has been completely restored to its original appearance serving as an exquisite hotel. Explore the restored public places of the hotel on a guided tour of the facility. Visit the mezzanine balcony overlooking the lobby and dining room, the Skylight Room with its fully restored sky-lit art glass ceiling, the Ladies Parlor with art-glass French Doors, the Gentlemen’s Lounge and the Billiards Room and Mercury statues designed by Richard Bock. Continue the day by taking 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. Next, relive the day the music died while touring the Surf Ballroom & Museum, the final concert site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.
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. A tour of Central Gardens is the next stop of the day. This 2.75 acre space is home to 22 theme gardens including Victorian, Wetland, Butterfly, Shade and more. The site also includes water features, terraces, a pavilion, and the Moongate Theatre Steps.
Afternoon:
The group will enjoy a soft adventure activity 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. Final stop of the day… 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. View the downtown map of retail stores all within walking distance. On the way home, enjoy "The Music Man" video aboard the coach.
|
Suggested
Itineraries
Music...
Memories... Wright... here in Mason City, Iowa - (3-day
tour)
