Guided Riverwalk Tours Launch May 1st
There’s something special happening along Willow Creek this summer—and you’re invited to experience it firsthand.
Beginning Friday, May 1st, a new series of guided Riverwalk Tours will offer a deeper look at one of the community’s most celebrated spaces. Held on the first Friday of each month from May through September at 9:00 AM, these tours invite participants to explore the award-winning Riverwalk District and Waterfront Plaza through the lens of music, architecture, and nature.
The inaugural tour will feature a unique opportunity to hear directly from those who helped bring the Riverwalk to life. Guests will be guided by architect Kristy King and former mayor Bill Schickel, who will offer insight into the vision, design, and community collaboration behind this transformative project.
Participants will gather at the south entrance of Southbridge Mall (100 S. Federal Avenue) before making their way to the Riverwalk’s grand entrance, marked by the striking Spiral Dance sculpture—part of Mason City’s rotating Sculptures on Parade.
From there, the experience unfolds step by step:
- Discover artistic features like the Riverwalk’s iconic tuning fork installations
- Stroll along a shared-use path designed for both pedestrians and cyclists
- Explore native plantings that create a “living botanical gallery” along the waterfront
- Take in the mid-level artistic playground and scenic viewpoints
- Conclude at the breathtaking Harmony in Light sculpture, where art and illumination come together in a truly unforgettable way
Along the way, participants will receive a plant identification bingo card, adding a fun, interactive layer to the experience while highlighting the Riverwalk’s thoughtful landscaping and native species.
Where Music, Architecture, and Nature Meet
Set along historic Willow Creek near the confluence of the Winnebago River, the Riverwalk District is more than a scenic path—it’s a reflection of Mason City’s identity. Here, the spirit of The Music Man meets the clean lines of Prairie School design, creating a space where every step tells a story.
“This Riverwalk tells the story of Mason City in a way you can see, hear, and feel,” said Schickel. “It brings together our music, our architecture, and our natural landscape into one shared experience.”
Architect Kristy King adds, “Designing the Riverwalk was about creating a gathering place that welcomes everyone—visitors and residents alike—and invites them to experience the city in a new way.”
Plan Your Visit
The guided tour is approximately one mile in length, lasts about one hour, and is suitable for most fitness levels.
- Tour Dates: First Friday of the month, May through September
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Starting Location: Southbridge Mall, 100 S. Federal Avenue
RSVP: In person at Visit Mason City (13 S. Federal Ave.), by calling 641.422.1663, or by completing the form below.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, Riverwalk Tours offer a fresh perspective on a place that continues to inspire. Come see how Mason City’s story comes to life—one step, one note, and one view at a time.
