What's Your Mason City Travel Personality?

Last Updated 9/19/2025 • Posted in What's New Spotlight

Find Your Perfect Itinerary Based on Your Travel Personality! Mason City is full of surprises with historic charm, world-famous architecture, artsy vibes, and small-town warmth. Not sure what to do first? Take this quiz to discover what experience you shouldn't miss when you visit!

1. What's your ideal Saturday?

A) Touring historic homes & buildings

B) Strolling through an outdoor art walk

C) Catching a live performance or concert

D) Grabbing a coffee and exploring quirky shops

E) Digging into local history at a museum or historical site

2. Your travel photos mostly feature:

A) Striking architecture and design details

B) Sculptures, murals, and cool street scenes

C) Friends dancing or enjoying live events

D) Aesthetic cafés, vintage finds, and local flavor

E) Monuments, artifacts, and old documents

3. Which phrase speaks to your soul?

A) “If these walls could talk…”

B) “Art is everywhere — you just have to look.”

C) “Let the music move you.”

D) “Coffee, community, and cute things — yes please!”

E) “To know the past is to understand the present.”

4. What kind of souvenirs do you love?

A) Architectural sketches, blueprints, or design books

B) Unique handmade art or photos from a sculpture walk

C) Festival merch, band tees, or vinyl records

D) Artisan coffee, candles, or vintage treasures

E) Old postcards, historical maps, or museum replicas

5. Which playlist are you bringing on your road trip?

A) Classical or old-school jazz B) Indie folk and instrumental

C) Broadway show tunes and pop

D) Lo-fi, acoustic, and a little bit of everything

E) Retro hits, folk ballads, or golden oldies

6. What's your go-to way to learn about a place?

A) Listening to a guided tour or reading plaques on buildings
B) Exploring with no agenda, taking in the sights
C) Talking to locals at events or concerts
D) Chatting with baristas and boutique owners
E) Browsing the local museum or chatting with a historian

Mostly A’s:

You’re an Architectural Lover! Dive into Mason City’s architecturally rich past, present and future. See your full itinerary here!

Don’t miss the Historic Park Inn Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The last one of its kind in the world. Dive into the Architectural Walking Tour or visit the Stockman House for more Prairie School design gems.

Mostly B’s:

You’re an Arts Enthusiast! Stroll our street sculptures and art museum. See your full itinerary here!

Head straight to River City Sculptures on Parade, a self-guided art walk with nearly 100 public sculptures. Then explore local galleries and the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum for regional and contemporary art. You won’t want to miss Harmony in Light at the River City Riverwalk – beautiful during the day and absolutely stunning at night.

Mostly C’s:

You’re a Music Lover! Pick a little trip to the Music Man Square and stay for the North Iowa Band Festival. See your full itinerary here!

You have to check out Music Man Square, celebrating Mason City native Meredith Willson. Bonus if you’re visiting during the North Iowa Band Festival. It’s a local tradition full of marching bands, music, and hometown spirit.

Mostly D’s:

You’re a Cozy Explorer! Chill at the coffee shops and peruse our second hand stores. See your full itinerary here!

Wander the charming downtown, grab a coffee from one of our local favorites, browse books at Three Bells Books, and discover unique treasures from vintage dealers. End your day with dinner at a local bistro and a relaxing riverfront view.

Mostly E’s:

You’re a History Buff! Step back in time at our pioneer museum or explore the Jefferson Highway. See your full itinerary here!

Step back in time at the Kinney Pioneer Museum, then explore the historic Jefferson Highway. Venture to East Park and snap a photo with the Cannonball 457 steam engine. Browse the historic archives at the Mason City Public Library, and finish with a walk through the historic district before dinner at a local favorite.