Each year, the Visit Mason City Tourism Awards celebrate the dedication and passion driving our community's tourism growth. There are four categories open for nominations:
Nominations for the Visit Mason City Tourism Awards are now open. Don’t miss the chance to honor the people and places that make Mason City a welcoming and exciting place to visit. Nominations are due by 11:59 PM on August 20th.
The Tourism Excellence Award recognizes outstanding achievement in tourism development, innovation, and growth—honoring those who make a lasting impact on Mason City as a destination.
Visit Mason City is proud to recognize the North Iowa Performing Arts & Leadership Series as the 2025 recipient of this prestigious award. Representing tourism excellence at its finest, the Series brings world-class entertainment to Mason City year after year. From Tony Award-winning Broadway productions and Grammy-winning artists to nationally touring comedians and acclaimed speakers, the lineup rivals that of major metropolitan venues—all within the welcoming, intimate setting of the North Iowa Community Auditorium.
Through strategic promotion and strong community partnerships, the Series draws both residents and visitors, contributing to the local economy while elevating Mason City’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination. Their dedication to quality programming, professionalism, and exceptional guest experiences continues to set the standard for arts and entertainment in North Iowa.
The Spirit of Tourism Award recognizes individuals or organizations that embody the heart and energy of tourism, bringing a passion for Mason City’s unique character and promoting it as a vibrant destination.
True trailblazers, this group of passionate and dedicated residents has transformed Mason City’s outdoor recreation landscape. What started as a grassroots dream to build single-track mountain bike trails has grown into Prairie Rock Trails—an attraction that now draws bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Midwest.
Through sheer passion, volunteers secured city partnerships, raised funds, hired expert consultants, and hand-built miles of natural-surface trails. Their pioneering work not only created a premier destination for adventure tourism but also positioned Mason City as a leader in outdoor recreation.
By turning vision into reality, these efforts have stimulated new tourism opportunities, catalyzed economic growth, and provided residents and visitors alike with unforgettable outdoor experiences. Their dedication to innovation, collaboration, and community impact makes North Iowa Human Powered Trails a shining example of Mason City’s Spirit of Tourism.
The Friend of Tourism Award recognizes individuals who may not work directly in the tourism industry but whose contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our community and the work we do to promote it. These are the champions who believe in Mason City’s potential and support our efforts every step of the way.
Visit Mason City is proud to honor Bill Schickel as the 2025 Friend of Tourism.
There is no greater advocate for Mason City. A true servant leader, Mayor Schickel has dedicated decades to promoting and strengthening our community—from his early career as a trusted news anchor and journalist, to serving three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives, to his tenure as Mason City’s longest-serving mayor.
His enthusiasm for tourism is unmatched. He welcomes visitors with genuine warmth, champions cultural and economic initiatives, and even volunteers his time as a tour guide at the Historic Park Inn Hotel—sharing one of our community’s most iconic stories firsthand.
Always collaborative, always engaged, and always proud to showcase what makes Mason City special, Mayor Schickel exemplifies the very spirit of leadership and hospitality. His positivity, professionalism, and tireless advocacy have helped shape Mason City into a stronger, more vibrant destination.
