Mason City, Iowa Historic Preservation Commission

09/10/2026

This is a great example of community involvement and volunteerism to save a historic building in Mason City.

It took people stepping up and devoting their time and effort to make this happen.

15 years ago today the Historic Park Inn Hotel reopened its doors as Hotel again.

As they say, it takes a village and this shows what a village can do.

09/09/2026

This is from the Iowa Railroad page. Art Peterson photographed the morning arrival of Milwaukee Road train #3, The Marquette, at the Mason City, Iowa depot on September 3rd, 1949. This train was a Chicago to Mason City overnight run with an RPO, an express car, coaches, sleeper(s) and a café parlor. The power on this run to Mason City was ALCo DL109 14A. Is this depot still standing?

Yes, it is for now.

09/08/2026

Did you know Mason City had the first public two-year community college in Iowa?
On September 8, 1918, Mason City Junior College, the first public two-year college in the State of Iowa, started classes. Today’s North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), the opening of the institution represented greater opportunities in higher education for Iowans.

Thanks to Mason City Memories for sharing this information.

08/24/2026

A step back in time.

08/17/2026

As the summer is getting closer to an end and you are looking for things to do with the kids before the head back to school remember there are fun things to do right here in Mason City.

Take a walk around downtown Mason City and see how many historical buildings you can find and look up there stories. Enjoy the sculptures as you do this. Check out MacNider Art Museum, the Library and Music Man Square as well as the new River Walk. Just to name a few.

Take in what Mason City has to offer and save some gas ⛽️ money too.

07/29/2026

Things to do this summer in Mason City before school starts again:

Tour the Historic Park Inn
Stockman House
Music Man Square
Meredith Willson Boyhood Home
Kinney Pioneer Museum

Go to the Mason City Public Library
MacNider Art Museum
Sculpture walking tour
Lime Creek Nature Center
Prairie Trails Bike Park and bike trails
Prairie Playground and East Park
The River Walk and tour
Mason City Pool

These are just a few of the fun things to do right here in River City. No need to worry about filling your gas tank.

Go to visitmasoncityiowa.com to see what other fun things there are to do in our community.

07/29/2026

I know we wondered what stories are behind the walls of the Historic buildings in Mason City.

Feel free to share stories you have about a historic buildings, parks or other structures in Mason City.

Have you ever wondered what stories lie behind the walls of Mason City’s historic buildings? 👀

Our Haunted Historic Building Tour uncovered the fascinating past of the Ensign-Central Block, The Delaware, Markley-Youngblood, and Birdsall's Ice Cream buildings — each with its own piece of Mason City history.

📖 Take a look inside: https://bit.ly/47i45XU

Splash Printing Co The Original - "LaJames College" Visit Mason City Iowa

07/17/2026

One of the best ways to build flavor is letting sugar do the work. When fresh fruit rests with sugar, it gently pulls out juices, aroma, and natural sweetness, creating a rich, vibrant base for custom syrups. It is simple, old-school, and perfect for cocktails that taste fresh instead of artificial. From berries to citrus to stone fruit, this method turns seasonal ingredients into something smooth, balanced, and ready for your next pour over ice. Enjoy the "Maceration."

06/16/2026

As we approach our Nation's 250th birthday, this picture of a parade from 1912 in Mason City shows many American flags along the parade route.

06/01/2026

We want to thank everyone for sharing there stories and thoughts on all the properties posted on our page for Historic Preservation Month.

We wish we could save all the Historic properties in our community, but unfortunately we cannot. It is up to the property owner or a group of individuals in the community to spearhead restoring or repurposing a property. This was shown by some of the properties posted this past month. The Historic Park Inn being one of the biggest communuty involvement projects to restore a historic property that now provides Mason City with tourism dollars and brings people from all over the world to our community.

The HPC is a resource to help you with questions you may have and to discuss grant and other funding sources that can be used for a project. If there is a property you are passionate about saving feel free to reach out and we will be more than willing to have a discussion with you.

Are you willing to step up to help with Fire Station #2 on South Federal, saving the train depot south of Sidewinders or any other property you feel passionate about. It takes a village to make things happen.

Thank you again for all that was shared.