There is no question Iowa winters can be rough, and there’s nowhere they’re rougher than Mason City – the snowiest town in Iowa. This small, bucolic city is known for its ties to movie history and its quirky local museums, and during the winter you can usually find it cloaked in a blanket of snow. If you’re a summer person, you might want to bundle up and wait it out – but then you’d be missing the most unique winter getaway in Iowa! A visit to Mason City in winter can mean exploring some local culture, a hearty meal at an acclaimed restaurant, some snowshoeing in the forest, and a stay at one of Iowa’s best historic resorts. One thing is for sure – seeing Mason City in the winter is seeing this unique city like never before. Just be sure to pack your winter gear!
Mason City’s personal elf is enjoying the winter - and so can you, in the snowiest city in Iowa.
City of Mason City/Facebook
Mason City gets an average of 41 inches of snow a year - more than enough to build all the snowmen you want!
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
For those who love the outdoors during the colder months, the town’s parks are a uniquely peaceful experience and the playgrounds are all open.
Management/TripAdvisor
For the adventurous types, you can rent snowshoes and go for a hike at the Lime Creek Nature Center!
Lime Creek Nature Center-Cerro Gordo Conservation Board/Facebook
You’ll definitely want to warm up after that, so why not go for a visit to the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, where you can see a selection of quirky Americana art?
Management/TripAdvisor
Only a ten-minute drive away, you’ll find the Kinney Pioneer Museum in Clear Lake - a fascinating look into Iowa’s history and culture.
N M/TripAdvisor
It’s not a true winter visit without some hearty food, so head to The Quarry & Tapas Bar, where their lasagna is not to be mixed.
The Quarry & Tapas Bar/Facebook
The mixologists at The Quarry are experts at putting together warming cocktails that will fortify you for the rest of your trip.
The Quarry & Tapas Bar/Facebook
To lay your head, you’ll want to drop in at The Historic Park Inn, the town’s most luxurious hotel.
Historic Park Inn Hotel/Facebook
On December 12th, the hotel is hosting a gingerbread-house decorating competition - the most delicious competition in Mason City!
Historic Park Inn Hotel/Facebook
Have you visited Mason City during the snowy months? Let us know about your experience on this unique winter getaway in Iowa. If you’re planning to visit for yourself, you can find out about all the city has to offer on the city website, and you can learn more about The Quarry on its website and Facebook page. For more on surviving a Mason City winter, check out this thorough guide.
City of Mason City/Facebook
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Management/TripAdvisor
Lime Creek Nature Center-Cerro Gordo Conservation Board/Facebook
N M/TripAdvisor
The Quarry & Tapas Bar/Facebook
Historic Park Inn Hotel/Facebook
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Address: Mason City, IA 50401, USAAddress: The Quarry Restaurant & Tapas bar, 10 S Federal Ave, Mason City, IA 50401, USAAddress: Lime Creek Nature Center Trail, Iowa 50401, USAAddress: Kinney Pioneer Museum, Suite G, 9184 265th St, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USAAddress: Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, USAAddress: Historic Park Inn, 15 W State St, Mason City, IA 50401, USAAddress: East Park, 802 3rd St NE, Mason City, IA 50401, USA
