Day 1: Arrive in Mason City
Drive from the Eastern Iowa Airport toward Mason City (2.5 hours, 145 miles), or arrive from Minneapolis Saint Paul Airport (2 hours, 130 miles)
Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District
The Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District was made famous for its collection of homes built between 1910 and 1917 that were designed by Walter Burley Griffin and other associates of Wright’s. The neighborhood was originally envisioned to include 26 homes, each uniquely suited for their site, that would all face and share the natural setting of Willow Creek. By 1917, only eight of the homes had been built before Griffin left to pursue another project. You can admire each home with a scenic walk through the neighborhood. .
Lunch: The Quarry Restaurant
Experience gourmet cuisine, impeccable heavy appetizers, exquisite homemade desserts, and a thoughtfully curated menu of wines, spirits, and specialty draughts.
Stockman House
The Stockman House is the first and only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Prairie School house in Iowa and is the only Prairie School house museum in Iowa that’s open to the public. Explore on a guided tour and learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and his impact on Mason City.
Dinner: Leadlight
Drawing inspiration from the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the rich history of the Park Inn Hotel, Leadlight offers a refined and sophisticated atmosphere accompanied by attentive table service. The menu features high-quality and dependable culinary experiences, blending the essence of classic, Midwest fare.
Overnight: Historic Park Inn
The 1910 Historic Park Inn Hotel is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and -built hotel in the world. Its design, one of the best examples of Wright’s Prairie Style architecture, included the hotel, a bank and law offices, a combination that was an innovative approach at the time.
Day 2: Mason City to Algona
The Music Man Square & Meredith Willson Boyhood Home
Tour the 1912 River City indoor streetscape, recreated from the set design of the 1962 Warner Bros. motion picture, "The Music Man." In the center of the square, you will find the Meredith Willson Museum celebrating the life and achievements of Mason City's favorite musical son. The Madison Park room is home to the "76 Trombones" hanging from the ceiling as well as the wonderful mural backdrop of Madison Park. Tour the beautifully restored 1895 Queen Anne house next door, which was the birthplace and childhood home of Meredith Willson.
Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery
Designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, this cemetery features an impressive collection of elaborate grave markers and monuments as well as four very distinct, free-standing walk-in mausoleums. Built between 1908 and 1915, these mausoleums reflect the Classical, Romanesque and Prairie School architectural styles. One was also designed by Barry Byrne, a well-known student of Wright's Prairie School.
Drive to Algona (1 hour, 10 minutes; 55 miles)
Lunch: Feed Mill Coffee Company
The Feed Mill Coffee Company is located in a historic two-story brick building from the 1890s. Three generations of bakers create the café’s many baked goods and seasonally inspired dishes are on offer.
The Sullivan Building
This former bank building in Algona is often described as a “jewel box”. Designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, whose most famous pupil was Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s one of only eight such architectural masterpieces in the Midwest
Drive to Mason City (1 hour, 10 minutes; 55 miles)
Dinner: Northwestern Steak House
Specializing in Greek-Style broiled steaks that melt in your mouth, all while using top-quality Iowa beef.
Overnight: Historic Park Inn
Day 3: Mason City to Decorah
Drive to Charles City (40 minutes; 33 miles)
Mooney Art Collection
Located in the Charles City Public Library, the Mooney Art Collection features works of classical artists such as Dali, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Goya. Named for and amassed by Arthur Mooney, the pieces of the collection was gifted to the Charles City Public Library beginning in 1930.
Lunch: Pub on the Cedar
A full lunch menu featuring burgers, pizza, sandwiches, pasta can be enjoyed in a picturesque setting on the Cedar River.
Drive to Spillville (55 minutes; 43 miles)
Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit
Hand-carved clocks that each depict a moment in history, religion or culture. Carved by Czech brothers Joseph and Frank Bily. Upstairs is a dedication to composer Antonin Dvorak, who spent a summer living in Spillville.
Drive to Decorah (18 minutes; 13 miles)
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art SchoolBe inspired, share history, and create art through Vesterheim's world-class collection, immersive Folk Art School, and engaging exhibits and programs, including 12 historic buildings. At this national treasure, explore the American immigration story through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience and discover the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk arts.
With a mission of serving quality food and creating an authentic connection to local flavors, La Rana Bistro partners with Decorah area farms to source its scratch kitchen. Each plate is crafted with produce from Patchwork Green Farm, Canoe Creek Produce, Rock Cedar Ranch and more, and intricately plated to enhance the big-city vibes while being served in a casual bistro.
Overnight: Hotel Winneshiek
Beautifully restored, full service historic hotel in the heart of downtown Decorah. Thirty-four guest rooms, and the Hotel Winn Bar offers a generous selection of Iowa craft beers and full evening menu.
Continue your Midwest adventure in Decorah, or make your way toward the Mississippi River in less than an hour.
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