Mason City, Iowa
Mason City is nestled in the north central portion of Iowa. It’s a smallish place, home to less than thirty thousand souls, but it’s got a fascinating history and is well worth your time and attention. If you’ve never heard of it before, here’s a brief introduction.
First, understand that the ground that Mason City stands on was once Indian country, and members of both the Sioux and Winnebago tribes called the area home. Second, Mason City wasn’t always Mason City. When the township was first founded, it was called Shibboleth. As it grew, it changed its name to Masonic Grove, then to Masonville, and finally to Mason City. Although the town is quite small, it has an outstanding musical heritage, and has consistently produced successful performers and educators.
Popular Tourist Attractions
If you’ve never witnessed dirt track racing, then you’re in for a treat. It’s a half-mile of track made of dirt and pure adrenaline. With tickets running just $12 per adult and $5 for kids over 12, it’s almost too good to pass up. Racing occurs between April and September, so start planning your trip now in your RV rental Mason City IA.
Originally built in 1912, this is the last remaining steam locomotive of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway company. It has been restored back to its 1920’s appearance and is a wonder to behold. It won’t take long to see and hear the great engine’s history but it’s well worth the time spent.
Perched atop the limestone bluffs of the Winnebago River, the Nature Center is a wealth of knowledge and information about the wildlife and natural resources of the region. With nearly ten miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of photo opportunities so bring extra batteries for your camera and your best hiking shoes, as you will need both!
Campgrounds Near Mason City
For such a small town, you’ll find a surprising abundance of campgrounds in the area. Below are a few of the more highly recommended ones for your RV rental Mason City Iowa.
A scant ten miles from Mason City and boasting 167 sites with electric hookups and six with full hookups, the Clear Lake State Park is an ideal campground for a camper rental in Mason City, IA. It is a simple, clean, no-frills camping where you can have some peace and quiet. Its few amenities include a dump station, hot showers and clean restrooms for your camper rental Mason City IA. Call for a reservation: 877-427-2757.
Margaret MacNider Campground has a total of 95 sites in all, 20 of which are full hookups, and is just what you need for an RV rental in Mason City, Iowa. Although you’ll find a few more amenities here, it is not as many as you’d find in campgrounds surrounding larger cities and towns. Even so, this campground boasts a dump station, hot showers, clean restrooms, a laundry facility, a general store and an outdoor aquatic center right next to the campground, making this one an attractive place to stay in a travel trailer rental Mason City IA.
Only 10 miles from Mason City, the campground features 45 sites with electric hookups, a dump station, showers and restrooms for your motorhome rental Mason City IA. If you’ve got friends joining you, there are also two Yurts on the campground property that can be rented for a minimum of two nights. This is another great option for a camper rental in Mason City, Iowa.
Events
In keeping with the town’s strong musical heritage, the North Iowa Band Festival is probably one of the most important of the year. Now on its 77th year and held during Memorial Day weekend, the festival is a fantastic musical treat for both locals and tourist. It provides an opportunity for you to listen and enjoy the music of some of the best bands in the area. A truly magical weekend and loads of fun is definitely in store!
North Iowa Fair
If the music scene isn’t for you, then come the weekend after July 4th. That’s when the North Iowa Fair is held, and as a regional fair, it draws in visitors from all over the state and country. If you’re going to be in the area, you’ll definitely want to stop over and check it out. There is so much fun, food, and drink to be had.
Conclusion
Madison City is small, sure, but with its strong musical heritage and interesting cultural history, it’s got a surprising amount to offer. There’s more than enough here to keep you coming back year after year. If you’re skeptical, give this little town a chance. Book an RV rental to Mason City, IA and have fun!
Thank you for choosing RVshare for your Mason City, Iowa RV rental!