Travel Destinations Iowa Top Things to Do in Clear Lake and Mason City Just 10 miles apart, these neighbors have distinct personalities (120 miles north of Des Moines). By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 21, 2022 Stockman House. Photo: Ginger Crichton Rock and roll history and lake fun anchor Clear Lake; Mason City is great for architecture buffs. Do Stockman House and Robert E. McCoy Architectural Interpretive Center Frank Lloyd Wright's 1908 Stockman House illustrates how Prairie School style suited middle-class homes. The interpretive center next door shows a video on Wright's influence in Mason City. stockmanhouse.org The Music Man Square Tour the childhood home of Meredith Willson, who wrote and composed The Music Man, and see a replica of the 1962 movie's streetscape. The Music Man Square on Facebook Courtesy of Travel Iowa The Surf Ballroom and Museum In Clear Lake, big-name concerts typically pack the venue best known for the gig Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played before all three died in a 1959 plane crash in northern Iowa. Self-guided tours are also available year-round. surfballroom.com Eat and Drink Northwestern Steakhouse Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth steak in a cozy atmosphere in Mason City. Northwestern Steakhouse on Facebook PM Park This Clear Lake spot looks a little plain, but the cheerful cafe's breakfast is good. PM Park on Facebook Historic Park Inn Hotel. Ginger Crichton Stay Historic Park Inn The best stay in town is the world's only surviving Wright-designed hotel. historicparkinn.com More information: Visit Mason City visitmasoncityiowa.com and Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce clearlakeiowa.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit