In Mason City, Iowa, discover an array of award-winning attractions, from puppets to prairie school architecture, museums to malls, and an assortment of festivals uniquely blended with facilities catering to visitors. Mason City is located in North Central Iowa, in Cerro Gordo County, only a few miles from beautiful Clear Lake. The community is the hometown of Meredith Willson, composer of "The Music Man". Plus, the area is legendary since it was the final site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson's concert. Mason City is also home to Prairie School Architecture with several buildings in the community designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The largest collection of Bil Baird's puppets can also be seen in Mason City. Mason City offers the perfect setting for your next vacation, meeting or event!