Info:

Mason City is the county seat and the largest city in North Central Iowa with a population of 29,172 people, with 54,356 in the micropolitan area. Situated on the Winnebago River in Cerro Gordo County, Mason City was an important agricultural center that grew along with the mills that were in close proximity to a good water source. The first major industry was the manufacture of brick and tile, of which Mason City was one of the largest producers in the U.S. With an abundance of limestone and other minerals, Portland Cement was soon being made and mixed in several sites. To this day, Mason City is one of the largest cement producing regions in the Midwest.

Architecture fans will appreciate the fact that Mason City is home to three pre-1910 structures designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and entire residential neighborhoods are designed in the Prairie school of architecture that he crafted. Today, Mason City is a relatively clean small city with a series of small lakes and parks spread out over many sections of town.

Neighboring Clear Lake is a resort town of 8,161 people that edges Iowa's 3rd largest lake. This picturesque town has become a popular summertime tourist destination for Iowans and Minnesotans because of the recreational lake. The infusion of tourist dollars is apparent in Clear Lake with the town featuring a preserved and healthy downtown, vibrant small town neighborhoods and many amenities only found in places much larger.

Galleries:

• Downtown

• Neighborhoods

• Clear Lake