The Historic Park Inn - Mason City, Iowa

Frank Lloyd Wright designed six hotels, five of which were built—but only one remains today: the historic Park Inn Hotel, located in downtown Mason City, Iowa. After undergoing an $18 million restoration, the hotel reopened in mid-July 2011. Wright, widely considered America’s greatest architect, had a remarkable career spanning over 70 years, during which he designed residential homes, offices, churches, schools, skyscrapers, hotels, and museums. He often oversaw the interior elements of his buildings, including furniture and stained glass.

The Park Inn Hotel retains many original Wright-designed features, such as the Ladies’ Parlor, Gentlemen’s Lounge, Billiards Room, and the Skylight Room, which includes Wright’s signature art glass. The renovated hotel now offers 27 guest rooms, one of which has been meticulously restored to its historic condition.

Additionally, the hotel boasts nearly 50,000 square feet of conference space. Staying in this architectural masterpiece provides a rare and immersive experience. Guided tours are available to the public, with special arrangements for motorcoach groups.

But there’s more to discover in Mason City. While working there, Wright discussed designing other homes in the area. His associates later developed the Rock Crest–Rock Glen District, the largest collection of Prairie School-style homes in the U.S., unified by a shared natural landscape.

Visitors can explore these architectural treasures on a self-guided Prairie School tour, which includes the Stockman House—the first and only Prairie School home Wright designed in Iowa. A newly opened Architectural Interpretive Center further highlights Wright’s influence and Prairie School designs in the region.

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Beyond architecture, Mason City is celebrated for its rich musical heritage as the hometown of Meredith Willson, composer of The Music Man. Attractions like the Music Man Square—featuring replica movie sets—the Meredith Willson Museum, and the Historic Surf Ballroom offer glimpses into the city’s cultural legacy. The city also houses the largest collection of Bil Baird puppets and an impressive American art collection at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. Other notable sites include a nature center, a pioneer village, and more.

For more details on the Park Inn Hotel, visit wrightonthepark.org/media-room, which includes a photo gallery and project overview. To explore Mason City’s attractions, visit visitmasoncityia.com .