Driving Through the Heartland

Driving Through the Heartland

Mason City’s Must-See Sites Along the Jefferson Highway

Go for a drive on Iowa’s picturesque northern portion of the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway. This stretch of road takes visitors on a camera-worthy journey past the man-made wonders of the Midwest in Mason City.

How did a town in northern Iowa become a Midwestern architectural mecca?

Mason City is home to the largest collection of Prairie School-style homes in a single neighborhood, making it the perfect place to pull off the highway and take a look around.

The Origins of River City

Mason City’s place in American culture is not only defined by architectural giant Frank Lloyd Wright. The seat of Cerro Gordo County found its way onto radios and televisions across the country through the musical works of Meredith Willson.