Deepen the experience of your visit!

Duration

1.5 Hours

About

Join us on a 90-minute guided tour and find out why Mason City, Iowa, was ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of ""The World’s 20 Best Cities for Architecture Lovers"" and the world's 8th most important architectural destination by the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine. Discover the beauty and artistry of the largest collection of Prairie School-style homes set amidst a picturesque natural landscape.

Though Mason City is home to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties, the Stockman House and City National Bank & Park Inn Hotel, more had been planned. Wright's departure to Europe in 1910 put a halt to these plans, paving the way for other Prairie School architects, many of them former Wright associates, to make their mark in Mason City. Marion Mahony Griffin, Walter Burley Griffin, Barry Byrne, William Drummond, and local architect Einar Broaten joined forces to create Rock Crest – Rock Glen, the first planned Prairie School development in America, located along both sides of Willow Creek.

Scheduled tours depart seasonally from the Historic Park Inn Hotel between May 1 and September 30, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 9:00 AM. Appointments can be made for other times. The tour lasts 90 minutes and covers 1.3 miles over uneven terrain. We recommend booking tours in advance."

Tour Highlights:

"1908: Wright designs and builds the Stockman House, his third ""Fireproof House""

1910: William Drummond designs the Curtis Yelland House on River Heights Drive

1912-14: Walter Burley Griffin designs and builds the Arthur Rule, Harry Page, Joshua Melson (castle), and James E. Blythe Houses

1914-16: Griffin designs and Barry Byrne supervises the construction of the Sam Schneider and Hugh Gilmore Houses

1914-16: Einar Broaten designs and builds the Samuel Davis Drake House on Rock Crest

1917: Barry Byrne designs the C. F. Franke House

1959: Wright apprentice Curtis Besinger designs the Usonian House for Tom MacNider"

Weather Policy

Rock Crest – Rock Glen walking tours take place rain or shine. In case of a predicted major weather event, we may cancel tours in advance. Cancellations will be published on social media, and ticket holders will be notified and offered an exchange or refund. Refunds are not provided if a tour proceeds despite unfavorable weather.

Additional Info

The tour covers 1.3 miles over uneven terrain and is not wheelchair accessible A moderate physical fitness level is recommended Tours operate in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately (see weather policy) Restroom facilities are available at the Historic Park Inn Hotel; use them before the tour's departure

Departure Point:

Walking tours depart from the Historic Park Inn at 9:00 AM."