 There are many recreational opportunities in Mason City and the surrounding area. Mason City has a little of something to offer every recreation enthusiast. Hiking is a popular choice for many area residents. The River City Green Belt Trail system extends from Coolidge Avenue in Mason City to the Lime Creek Nature Center nestled atop the limestone bluffs of the Winnebago River. The Winnebago Trail begins at East Park in Mason City and ends at Lime Creek as well. Once at Lime Creek Nature Center, you will discover over eight miles of trails to enjoy, through prairie, forest and wetland habitats.
Spring, summer and fall are full of both organized sporting events and other outdoor activities. Join in a friendly game of baseball, softball, basketball, soccer,  volleyball, tennis or golf. Skateboard enthusiasts can show off their skills at Ray Rorick Skate Park. Enjoy our Midwestern summers by swimming – jump in one of the area pools or ride the water slide at the newly renovated Mason City Aquatic Center. Go fishing, boating or horseback riding in many areas in the county. Camping is a great way to experience nature. There are several campgrounds, one being in Mason City with several others in outlying areas. Bicycle on one of the trails, picnic or pitch some horseshoes at one of several parks in Mason City and Clear Lake.
winter brings snow and ice sports to the area. Ice hockey, figure skating and ice fishing are favorite sports in North Iowa. The North Iowa Ice Arena, McIntosh Woods, Linn Grove in Rockwell and Marian Park Ice Rink in Clear Lake are more skating destinations in the county. The North Iowa Outlaws, NAHL team plays at the North Iowa Ice Arena. The area’s extensive trail system is perfect for cross-country skiing during the winter months, and East Park is the ideal destination for sledding. The areas around Clear Lake, McIntosh Woods, and Wilkinson Pioneer in Rock Falls or Shellrock River draw plenty of snowmobile enthusiasts.
Those preferring indoor activities during the winter months and throughout the year have plenty of choices. The Mason City Family YMCA offers aerobic classes; fitness, personal and strength training; racquetball; swimming; Tae Kwon Do; tumbling; and volleyball. There are movie theatres and bowling alleys in both Mason City and Clear Lake, archery at the Mohawk Indoor Archery Club, and indoor tennis courts at the North Iowa Tennis Club.
If you would rather be a spectator, you will be delighted with the options. High school athletes in Mason City and nearby schools are perennial powers in football, basketball, track, baseball, cross country, volleyball, and swimming. The North Iowa Area Community College offers a full compliment of exciting college sports as well. |
