Did you know there’s only one Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel left in the entire world? Here’s what’s even more surprising: it’s not in Chicago, New York, or any architectural mecca—it’s hiding in Mason City, Iowa, a town of just 27,000 people.

When the legendary architect said, “The mission of an architect is to help people understand how to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life,” he might not have imagined his vision would be preserved in this unexpected corner of the Midwest.

In 2022, I had the privilege of experiencing this architectural gem firsthand during the Midwest Travel Bloggers Conference. Like most visitors, I was initially shocked to discover such a significant architectural treasure in small-town Iowa.

As someone who’s only visited one other Wright-designed building before (the Bachman Wilson House at Crystal Bridges Art Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas), I was captivated by the chance to not just tour—but actually sleep, dine, and relax—in a living piece of architectural history that most people don’t even know exists.

9 Extraordinary Reasons to Experience the Historic Park Inn

1. Perfect Midwestern Road Trip Destination

Mason City sits at the ideal crossroads for Midwest travelers—exactly two hours from both Des Moines and Minneapolis, just off I-35. This North Iowa gem is also a quick ten-minute drive from Clear Lake and about three hours from Eastern Iowa.

Its strategic location makes it the perfect anchor for an architecture-themed road trip or a fascinating stopover on your Midwest journey.

2. Sleep Inside Living History: The World’s Last Surviving Wright Hotel

Where else can you say you’ve slept in a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece? Nowhere—because the Historic Park Inn stands alone as the sole surviving hotel designed by America’s most famous architect. Wright designed six hotels in his lifetime, but only five were built, and this is the only one that remains.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1910 marvel was originally conceived as a multipurpose building that would house:

• City National Bank
• Law offices for J.E.E. Markley and James Blythe (who brought Wright to Mason City)
• Retail shops
• A restaurant
• The Park Inn Hotel

The original hotel featured 43 modest 10×10 rooms, each with a single bed, dresser, sink, and shared bathrooms. While most of those tiny rooms are gone, one remains as a historical testament to the original design.

3. Experience a $18.5 Million Architectural Resurrection

The Park Inn’s story isn’t just about brilliance—it’s about resilience. After its glory days, the building suffered a dramatic decline. The bank went bankrupt in 1921 during the farming crisis, underwent a major redesign in 1926, ceased hotel operations in 1972, briefly became apartments, and was eventually abandoned completely.

The dilapidated structure seemed destined for demolition until 2005, when a passionate group of citizens formed the nonprofit “Wright on the Park” and embarked on an ambitious restoration project. Six years and an astonishing $18.5 million later, the Historic Park Inn reopened in summer 2011, transformed from eyesore to icon.

Today’s hotel features 27 unique rooms with cubist lighting, Wright-inspired carpets, comfortable beds, and thankfully, private bathrooms! Walking through the meticulously restored spaces, you can feel the reverence for Wright’s vision in every detail.

Check out another favorite historic hotel – the Hotel Julien in Dubuque hotel in this post!

4. Discover the Fascinating Human Story Behind the Design

The Historic Park Inn isn’t just architecturally significant—it’s rich with human drama. At 5’7″, Frank Lloyd Wright was not a tall man, and according to local lore, he somewhat derisively considered anyone taller “a weed.”

More significantly, Wright never saw this hotel completed. After falling in love with a client’s wife and taking her to Europe (instead of his own wife), he became persona non grata in many circles, including Mason City. This explains why the building doesn’t bear his iconic red signature stamp. Instead, his colleague William Drummond completed the construction.

As you run your hand along the original woodwork or gaze up at the distinctive lighting fixtures, you’re touching a building that bridges the brilliant and tumultuous life of America’s most famous architect.

5. Explore the World’s Largest Collection of Prairie School Architecture

Who would have guessed that this small North Iowa town harbors the world’s largest collection of Prairie School architecture in a single setting? The Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District, within easy walking distance of the hotel, offers a stunning array of architecturally significant homes.

I highly recommend booking the guided walking tour from Wright on the Park ($10 per person) to fully appreciate these treasures, including:

• The Curtis Yelland Home designed by William Drummond
• The Joshua G. Melson House with its harmonious integration into the landscape
• The Blythe Home featuring Prairie School design with Mayan influences
• A Rock Crest Usonian Home showcasing Wright’s vision for affordable Depression-era housing
• The George C. and Eleanor Stockman House—the only Wright-designed home in Mason City

The Stockman House has its own fascinating preservation story. When the Methodist Church wanted to expand its parking lot over the home in 1989, the house was sold for just $1 and physically moved from its original location!

6. Immerse Yourself in Unexpected Artistic Treasures

Mason City’s artistic offerings extend well beyond architecture. As you walk downtown, you’ll discover the 1.7-mile River City Sculptures on Parade loop featuring rotating sculptures and murals by artists from across the country. From June through September, visitors can vote for “The People’s Choice Award,” with the winning sculpture purchased by the city as a permanent addition to the collection.

The MacNider Art Museum holds another delightful surprise for music lovers—the original Lonely Goatherd marionettes from “The Sound of Music” are displayed among an impressive collection of puppets by Bil Baird (another Mason City native). With interactive exhibits and free admission, this museum is particularly excellent for families.

5. Because You Appreciate the Arts

If you like art, you’re in for a treat in Mason City. A highlight of walking around downtown Mason City is the 1.7 mile River City Sculptures on Parade loop. Featuring sculptures and murals by artists from around the country, kids will love this trail as much as adults!

From June to September each year, guests are asked to vote on their favorite sculpture to pick “The People’s Choice Award.” The winning sculpture will be purchased by the city to become the newest permanent addition to the sculpture walk!

7. Savor Unexpectedly Excellent Cuisine

After exploring Mason City’s architectural and artistic wonders, you’ll discover the town’s impressive culinary scene. Don’t miss these standout dining experiences:

Northwestern Steakhouse
A Mason City institution for over 100 years, this historic steakhouse made Travel Iowa’s list of 99 Restaurants to Try. The Greek-influenced steaks and signature spaghetti side dish are legendary—the perfectly prepared meat truly “cuts like butter.”
304 16th Street NW | 641.423.5075

The Markley & Blythe Tavern
Located inside the Historic Park Inn itself, this restaurant offers seasonally driven cuisine sourced from local farmers whenever possible. Dining here connects you directly to the building’s history—it’s named after the two men who brought Wright to Mason City.

The Draftsman
Tucked in the hotel’s basement, this cozy spot features comfortable seating, billiards, historic photographs, delicious charcuterie boards, and craft cocktails. The atmosphere perfectly complements a day of architectural exploration.

Blue Heron Bar & Grill
Known for their “Wish You Were in Vegas” Bloody Mary and the Blue Heron Deluxe Burger, this local favorite hand-cuts and batters all their appetizers. The Fried Green Pepper Rings come highly recommended!
1401 N Federal Ave | 641.201.8561

8. Walk in the Footsteps of “The Music Man”

Mason City proudly celebrates its connection to Meredith Willson, the accomplished musician, flautist, composer, and author of “The Music Man” musical. Music Man Square features an impressive indoor replica cityscape set in 1910 “River City,” complete with a museum dedicated to Willson, an ice cream parlor, and a movie theater.

This Juilliard-trained musician composed many famous pieces, including the Iowa Fight Song. Be sure to visit his meticulously preserved Victorian-style boyhood home adjacent to Music Man Square—just remember to follow the tour guidelines to avoid getting your group in trouble (as I unfortunately did by wandering ahead!).

9. Enjoy Excitement and Peace in One Spot

The Historic Park Inn offers that rare balance of stimulating exploration and peaceful retreat. After days filled with architectural discoveries, artistic appreciation, and culinary delights, you’ll return to a serene space where Wright’s genius manifests in the perfect blend of functionality and beauty.

As evening falls, sink into one of the reproduction barrel chairs in the common areas, perhaps with a drink from The Draftsman, and feel the intentional “compression and release” that Wright famously designed into his spaces. The Prairie Style windows filter the fading light in geometric patterns across the authentic Gustav Stickley furniture, creating a meditative end to your day of discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is staying at the Historic Park Inn worth the price?
Absolutely. While rates range from $150-$215 per night, the unique experience of sleeping in a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—combined with the hotel’s comfort, location, and historical significance—makes it an exceptional value.

How far in advance should I book?
For weekend stays, especially during summer and fall, booking 2-3 months ahead is recommended. Weekday reservations can sometimes be made with less notice.

Can I just visit without staying overnight?
Yes! The hotel offers guided tours for non-guests, though staying overnight provides the fullest experience of Wright’s architectural vision.

Is it family-friendly?
While the hotel welcomes children, the historical nature of the property and its furnishings makes it better suited for families with older children who can appreciate the architectural significance.

Experience Wright’s Vision For Yourself

Frank Lloyd Wright once said architecture should “make life more beautiful.” At the Historic Park Inn, you don’t just observe this philosophy—you live within it, if only for a night or two. From the moment you step into the meticulously restored lobby until you reluctantly check out, you’re part of a living legacy that connects you to one of history’s greatest architectural minds.

Have you visited Mason City or stayed at the Historic Park Inn? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re planning a Midwest adventure, don’t miss these related articles:

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