As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
There are many hidden gems to be discovered in Iowa, from restaurants to scenic parks to unique attractions. And, of course, there are amazing hotels where you can get away from it all and forget about the rest of the world for awhile. The Historic Park Inn is located in Mason City, and it is the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel in the world. It has been internationally renowned as an architectural wonder, and it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
This historic and architectural treasure is truly one-of-a-kind, and you’re definitely going to want to visit and experience its magic for yourself.
Entering the hotel makes you feel like you stepped back in time.
Originally built in 1910, The Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank are adjacent buildings that were both designed in the Prairie School style by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Over the years, renovations and repurposing of the building had started to erode the original beauty of the hotel’s architecture. Thanks to numerous grants, a project to restore the building to its former glory was completed in 2011.
The elegance and simplicity of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design aesthetic was beautifully maintained in the hotel’s extensive 18 million dollar interior and exterior renovation.
The hotel features many beautiful Prairie School design elements, like stained glass skylights, horizontal lines thought to evoke the native prairie landscape, and stunning handcrafted woodwork.
They also added modern amenities to make visitors’ stay as convenient and comfortable as possible, with wi-fi, flat-screen T.V.s, a fitness center and more. The guest rooms continue the hotel’s unique architectural details throughout.
The hotel also features a 1910 lounge, with adjoining billiards and wine rooms, where you can hang out and enjoy craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails and wine.
For more Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, make sure to pay a visit to the Stockman House Museum. The house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was built in 1908.