My Local Guide

Lake Country, Prairie Architecture, North Iowa Energy

Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Cerro Gordo County brings together the cultural and commercial energy of Mason City, the lakefront character of Clear Lake, and the farms, prairies, trails, and smaller communities of north-central Iowa. Visitors can explore internationally significant Prairie School architecture, music history, museums, parks, a major natural lake, and an extensive county conservation system. For residents, the county is a regional center for health care, education, shopping, transportation, and public services.

Cerro Gordo County at a Glance

Population42,372 (2025 estimate)
County SeatMason City
Largest CityMason City
Established1851
ZIP CodesMultiple ZIP Codes across 10 incorporated communities
Total AreaAbout 575 sq. mi. total
Major RoutesI-35, U.S. 18, U.S. 65, Iowa 122
Area Code641
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Cerro Gordo County

Cerro Gordo County

Cerro Gordo County was established in 1851 in north-central Iowa, with Mason City serving as the county seat. Its name traces to the Battle of Cerro Gordo in the Mexican-American War. The county developed through agriculture, railroads, manufacturing, regional trade, and natural-resource industries, while Mason City became known for Prairie School architecture and Clear Lake grew into one of Iowa's best-known lake destinations.

Today, Cerro Gordo County blends a regional urban center with lake living, small towns, farmland, and outdoor recreation. Mason City offers arts, architecture, health care, education, shopping, and entertainment, while Clear Lake draws visitors for boating, fishing, beaches, festivals, and the Surf Ballroom. County parks, trails, wildlife areas, and nature centers extend that outdoor access well beyond the two largest communities.

What Shapes Us

Prairie Heritage

Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie School landmarks, music history, museums, and preserved downtown districts give the county an unusually rich architectural and cultural identity.

Lake & Land

Clear Lake, fertile farmland, limestone landscapes, wetlands, forests, and wildlife areas shape both the county's scenery and its recreation.

Regional Hub

Mason City anchors health care, higher education, retail, employment, arts, and transportation for a broad North Iowa region.

Lake life, prairie roots, communities built to connect.
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Cerro Gordo County

Our County - Our Stories
Cerro Gordo County Wire

Cerro Gordo County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Cerro Gordo County

Stories from every corner of Cerro Gordo County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
CERRO GORDO COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find trusted government, school, health, safety, recreation, transportation, library, court, veteran, and employment resources serving communities throughout Cerro Gordo County.

Government

Cerro Gordo County Government
County departments, supervisors, public notices, meetings, forms, and services.
Official Website
Phone: 641-421-3000

Cerro Gordo County Departments
Direct directory of county departments and officials.
Official Website

City of Mason City
Municipal services, city departments, meetings, projects, and resident information.
Official Website

City of Clear Lake
Municipal services, council information, utilities, parks, permits, and local government.
Official Website

State of Iowa
State agencies, online services, programs, and public information.
Official Website

Iowa Legislature
State laws, bills, legislative information, and district resources.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

Quick answers for visiting, living, exploring, and getting around Cerro Gordo County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Get practical answers about Clear Lake, Mason City, local architecture, outdoor recreation, events, dining, shopping, and county life.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

From lakefront adventures and music history to architecture, trails, shops, museums, and local restaurants, Cerro Gordo County gives you plenty of ways to make a day of it.

Kids’ Fun

  1. The Music Man Square
  2. Lime Creek Nature Center
  3. Clear Lake Arts Center
  4. Clear Lake State Park
  5. Lake Theater

Restaurants

  1. Northwestern Steakhouse
  2. Starboard Market
  3. Ge-Jo’s By the Lake
  4. Bennigan’s Clear Lake
  5. Cabin Coffee Company – Clear Lake

Shopping & Retail

  1. Larson’s Mercantile
  2. Clear Lake Arts Center Gift Shop
  3. Ralphene’s & Legacy Antiques
  4. Clear Lake Gift Shop
  5. Wright on the Park Gift Shop

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Moorman Clothiers
  2. Unique Boutique
  3. Weathered Elements
  4. Grace & Strength Boutique
  5. Just Dani Boutique & Color Studio

Outdoor Fun

  1. Clear Lake State Park
  2. McIntosh Woods State Park
  3. Lime Creek Conservation Area
  4. Shellrock River Greenbelt
  5. Prairie Land Trail

Free Things To Do

  1. Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District
  2. Central Gardens of North Iowa
  3. Mason City Riverwalk District
  4. Clear Lake City Park & Lakefront
  5. Lime Creek Conservation Area Trails
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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