This place is amazing! We are from Los Angeles and love to find vernacular art/DIY places like…read morethis. If it were anywhere else besides a dead end street in Mason City, Iowa, it would be famous, like Watts Towers in LA or Salvation Mountain at Slab City, CA. The place is sprawling and has so many different moments, it was hard to take it all in. VERY cool and I hope the artist gets the recognition he deserves and that the city and neighbors appreciate the artistry found at Rancho Deluxe.

Unique artwork. Lots to see. Frequently changing and new art is there often. Right next to a trail…read morethat has some great views.

Amazing exhibits and the kindest people! I was given a free 76th anniversary book of all their past…read morepieces. What a hidden gem for this town, I cannot wait to go to their 90th anniversary celebration this June! They also offer pottery and painting classes, I will definitely be returning!

Was driving nearby Fort Dodge and looked for things to do. I love art museums, so of course I…read morestopped. Eric, the museum director, was very personable and informative. It is a very small museum, but nicely done. I really enjoyed the special exhibits.

This review is for the museum and the historical part of the place. The Surf Ballroom is best…read moreremembered as the final place that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper performed just hours before the tragic fatal plane crash. The place is not just a museum and landmark but it is mostly an events place as well as still being a music venue! The museum is self-guided and free, though donations are encouraged. They also have a souvenir shop so be prepared to spend some $$. But plan on at least an hour just looking around if you're a rock and roll history geek like me. Several photos on the wall and memorabilia. You'll be very surprised on who has played here - from the 1940s big bands to modern-day rock and pop/country acts. Be sure to step onto behind the stage as well as the green room. I could go on, but be sure to check this out for yourself sometime. Yes, the location is in central-northern Iowa, one of the least visited spots in the USA. It's between the Twin Cities and Des Moines, but driving all the way to Clear Lake to check this out is, in my mind, worth it. Check it out!

Wow...so much history here! I had no idea what I was walking into here...its definitely a must do…read morefor anyone with a love for music.

Very cool piece of architecture, start at the visitor center. The ladies are…read moreVery nice and Jean is great at answering your questions.

Enjoyed an excellent tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Stockman House located in Mason Iowa…read more Nancy was our fabulous guide. She is knowledge about the history of the house, its owners, and the role FLW played in its design. The hour long tour is well-worth the time to see, tour and learn about this national treasure. The house is modern, functional and ancient all at the same time. The word "timeless" seems a fitting way to capture this remarkable structure. If you ever have a reason to be in Iowa consider making the trek to take the tour. Once done step back into the gift shop and look at the array of miniature examples of other FLW buildings, purchase some postcards or a book. You will not be disappointed

The SPAM Museum did not disappoint! Such a fun and unique stop with so much history packed into one…read moreplace. We loved learning about the story behind SPAM, seeing all the exhibits, and of course getting to try the free samples! Even better, admission is completely FREE, which makes it an awesome stop if you're passing through the area. The staff really made the experience too--they were fun, friendly, helpful, and seemed genuinely excited to be there. Definitely one of those quirky places that ends up being way more fun than you expect. We had a blast and can't wait to go back!

We stopped at the SPAM Museum on a whim after seeing several signs for it while driving through the…read morearea, and we're glad we did. Admission is free, and while the museum isn't very large, it's surprisingly fun, engaging, and well put together. The exhibits cover the history of SPAM, its cultural impact, and include an impressive collection of memorabilia from throughout the years. Everything is presented in a lighthearted and interactive way, making it enjoyable even if you're not a die-hard SPAM fan. One unexpected highlight was trying the SPAMples, which we thought were delicious and a fun twist on the classic product. If you're passing through the area, this museum is definitely worth the stop. It's a unique roadside attraction that's entertaining, educational, and easy to enjoy in an hour or two.

10/10! The Gagnon Museum & Sculpture guided tour was truly a phenomenal experience. Our guide…read moreArlyn, truly brought each sculpture to life. She beautifully shared the events behind each artwork, educated us on the process and hard dedication that is involved in each sculpture. She shared fond memories behind each piece of art. I strongly recommend taking the time to learn and enjoy the experience at the Gagnon Museum.

One of Rochesters best kept secrets The Charles Gagnon…read moresculpture museum is amazing Arlyn is a wealth of knowledge and detailed historian with each piece of art. Beautifully displayed and in an inviting and peaceful sanctuary! A must see!

It's was a very interesting tour of the home. It is beautiful and has much of its original…read morearchitecture and decor. The guide, Grace ? I think, was very knowledgeable and passionate about her tour. She did a great job. She went the extra mile when we had problems with our uber driver getting lost and needing help. If you want to learn more about the history of the Mayo family and the Mayo Clinic from a more personal perspective this is a good stop for you. Especially during Christmas time, as the home is decorated similar to the decor from when the family lived there.

Grace Mattress was the best tour guide ever! The mansion was decorated for Christmas and was…read moreabsolutely enchanting!

What a delightful find in Owatonna! The Arts Center is connected to the Minnesota State Home for…read moreOrphaned and Neglected Children Museum, so it was nice to be able to see both organizations in one stop. The artwork is varied and beautiful. We enjoyed a temporary bronze exhibit before moving onto galleries that had work for sale. Between paintings and textile wallhangings, there was something for everything to be inspired by and enjoy looking at. Of particular interest was a ceiling mural in the library. There are so many images and vignettes to discover. The transition area between the Arts Center and Museum was the State Home's dining area. The black-and-white tile floor is still there and gorgeous stained glass panels are along the walls. This was an enjoyable stop during my time in Owatonna. I will return the next time I am in town.

The Owatonna Arts Center is a wonderful place that doesn't get the attention it deserves, It's…read morelocated in the West Hills area among the stately old buildings scattered across the immaculately maintained grounds, The exhibit area has recently moved to a new addition, but the interior still holds true to the classic old look. Each month the subject of the largest exhibit area changes. It's currently one artist's tribute to the farm women of southern Minnesota, all based on meeting and observing them. I grew up on a farm and a lot of these images ring true. Many of them remind me so much of people I knew. There's also a small room that replicates an old Englishman's library or den. As you tip your head back you see that the upper walls and ceiling are an incredible mural. It probably won't take more than an hour to see everything, but you'll enjoy it. The surrounding West Hills area is beautiful. They are open every afternoon except Monday and the admission is free.

What I like best about this place is the cave tours they offer. The Stoppel family dug these caves…read morein the sandstone outcroppings in the 1800s. Some old dates and rather interesting graffiti inside.

My wife and I and a couple of relatives were in Rochester for a wedding and needed something to do…read morefor an afternoon. I lived here for a few years and never knew the history museum was here because I never really made it to this side of town. The museum part is pretty small but informative, but the outside features are cool. You can tour an old farm house and an old school. There is a lot of history about the Mayo Clinic, which I didn't really know about and you can do the whole thing in about an hour. We had a nice place to kill a couple of hours and I am glad we did.

Spending time at Kelly Gau studio is one of life's best gifts. She is hilarious, sweet and patient…read morewith adults and kids a like. Many have found her studio as a place of healing. Fun classes and fun pieces to purchase as well.