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.

Would have got 5 stars but it's Rediculous how they cut back so much on the free popcorn on…read moreTuesday--like it cost them an arm and a leg!! For popcorn! Come on now!

another excellent experience with the theatre)))…read more thank you for playing some of the unpopular/controversial movies like Melania and Americana 2025 (Sydney Sweeney) To bad we can't petition Sydney Sweeney to play "Spider-Woman

I'm not sure if I came too early or what, but there really wasn't a lot of art exhibitors there…read more I'm guessing 15 max? A few booths were selling pottery, jewelry and other hand made items. Not many painting or photography vendors. Maybe it was too hot? I was told it started at 9 am.... I was there at 9:30 am. Plenty of people stood in line for the free pancake breakfast. Live music played while the people ate. There were tables that supplied crafts for kids to do and a big air inflatable slide to jump on. I walked the whole thing in less than 15 min. Something to do on a hot summer day.

What a delight was the arts festival! A great showcase for artists around the state and a wonderful…read morechance to showcase the art museum that is quite the gem for this small town. Tons of exhibitors with plenty to sell, live music from around the area, and delightful inflatable slide on which your child will squeal with delight for only $1 a slide! Money goes to a good cause so it's worth it right! Well worth going to and checking out.

A bit of American history inside an old movie theater. Kinda small but a lot of interesting…read morestories. $5.00 per person The volunteer was super friendly and taught us a little about the importance of hobos. Hobos were the traveling workers of the USA. They jumped trains to travel here and there looking for work. They were not bums. Bums were travelers who didn't not work. Hobos were the hard workers. This museum is dedicated to the men and women who died being a hobo. Their stories live on.

Closed for the season! October 11, 2022…read moreBoo?!? In town well, in Iowa and drove from Billy Holidays memorial. Would have liked to know they are closed and seasonal

It's a tiny, rural town and they have a movie theater? Everyone should be happy. The theater was…read morehuge, and ticket prices dirt cheap. The seats are in decent condition, the parking was easy, and the people were friendly. What else can you ask for? It's not perfect. The squeaky seat hinges could be silenced with a $5 can of WD-40. They could offer Twizzlers. But it's great for what it is.

For a life-long patron of big city theaters and having to always pay $9.50+ for each person, this…read moretheater was a breath of fresh air! Granted there is only one screen, so only one movie can be played at a time, but for the price and the grandness of the theater, I can't say I care. The candy is a little high for the size, but in relation to a big city theater, still cheap. The soft drinks were plentiful and cold and there were many other drink options as well. The only negative of the evening, was that the popcorn was stale. It was warm and buttery, just tasted like it had been reheated from a previous showing. And last, the seating, it's nothing to write home about, but still adds to the character and small town charm of the Forrest Theater. Some had scuffed backs from people putting their feet up, while others had tape holding the vinyl together, but all in all, I enjoyed seeing a film in this old-style theater.

Amazing local theatre. Very low prices and a friendly atmosphere! The decor is timeless and would…read morehighly recommend this business.

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.

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