McIntosh Woods State Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Surf Ballroom & Museum is a historic venue located in Clear Lake, Iowa. It is known for its significance in the history of rock and roll and is closely associated with the last performance of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson before their tragic plane crash in 1959.

Clear Lake is the name of a natural spring fed body of water located in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa near Clear Lake, Iowa. It is approximately 3,684 acres (15 km2) in size. It is a popular fishing destination, with walleye, yellow bass and channel catfish. People from Des Moines and Minneapolis–Saint Paul have had homes on the shores of the lake since the 1870s.

The Buddy Holly Crash Site is a historical location near Clear Lake, Iowa, where a tragic plane crash occurred on February 3, 1959. The crash resulted in the deaths of three influential rock and roll musicians: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The incident is widely known as "The Day the Music Died."

Nestled in the heart of the Hawkeye State, Pilot Knob State Park stands as a pristine testament to Iowa's natural beauty and outdoor allure. Spanning over 700 acres, this enchanting park offers visitors a serene escape into the embrace of unspoiled landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

Parker's Woods is a recreational park located in Mason City, Iowa, United States. It was listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. At the time of its nomination it contained three resources, which included one contributing building, one contributing site, and one structure. It contains 13 acres of land along Willow Creek. The park features picnic areas, three tennis courts, volleyball court, basketball courts, playgrounds, and fishing in Willow Creek.

Elmwood-St. Joseph Municipal Cemetery, located in Mason City, Iowa, is a historic cemetery that serves as the final resting place for many individuals in the community. The cemetery holds historical significance within the community, with burials dating back to earlier periods. Many of the interred individuals may have played roles in the development and history of Mason City.