This was a fantastic museum to stumble upon in Mason City. We could have spent longer here looking…read moreat everything (but we were pressed for time). Bil Baird's puppets were my absolute favorite permanent collection. Such a variety of puppets - you'll even get to see some of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music from 1965. (If you've seen the movie, you'll recognize them immediately.) MacNider has the most extensive Bil Baird puppet collection anywhere in the world; I suspect it's because Bil grew up in Mason City. The museum resides in a Tudor-style home, previously a private residence and a convent. The house has gone through several renovations over the years. The original staircase is beautiful. The art outside the museum between it and the library is neat, too. If you're going to Mason City, take advantage of MacNider! Free admission.

Such a great museum. A must see when visiting Mason City…read more It's FREE, so no worries if you've just spent all your money at the local ice-cream shop. Donations only. Full of rich history and great exhibits. They even have a small gift shop with items made from local artist. Upstairs the Bill Baird puppets are on display. If you don't know who Bill Baird is, he's the guy who created the puppets for the movie.... The Sound Of Music. They have an Imagination playground for younger children and even a few local exhibits from artists all over the Mid-West. Some of the local exhibits change monthly. They also offer art classes like painting and pottery. Fun place to visit.

This venue is fabulous for events! The owners are great to work with, the venue is beautiful,…read moreversatile and very clean. 10/10 recommend it!

From the owner: Services: Air Conditioned Barn, Baby Showers, Birthday…read moreParties, Bridal Showers, Corporate Events, Decorating Services, Event Venue, Graduation Parties, Outdoor Ceremony, Party Bus, Private Parties, Shuttle Services, Venue with Water Feature, wedding venue with creek, Weddings. Location Facts; On-Site Parking

This is a very nice place. Has a full blown kitchen to use with all the newest appliances. It was…read morevery clean. There were ample table and chairs out with more in the back room. The only thing is that being from Waterloo I wish it was closer. 10 minute drive. Not bad though.

From the owner: Venue 422 is the ideal event space for parties of 100 people or less. Great for wedding showers,…read morebaby showers, birthdays, graduations, retirement parties, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, meeting and family gatherings and holiday parties. We’re located in the downtown area in Hudson. Just minutes from Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

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.

I absolutely love the Moscato ! Pineapple ..yum I wish I…read morehad bought more than the one bottle ... can not wait to go back and get a couple more !! Friendly black lab will greet you when you pull up . What a sweetheart.

Really cool place, great variety of wines, and friendly and knowledgeable people with a passion for…read morewhat they do.

The Waterloo Elk's Lodge is available for anyone to host an event in the facility whether you are a…read moremember or not. The staff can assist you to make things happen without membership. This is an historic building that has been available in the community for many years. It has recently undergone total renovation with up-to-date and lovely furnishings and decor. The building is also 100% wheelchair or handicap accessible from the parking lot entrance onto all building levels of which there are five. There are a variety of room sizes available to choose from so you won't be a small group in a huge room, everything is quite versatile. If you can imagine it, the staff at the Waterloo Elk's Lodge can help make it happen for you or your group. We have hosted &/or attended a wide range of events in the building through the years. From small intimate family gatherings, wedding receptions, scout ceremonies, graduation receptions, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, committee and luncheon meetings, political rallies and dinners, fundraisers, HS proms, sports banquets, gala events, class reunions, celebration of life events, funeral dinners, wine tastings, Christmas parties. Any event is guaranteed to be enjoyable. We have never been disappointed. You will find the management team is delightful to work with. The chef and kitchen staff are extremely knowledgeable and do a wonderful job with meal service. We have never been disappointed with our food. The wait Staff are Personable and accommodating. The bartenders can make any kind of drink you want from the stock on hand. Each room is nicely appointed, but you are welcome to bring your own decorations and accessories, if you wish. So if you have an event coming up that you need to host in the community consider The Waterloo Elk's Lodge. If you can imagine or dream it, the staff can help you make it a memorable event in your budget large or small at the Elk's Lodge hall.

While the building is beautiful and most of the staff were great, the bartender and "security" were…read moreincredibly rude to the bride and entire bridal party. They spent A LOT of money to have their wedding there and were disrespectful all night and made everyone feel uncomfortable. The bartender refused to prioritize the bridal party for drinks, halting them from being able to take photos in a timely manner. They asked for a ton of money to only have one bartender on staff for a very large group of people, so there was a significant line for drinks all night. The security guard was creepily checking out the women all night while at the same time being incredibly rude and unprofessional. We had actual police officers in attendance as guests, and even they couldn't believe how Paul Blart was acting. He was overheard asking the bartender "when is this thing over, I don't get why these things last this long." When the bridal party went to do a check to collect the rest of their belongings before leaving for the night, he stated a bunch of them were "fooling around" in the basement. Someone who clearly has never been invited to a party or a wedding in their life should not be tasked with this. Not to mention he gets paid $300 to be there. Even pacing up on the stage staring everyone down while we ate dinner. You would think he would be more concerned with waiting by the entrance to ensure there weren't people going to be drinking and driving (his job) instead of ogling the women and treating/questioning all the guests, pulling them out from the dance floor to interrogate them like a wanna be cop. Pay 7k to this place if you want to be treated poorly and your guests to be treated poorly on the most important day of your life.