Tours of the Historic Park Inn Hotel cost $5 and are offered Thursday, Friday and Sunday (1-641-423-0689; www.wright onthepark.org).

Other architectural hotspots are east of downtown in a leafy residential neighborhood. The Stockman House (1-641-421-3666; www.stockmanhouse.org), another Wright-designed Prairie School gem, offers guided tours in late May through October.

Eight Prairie School homes built by Wright's colleagues are in the Rock Crest/Rock Glen National Historic District. Buy a walking tour guide at the Architectural Interpretive Center (www.mcarchitecture.org; hours are limited so check in advance) or the Chamber of Commerce (1-641-423-5724; www.masoncityia.com).

Where to eat: Chop is a stylish, moderately priced restaurant (1-641-201-1010). Birdsall's Ice Cream is an original 1930s parlor downtown (1-641-423-5365). For a casual spot with light fare, head to Ralph's Garden Café (1-641-422-9902).

BETSY RUBINER