Mason City, United States
North Iowa's Gateway to the World, with daily flights on United Express!
10 features verified at Mason City Municipal Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 9 am — usually as busy as it gets.
I flew a Cessna (or Piper- it's in my logbook) in and out of the airport 45 years ago. I have vivid memories of other aircraft taxiing and of seeing a sign near a runway, marking the location of where Holly, Valens, and The Big Bopper had their last moments alive on this Earth.
Best airport experience ever! From TSA to the flight attendant everybody was so nice and not a fake nice. Definitely will be using this airport again.
Thank you for your review and for Flying MCW!
Worst experience at this airport. Flight delayed 3 times, and then cancelled, and then they rebooked it to a late flight that would have caused an overnight layover which would not work. Reason given was weather in Chicago. It was only raining in Chicago. This is the second time this has happened here. After all that I had to handle the refund because the people here couldn't do it. I'll just go to DSM or MSP from now on.
I've been here for a couple of Third Thursdays now. One of the best, simple, recurring events in midwest aviation. No frills, just come, throw something on the grill (or share what others brought), and hang out.
Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW) is a regional airport serving the cities of Mason City and Clear Lake in north-central Iowa. It is primarily used by general aviation, including private pilots, corporate flights, and charter services. The airport also supports seasonal recreational travel, particularly for visitors heading to the Clear Lake area during summer and autumn. While it does not currently host scheduled commercial passenger flights, it remains an important gateway for business travellers and tourists who fly in on private aircraft. The facility is managed by the city of Mason City and provides a straightforward, no-frills experience typical of smaller regional airports.
The airport is located about five miles west of Mason City and approximately two miles east of Clear Lake, at 1000 34th Street SW in Clear Lake, Iowa. Its position along U.S. Highway 18 makes it easy to reach by car from either town. From Mason City, take 19th Street Southwest west to the airport entrance; from Clear Lake, head east on Highway 18. The airport is roughly 120 miles south of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, 100 miles north of Des Moines, and 70 miles west of Rochester, Minnesota. For those driving, parking is free and available on-site with both short-term and long-term spaces. There is no public transport directly serving the airport, so a car or taxi is the most practical option. Ride-sharing services may be limited in the area.
Mason City Municipal Airport offers a range of facilities aimed at passenger comfort and accessibility. The terminal is fully wheelchair-accessible, with designated parking spaces, an accessible entrance, and accessible toilets. For families travelling with infants, there is a nursing room and a changing table available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, allowing travellers to stay connected while waiting. Basic restroom facilities are clean and well maintained. Parking is free, with ample spaces for both short and long stays. The airport also has a small waiting area with seating. There are no on-site restaurants or shops, so visitors should bring their own snacks or plan to eat before arriving. The airport is not open 24 hours; its operating hours are limited, typically coinciding with daylight hours and flight schedules. It is advisable to check ahead if arriving late or early.
Clear Lake is one of Iowa's most popular resort destinations, centred around a natural glacial lake of the same name. The area is known for water sports, fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer, as well as ice fishing and skating in winter. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with parks, marinas, and vacation homes. Nearby Mason City is known for its Prairie School architecture, including several buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The historic Surf Ballroom, located just north of Clear Lake, is a renowned music venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper performed on their last night in 1959. The airport sees increased traffic during major events like the Fourth of July celebrations and the annual Clear Lake Art Sail. The surrounding North Iowa region is largely agricultural, with rolling farmland and wind turbines dominating the landscape. Travellers to Mason City Municipal Airport are often visiting for business related to agriculture, manufacturing, or healthcare, or for leisure at the lake.
The airport is not open every day; hours vary, but it generally operates from early morning to early evening. Peak activity is around 8–9 AM. For exact hours or to arrange after-hours access, call the airport office. Free parking is available on-site. No public transport serves the airport; a car is essential. For flight services, fuel and hangar space are available for general aviation. The airport has one runway and a small terminal. Always confirm your flight schedule directly with the operator, as there is no commercial airline counter.
Mason City Municipal Airport
Regional Airport providing the Fort Dodge and surrounding areas direct jet service on United Airlines to Chicago O'Hare and beyond.
Rochester, MN International Airport (RST) offers daily service to Minneapolis and Chicago through Delta and American Airlines. RST features on-site dining, skycap, car rentals, Mayo Clinic concierge, U.S. Customs, quiet rooms, free wi-fi, and more just minutes from downtown.
Des Moines International Airport serves as the gateway to the Des Moines Region and the great State of Iowa. As the largest airport in Iowa, located in the capital city, DSM welcomes people from all over the world. DSM is a commercial service airport located 5 miles south of downtown Des Moines. The airport's 2,600-acre campus includes two runways, 46 buildings, seven parking facilities, and the terminal. Six commercial airlines offer service from DSM: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest, Allegiant, and Frontier. The Des Moines Airport Authority manages the Airport. Learn more about DSM by visiting our website.
The La Crosse Regional Airport offers daily service to Minneapolis on Delta, Chicago on American, and Detroit on Delta starting March 2. The Airport features close parking, easy check-in, convenient daily flights to major hubs, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable atmosphere including in-seat electronic chargers, nursing room, children's play area and television.
Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) is the Metropolitan Airports Commission's flagship facility. MSP plays a vital role in helping the Twin Cities community thrive and is routinely ranked among North America's best and most efficient airports.
Wikipedia
More about Mason City Municipal Airport
Wikipedia
More about Mason City Municipal Airport
Regional Airport providing the Fort Dodge and surrounding areas direct jet service on United Airlines to Chicago O'Hare and beyond.
Rochester, MN International Airport (RST) offers daily service to Minneapolis and Chicago through Delta and American Airlines. RST features on-site dining, skycap, car rentals, Mayo Clinic concierge, U.S. Customs, quiet rooms, free wi-fi, and more just minutes from downtown.
Des Moines International Airport serves as the gateway to the Des Moines Region and the great State of Iowa. As the largest airport in Iowa, located in the capital city, DSM welcomes people from all over the world. DSM is a commercial service airport located 5 miles south of downtown Des Moines. The airport's 2,600-acre campus includes two runways, 46 buildings, seven parking facilities, and the terminal. Six commercial airlines offer service from DSM: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest, Allegiant, and Frontier. The Des Moines Airport Authority manages the Airport. Learn more about DSM by visiting our website.
The La Crosse Regional Airport offers daily service to Minneapolis on Delta, Chicago on American, and Detroit on Delta starting March 2. The Airport features close parking, easy check-in, convenient daily flights to major hubs, free Wi-Fi, and a comfortable atmosphere including in-seat electronic chargers, nursing room, children's play area and television.
Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) is the Metropolitan Airports Commission's flagship facility. MSP plays a vital role in helping the Twin Cities community thrive and is routinely ranked among North America's best and most efficient airports.