Cities and Towns in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Cerro Gordo County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Cerro Gordo County was formed from Floyd County. The city of Mason City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, Cerro Gordo County has a population of 42,706 and area of 568 square miles (1,471 km²).
List of all cities in Cerro Gordo County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Burchinal, IA | 50469 | 641 |
| Cartersville, IA | 50469 | 641 |
| Central Heights, IA | 50401 | 641 |
| Clear Lake, IA | 50428 | 641 |
| Dougherty, IA | 50433 | 641 |
| Emery, IA | 50401 | 641 |
| Freeman, IA | 50401 | 641 |
| Hanford, IA | 50401 | 641 |
| Mason City, IA | 50401 | 641 |
| Mason City, IA | 50402 | 641 |
| Meservey, IA | 50457 | 641 |
| Plymouth, IA | 50464 | 641 |
| Portland, IA | 50401 | 641 |
| Rock Falls, IA | 50467 | 641 |
| Rockwell, IA | 50469 | 641 |
| Swaledale, IA | 50477 | 641 |
| Thornton, IA | 50479 | 641 |
| Ventura, IA | 50482 | 641 |
| Winnebago Heights, IA | 50401 | 641 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Mason City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 28.10 square miles
- Population: 27,338 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50401, 50402
- Latitude: 43.1536° N
- Longitude: 93.2010° W
Location and History
Mason City, the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, is located in north-central Iowa along U.S. Highway 18 and Interstate 35. Founded in 1853, the city was originally known as Shibboleth but was renamed Mason City in 1855 after a key surveyor, Mason Long. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mason City became a significant industrial and commercial hub in northern Iowa, driven by its cement production and meatpacking industries. The city is famously known as the hometown of composer Meredith Willson, who immortalized it as “River City” in his Broadway musical The Music Man.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mason City is served by the Mason City Community School District, with Mason City High School and John Adams Middle School as major institutions. Landmarks include the historic Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Meredith Willson Boyhood Home. Music enthusiasts can visit the Music Man Square, which celebrates the life and work of Willson. East Park, located along Willow Creek, provides ample space for recreation and festivals, while the Lime Creek Nature Center offers nature trails and educational programs. The North Iowa Events Center hosts the North Iowa Fair, drawing visitors for exhibitions and entertainment.
Clear Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 13.44 square miles
- Population: 7,687 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50428
- Latitude: 43.1361° N
- Longitude: 93.3780° W
Location and History
Clear Lake is located in western Cerro Gordo County, adjacent to its namesake natural lake. The city, founded in 1851, grew as a resort town due to its picturesque location on Clear Lake, which became a popular destination for boating, fishing, and vacationing. The railroad’s arrival in the late 19th century spurred growth, turning Clear Lake into a bustling tourist destination. Over the years, Clear Lake has maintained its reputation as a popular vacation spot while also serving as a year-round residential community with a strong connection to outdoor recreation and tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clear Lake is part of the Clear Lake Community School District, with Clear Lake High School being the primary secondary education institution. The town is home to several well-known landmarks, including the historic Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly performed his last concert in 1959 before the tragic plane crash that killed him, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson. The Clear Lake State Park offers swimming, boating, and camping, making it a popular summer destination. The annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring one of the largest fireworks displays in Iowa, draws thousands of visitors to the lake each year.
Ventura
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.12 square miles
- Population: 717 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50482
- Latitude: 43.1291° N
- Longitude: 93.4958° W
Location and History
Ventura is a small town located on the western shore of Clear Lake, about 6 miles west of Clear Lake city. The town was founded in 1893, and its proximity to Clear Lake has made it a quiet residential area and summer retreat for visitors looking to enjoy the lake’s recreational activities. Ventura developed primarily as a lakeside community, with fishing, boating, and tourism playing significant roles in its local economy. Over the years, it has grown into a close-knit town where residents enjoy both lakefront living and small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ventura is part of the Clear Lake Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Clear Lake. Key landmarks include Ventura Cove, a popular spot for fishing and boating on Clear Lake, and the Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area, which provides opportunities for birdwatching and hiking. The town hosts an annual Ventura Old Settlers celebration, which features parades, games, and community activities. Ventura’s peaceful, scenic location along the lake continues to attract visitors and residents seeking outdoor activities and a slower pace of life.
Rockwell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.03 square miles
- Population: 1,039 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50469
- Latitude: 42.9800° N
- Longitude: 93.1902° W
Location and History
Rockwell is situated in southern Cerro Gordo County, about 10 miles south of Mason City, along U.S. Highway 65. Established in 1855, Rockwell developed as a small agricultural community, providing services to local farms and businesses. The town grew steadily throughout the late 19th century due to its strategic location along the railroad, which facilitated the shipment of agricultural products. Rockwell has preserved its rural roots, with farming remaining a central part of the town’s economy, while also serving as a residential area for those commuting to Mason City and nearby areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rockwell is part of the West Fork Community School District, with West Fork High School located in the town. Key landmarks include Linn Grove Park, which offers recreational amenities like sports fields and picnic areas, and the Rockwell Public Library, a historic building that serves as a community hub. The annual Rockwell City Days festival brings residents together with parades, games, and live entertainment, celebrating the town’s history and community spirit. The surrounding agricultural landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.
Thornton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.00 square miles
- Population: 419 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50479
- Latitude: 42.9442° N
- Longitude: 93.3822° W
Location and History
Thornton is a small town located in southwestern Cerro Gordo County, about 18 miles southwest of Mason City. Founded in the late 19th century, Thornton developed as an agricultural center, with its growth fueled by the railroad, which facilitated the transport of grain and livestock to larger markets. Like many small Iowa towns, Thornton has retained its agricultural roots, with farming remaining a significant part of the local economy. The town’s quiet atmosphere and close-knit community make it an appealing place for rural living.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Thornton is also part of the West Fork Community School District, with West Fork Middle School located in town. Notable landmarks include Thornton City Park, which serves as a gathering place for local events and recreational activities. The town celebrates its heritage with Thornton Fun Days, an annual event featuring parades, games, and food that draws residents from across the county. Thornton’s rural surroundings offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in nearby streams and woodlands.
Plymouth
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.34 square miles
- Population: 382 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50464
- Latitude: 43.2451° N
- Longitude: 93.1234° W
Location and History
Plymouth is located in northern Cerro Gordo County, about 10 miles north of Mason City, near the Iowa-Minnesota border. Established in the mid-19th century, the town was named after Plymouth, Massachusetts, by early settlers. Plymouth developed as a small agricultural town, with its economy centered on farming and local services. The railroad once played a key role in the town’s growth, connecting Plymouth to larger markets and facilitating the shipment of agricultural products. Today, Plymouth remains a quiet, rural community with a focus on farming and local traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plymouth is part of the Central Springs Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Nora Springs. The town’s key landmarks include Plymouth City Park, which offers green spaces and playgrounds for residents. The Plymouth Old Settlers’ Days is an annual celebration that includes parades, games, and community activities, honoring the town’s founding and agricultural heritage. Plymouth’s rural location offers residents access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in the surrounding farmland and natural areas.