The history of this beautiful region dates back long before the area was settled by farmers and trappers. The early inhabitants of Cerro Gordo County were the Winnebago and Sioux tribes. Living off of the lush forests and bountiful lake, the tribes enjoyed the land for many years before Joseph Hewitt and James Dickirson arrived in the area in 1851.

Hewitt and Dickirson's settlement soon became an oasis in the Midwest; Hewitt traded with the Indians and Dickirson farmed the rich soil. In 1853, the town of Shibboleth was settled by John Long, Hewitt and George Brentner where the waters of the Winnebago River and Willow Creek come together. The town changed names several times, from Shibboleth, to Masonic Grove, to Masonville and finally to Mason City, as it is know today.

The area is home to large deposits of limestone and clay, which opened the doors to a thriving mining and cement industry. By 1911, two large cement companies were operating in Mason City, and the cement industry continues to be an important part of the community today. Brick and tiles were also made in Mason City; the area was one of the largest producers of brick and tile in 1912. The brick and tile industry has since disappeared from the area, but Mason City has supplemented its early industries through its development as a service, retail and distribution center.