Cerro Gordo County, Administrative county in north-central Iowa, US.
Cerro Gordo County is an administrative county in north-central Iowa centered on Mason City as its seat, with Clear Lake as another significant population hub. The county encompasses several municipalities and towns connected by state and federal highways through rolling terrain.
The county was established in 1851, taking its name from the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican-American War where General Winfield Scott defeated Mexican forces. This naming reflects how early settlers drew on major national events when establishing local jurisdictions.
The county gained national attention when a plane crash near Grant Township claimed the lives of musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson in 1959.
Highway 35 runs north-south through the county while Highways 18 and 65 provide key east-west connections for getting around. Mason City Municipal Airport handles regional air travel for visitors arriving or departing by plane.
The county government operates through a three-member Board of Supervisors system, managing sixteen distinct townships across its jurisdiction.
Location: Iowa
Inception: 1851
Capital city: Mason City
Shares border with: Worth County, Franklin County, Winnebago County, Hancock County, Wright County, Mitchell County, Floyd County, Butler County
Website: http://co.cerro-gordo.ia.us
GPS coordinates: 43.07944,-93.26694
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:24
Surf Ballroom
12 km
Dr. G.C. Stockman House
10.2 km
First National Bank of Mason City
9.7 km
MBA Building
9.8 km
Len Jus Building
9.9 km
Prof. J.L. Budd, Sarah M., and Etta Budd House
10.8 km
Rock Crest–Rock Glen Historic District
10 km
Mason City Public Library
9.9 km
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse
9.8 km
The Kirk
9.8 km
Parker's Opera House
9.8 km
Duncan Rule House
9.8 km
East Park
10.7 km
East Park Band Shell
10.7 km
Mason City Downtown Historic District
9.8 km
St. John Baptist Church
7.4 km
First Church of Christ, Scientist
9.8 km
Stewart Avenue Bridge
10.6 km
Mason City YMCA
9.9 km
Winnebago River Bridge
13.5 km
George Romey House
10 km
William C. and Margaret Egloff House
9.9 km
A.J. Andrus Duplex
10.3 km
Hotel Lester-Lester Cafe
9.6 km
Parker's Woods
9.4 km
Curtis Yelland House
9.7 km
Rogers-Knutson House
11.7 km
Mier Wolf House
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