Lester Milligan Park — Attraction in Mason City

Lester Milligan Park is located on South Pierce Avenue on the southwest side of Mason City, and was used for 90 years by the Brick and Tile Co. as a quarry area for the production of brick and clay tile products. The land was deeded over to the city in 1977. The park was named for Lester Milligan who was the Chamber of Commerce Director and a civic leader. Pierce Avenue was extended to 15th Street SW in 1990 splitting the 2 major ponds, Pierce Pond and Big Blue. The two ponds are used for fishing (stocked in the winter with lake trout). The park includes a shelter house complete with electricity, water and restrooms which was built with donations from the Kiwanis Club. Activities include a playground area, swimming beach (no lifeguard), fishing dock, canoeing, ice fishing and hard surface trails. This park is also great for hiking, with 1.98 miles of scenic walking, hiking and...

I am not reviewing Big Blue, but rather the lakes on the other side. I love the wildlife that gathers in that lake. Seasonally it is a great place to find waterfowl migrating and stopping here for a rest. The birds are great here. I have seen many Belted Kingfishers, Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanagers, and Warblers. Great place for photo opportunities, awesome place to...

I live near this park and often enjoy walking or biking the trails and learning about all the different species of trees. It is a good place to swim on a hot day, enjoy a sunset, and just enjoy nature. Sometimes... you will see red fox...