Pardon our mess
SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
All Aboard!
The Friends of the 457 is a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the Minneapolis & St Louis Railroad steam locomotive #457 in East Park in Mason City, Iowa.
Ring the bell, hear the Nathan 6-chime whistle, and enjoy the era of steam!
Announcements
Events
Opening Day - Pending
Cannonball Day - June 28th
News
Holiday Lighting 2024
Lighting has been placed for the 2024 holiday season.
Pathway of Honor
The Pathway of Honor located in the Cannonball Gardens.
Final Day of the 2024 Season
On our final day of the 2024 "open tours" season, 654 visitors attended our "Trick or Treat at the Train" event.
Hours of Operation
The Minneapolis and St. Louis 457 steam locomotive "Rotary Cannonball" is on public display year-round.
*Public Tours: Mid-May through Mid-October
Saturday & Sunday: 1 P.M.-4 P.M.
*Subject to maintenance, weather, and volunteer availability.
Your generous donations are critical to the on-going restoration and preservation of the 457 Cannonball. Individuals, clubs, businesses, and foundations are all invited to continue to assist with contributions, or donations of materials and services. The Friends of the 457 would be happy to make a free informational presentation to any group interested within an hour drive of Mason City. For additional information contact Dennis Wilson through this website.
All support given to the 457 Cannonball is directly used for the purpose of enhancing the locomotive and the activities surrounding its promotion and use by the community for education and recreation. There are no paid staff on the committee, the "Friends of the 457". All personnel are volunteers and we invite anyone interested to join us in the fun!
