Friends of the 457

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Friends of the 457

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The Friends of the 457 is a volunteer organization dedicated to the restoration & preservation of the Minneapolis & St. Interested in helping?

Louis steam locomotive #457 "Rotary Cannonball". The Minneapolis & ST Louis Railway locomotive #457 has been on display in East Park, Mason City, Iowa since 1959, and is open to the public on weekend afternoons, mid-May through October. Ring the bell, hear the Nathan 6-chime whistle, and enjoy the era of steam! Our Story
Dubbed the “Rotary Cannonball” in a local naming contest, the locomotive became an eyesore after years of neglect and vandalism took its toll. Beginning in 2003 an effort was made to clean up the site, resulting in a full scale effort by volunteers to restore and preserve the artifact of an earlier time of history and development of Mason City. In cooperation with the City and Parks dept, the site has become a premier tourist attraction, at one time drawing nearly 10,000 visitors during a season. The site now features an Educational Plaza depicting historical milestones, in the beautiful setting of the Cannonball Gardens. Volunteers staff the locomotive for visits during open hours. The Friends of the 457 meet monthly to keep the project "on track". Contact us at our website http://www.friendsofthe457.org/pview.aspx?id=173&catid=6

10/09/2026

09/14/2026

Reminder of the planning meeting at the Mason City Public Library on 9/14.

Anyone interested in the future of the 457 is welcome to attend.

08/12/2026

Only 10 more weekends remain for the 2026 open season!

The Friends are working on some exciting things and hope to have them set up in the next few months. Our next planning meeting is September 14th, feel free to attend if you are interested in contributing to the future of the #457.

Trick-or-Treat at the Train is just around the corner as well. Please reach out if you are interested in passing out treats at this event.

07/26/2026

Our 3rd and final attendant hired to provide guided tours of the #457 was Emil Wasicek. Mr. Wasicek had retired from the Parks Department in 1960 and served as the engine attendant in 1967 and 1968, and passed away in August of 1970.

The Friends of the 457 are unable to locate documentation that the engine was opened for tours following the 1969 season. It was announced in 1972, that the fence surrounding the locomotive would be removed to allow access to the public.

*Photo has been enhanced with AI which may slightly alter appearance.

07/17/2026

We've talked about Mr. Danehy, but let's introduce you to James A. Woonas

A retired Section Foreman for the Milwaukee Railroad, Mr. Woonas had supervised the placement of the locomotive into its position in the park and was hired as the engine attendant for the 1965 and 1966 seasons. He was unable to continue due to health reasons but returned as the attendant for the 1969 season. James passed away in 1976.

*Photo has been adjusted by AI for better resolution and may have altered details.

07/05/2026

Just for fun, comparison photos of the #457 Backhead, 2004 vs 2026.

06/27/2026

Come down to see us & gets some yummy chicken!

05/29/2026

Our contractor got a little delayed due to the recent storm, so we're not quite done yet, but doesn't this look amazing!

05/22/2026

The smoke stack fogger is working!
Again...for today....

This time the pump was clogged. Here's to hoping if stays running for the remainder of the year! We plan to be open a little early tomorrow for the parade goers.

Address

900 East State Street
Mason City, IA
50401

Telephone

+16414235328

Website

http://www.friendsofthe457.org/

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