Unveiling the Past: A Journey Through St. Cloud's Historic Motels and Their Surprising Transformations
The Evolution of St. Cloud's Hospitality Scene
St. Cloud, a city with a rich history, has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous hotels and motels over the decades. Local historian Jim Grabinski and I embarked on a fascinating journey to uncover the stories behind these establishments, and today, we're diving into the second part of our series, exploring the unique paths these motels took.
But here's where it gets controversial... some of these motels didn't just disappear; they left a lasting impact on the city's landscape, and their legacies are worth exploring.
Thrifty Scot Motel: A Double Venture
In 1974, Cy Brutger ventured into the hospitality business, opening the Thrifty Scot Motel in St. Cloud. With locations off 14th Avenue and on Highway 23 in Waite Park, Brutger offered a total of 94 rooms. However, both ventures have since closed their doors.
Gateway Motel: A Pioneer in Entertainment
The Best Western Gateway Motel, established in 1961, held a special place in St. Cloud's history. Located at 310 Southeast Lincoln Avenue, it remained open until 2016. What set this motel apart? It was a pioneer in the world of cable TV, offering guests the luxury of WJON cablevision, a first for any motel in the area.
Kay's Motel: A 30-Room Haven
Kay's Motel, a 30-room establishment, stood on Lincoln Avenue, offering a 24-hour cafe and service station. Situated at 102 Lincoln Avenue Southeast, it operated from the late 1940s until 1980. Today, a Uhaul occupies that space.
Kleis Motel: Across from the Ballpark
The Kleis Motel, located at 30 South 25th Avenue, was a prominent feature across the street from the Rox ballpark. Grabinski recalls its position just left of the left-field wall. Operating from the 1950s to the early 2000s, it eventually made way for a strip mall.
Swiggum's Motel: A Junction Landmark
Swiggum's Motel, situated at the junction of Highways 52, 23, and 152 on Division Street, boasted 26 rooms and an equal number of garages. Built in 1951, it also featured a cafe. In 1974, it transformed into the Crosstown Motel and Restaurant, remaining open until 1989 when it was demolished to expand the Division Street Fashion Center.
Park Inn Motel: A Waite Park Staple
With 14 units, the Park Inn Motel in Waite Park opened in the 1950s and operated for four decades before closing in 1995. It was conveniently located on Highway 52.
Fox Hotel: Making Way for Progress
The Fox Hotel, located at 724 2nd Street in downtown St. Cloud, had an interesting history. In 1942, the owner purchased the New Merchant Hotel, but the building was eventually demolished in 1969 to create more parking space. Today, the Stearns County Jail stands in its place.
Riverside Hotel: A Street Germain Address
The Riverside Hotel, situated at 119 East St. Germain Street, was a fixture in the 1950s and 1960s. The building has since been transformed into the Somali Cafe.
Spaniol Hotel: A Downtown Hangout
The Spaniol Hotel, located at 14 North 6th Avenue, was a popular spot in downtown St. Cloud in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, the basement of the building houses Cream City Tattoo.
Travelodge Motel: A Steakhouse Turned Motel
The Travelodge Motel, located at 3820 Roosevelt Road, has an intriguing past. Built in the 1960s, it initially operated as David's Steakhouse before transitioning into a motel.
Econo Lodge: A Waite Park Stay
The Econo Lodge, now situated in Waite Park at 815 1st Street South, has gone by various names over the years, including the Asteria Inn and Motel 6.
Laughlin's Lackawanna and Winter Haven Motel: Sartell's Hospitality Scene
In the 1950s and 1960s, Sartell boasted two hotels, Laughlin's Lackawanna and Winter Haven Motel, located on what is now Benton Drive. Interestingly, Sartell also had a Winter Haven roller rink.
Red Carpet Inn: A Sauk Rapids Stopover
The Red Carpet Inn, located at 1420 2nd Street North in Sauk Rapids, operated in the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, it transformed into the Travelwise Motel but has since closed.
Anna's Hotel & Cafe: A Foley Favorite
Anna's Hotel & Cafe, a beloved spot in Foley from the 1950s to the 1970s, was located in the heart of downtown.
Leader's Motel: A Tragic End
The Leader's Motel, situated at 835 East St. Germain Street, operated in the 1980s. Unfortunately, it met a tragic end, burning down.
Pan Motor Hotel: A Plant-Linked Stay
The Pan Motor Hotel was conveniently located near the Pan Motor Plant in St. Cloud. However, in 1923, the Pan Motor Company faced foreclosure, leading to the sale of all its properties.
Henderson's Motel & Mobile Home Park: A 1960s-70s Venture
Henderson's Motel & Mobile Home Park, located at 14 south 2nd Avenue, operated in the 1960s and 1970s.
If you're intrigued by these stories, you can listen to my full conversation with Jim Grabinski, where we delve deeper into St. Cloud's fascinating motel history. [Link to Part 1 and Part 2]
And this is the part most people miss... these motels, while no longer in operation, have left an indelible mark on the city's landscape and culture. What do you think? Are there any other hidden stories or transformations you'd like to uncover? Feel free to share your thoughts and memories in the comments!
