Quick Summary
The Minnesota Digital Library recently published an online map exploring hotel and resort history in northern Minnesota.
It is a summer tradition for many Minnesotans: leave the city behind and vacation “up north.” But how did this tradition start? The Minnesota Digital Library recently published an online map exploring hotel and resort history in northern Minnesota to answer this very question.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people with the means and ability to travel came to Minnesota to enjoy the fresh air and recreational opportunities at the state’s many scenic lakes. Over time, resorts sprang up all over the northern half of the state, catering first to steamboat visitors, then railroad travelers and later automobile tourists. As more people could afford vacations and leisure time, the resorts began to provide other kinds of entertainment in addition to fishing parties.
Journey to Minnesota’s historic summer vacation destinations using our newest interactive map. All images are from the Minnesota Digital Library’s digital collections.
