A History of the Lowell Inn Legacy

Minnesota’s first city, Stillwater, was established in 1848.  Stillwater grew rapidly as the lumber industry thrived.  The area was the regional center of commerce, industry, and wealth.  In 1848 the second hotel in the Minnesota Territory was built.  Owned by Elmore Lowell, the Sawyer House was the gathering site for many of the local Lumbermen and their “lady friends”.  As more of the East’s modernity moved west, however, the Sawyer House became an anachronism.  The hotel was razed in 1924.  Elmore Lowell decided to donate the land to the local businessmen for a new hotel.  The hotel as it stands was created July 7^th, 1927 and given the name, “Lowell Inn”.

Arthur and Nelle Palmer left their theatrical careers in 1930 when their son Art, Jr. was just two years old.  On Christmas Day, 1930, they took over management of what was to become a three generation family business.  Not only did the Lowell Inn become the Palmers’ career it was also their home.  The elegant Nelle Palmer is often remembered fondly as a woman with an eye for detail.  Her fondness for fine china, silverware and antique furnishings often landed her at local estate sales to see what treasures she could bring home.  The Palmers found their dreams a reality when they purchased the property in 1945. Nelle operated the Inn with the help of her family until 1970. Arthur, Jr. and his wife Maureen, along with their children, continued the elegant traditions of the Lowell Inn until 1995. The St. Croix Boat and Packet Company purchased and renovated the Lowell Inn in 2001, the personal care and attention to detail that characterizes the Lowell Inn is still a treasured tradition.  Our commitment to quality and exceeding your expectations is our goal.

A nationally known classical style of country inn-keeping has evolved as well as four beautifully themed dining rooms, the George Washington Dining Room in 1930, the Garden Room in 1937, The Mount Vernon Room in 2001, and the Matterhorn Fondue Room in 1959, which will become the Matterhorn Lounge in 2009. The Lowell Inn also features twenty-three sleeping rooms each in a unique setting with period furniture; simple elegance for the traveler or a romantic get-a-way.