Welcome to the AmericInn by Wyndham in Cloquet, Minnesota. While it may appear to be a typical lodging establishment today, this location is a gateway to the rich tapestry of history that surrounds the region. Cloquet, a small city in Minnesota, is part of a historical landscape shaped by the logging industry, the expansion of railroads, and the strategic importance of Lake Superior.
In the late 19th century, Cloquet began to thrive as a logging hub. The abundance of forests in the region attracted settlers and entrepreneurs eager to make their mark. Logging camps sprang up, and the town grew around this burgeoning industry. By the early 20th century, Cloquet had become an essential link in the chain of communities that supplied timber for the construction of homes and businesses throughout the Midwest.
As you explore the area, you’ll find connections to significant historical events and figures. For instance, Duluth, just a short drive away, played a pivotal role during World War II. The city was a strategic shipping hub for the transport of iron ore, crucial for the war effort. Here, you can visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, which showcases the locomotives and railcars that powered the nation’s industrial growth.
One notable figure associated with the region is Major Richard I. Bong, America’s ‘Ace of Aces’ during World War II. Born on a farm in nearby Poplar, Wisconsin, Bong became the most decorated fighter pilot in U.S. history, with 40 confirmed aerial victories. His legacy is preserved at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin, a short journey from Cloquet.
Cloquet’s evolution from a logging town to a modern-day community reflects the broader historical shifts in the region. Its proximity to Duluth and Lake Superior means that visitors have access to a wide array of historical sites, from the Glensheen Mansion to the William A. Irvin ore ship, now a floating museum.
As you stay at the AmericInn by Wyndham, take a moment to appreciate the historical narrative that envelopes the area. From the timber that built America’s cities to the iron ore that fueled its defenses, Cloquet and its surroundings are steeped in stories that shaped the nation.
