Cold Spring Area Historical Society

06/17/2026

We look forward to you joining us to celebrate America 250 hosted by the CSAHS. Mark your calendars, come ready to have fun, and make sure you're hungry. We're excited to have The Sizzle n Sass Shack food truck joining us for this fun filled experience! See you there!

06/17/2026

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
— Dr. Seuss
Way Back Wednesday:

Beginning in the 1970s, the landscape of the traditional Minnesota lake resort began a slow but perceptible change. Air travel became more affordable, so families that once enjoyed a week at their favorite local resort were now traveling to the sugary white sand beaches of Florida, the crisp cool air of the Colorado mountains, or even overseas. Becoming one with nature in the form of state park camping and backpacking also surged in popularity. Actual physical changes began to emerge in these lakeside retreats as well. Property values steadily increased, and small, generational, family-run vacation spots soon found themselves caught in the stranglehold of rising taxes; increased maintenance costs further added to their financial challenges. Slowly, a few of the classic lakeside getaways closed their doors and simply disappeared. Yet, despite these seemingly negative trends, we can end our cherished Minnesota lake resort vacation on a happy note. The haunting call of the loons still rings clear, and you can still feel the cool relief of the refreshing lake water on a sultry summer day. Minnesotans have and always will be drawn to the water, and thoughts of "going to the lake" are never far from our minds.

06/16/2026

06/11/2026

A sincere apology for the delay in getting this historical memory posted! So, without further ado:

Way Back Wednesday:

"A lake is a landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." — Henry David Thoreau

The Cold Spring area became a veritable playground of lakeside resorts in the 1950s-1960s, and established itself as a primary vacation option. Many families booked their stays months if not a year in advance, and returning guests would request the same cabin or camping site. After all, it was "their" spot. This period was truly what became known as the golden age of family resorts. Lakeside retreat owners knew their guests by name, which boat they liked the best, and even the games and amenities their family members enjoyed the most. Like the post-war economy, automobile travel was booming and local area lakes not only provided an affordable vacation option, but also one that was highly desired by working families. During this time resorts in our area, as well as statewide, were thriving. Fishing, swimming, card games and evening gatherings around campfires became treasured rituals.

Photo Credit/Information: Lakesnwoods.com_Postcard_Nelson's REsort Big Lake_1954

06/03/2026

Way Back Wednesday:

"Road trips: because normal family dysfunction deserves a changing backdrop." — Unknown

Even with the depression upon us, the 1930s marked the start of what would become known as the Golden Age of resort vacations. As soon as school doors slammed shut for the start of summer, impossibly loaded family cars hit the streets and came from Minneapolis/ St. Paul and neighboring St Cloud to enjoy the resort experience that Central Minnesota had to offer. The increased affordability of the automobile as well as improved road conditions in the 1920s-1930s resulted in many family operated resorts springing up in and around our local area. The ending of World War II (veterans returned home), and the growth of the middle-class family led to a surge of lakeside haven popularity. With open arms folks welcomed the idea of automobile travel and summer vacations. No matter the size, location or amenities offered by these cherished retreats, they all offered the same single promise; a week or two where life simply slowed down and the challenges of everyday living were forgotten.

Image Credit/Information: Stearns History Museum/Sunset Point Resort_Richmond MN

05/27/2026

“We’ll get there when we get there.”
— Every dad driving through Minnesota in July

Way Back Wednesday:

Ahhhh, those familiar sounds of a Minnesota summer; the haunting call of the loon, the slam of the front door, and the incessant whining emanating from your children-"I'm bored; there's nothing to do" (typically heard within 24 hrs of school dismissal). Relief is on the way!! There won't be any long airport lines, and no congested highways (don't forget about the endless inquiries of "Are we there yet?" coming from the backseat); just a short easy drive in the overloaded family station wagon to your favorite resort. Going to the lake was much more than just being by the water in a cozy little cabin; it was a place where summer traditions were established, families and friends gathered, and vivid lifelong memories were made. Maybe this small trip will bring to mind some of those great resort adventures of the past, or perhaps that getaway that is just right around the corner. Either way, we hope you enjoy this miniseries as we take a brief glimpse at the beginning and evolution of the lakeside resort in central Minnesota.........schöne ferien.

Photo Credit/Information: Elmwood Resort_Horseshoe Lake_Richmond MN_circa 1950

05/20/2026

Well, it's finally here!! Please support Cold Spring Area Historical Society with our annual garage sale. If you don't want to cart anything home, a simple monetary donation will always be gleefully accepted. Hope to see you there!!

05/20/2026

More photos of the big sale at Lions Park Cold Spring. Just started! Running today, Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

05/20/2026

Lions Park Cold Spring. Big sale just starting!

05/20/2026

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”
— Irving Berlin (American composer and songwriter

Way Back Wednesday:

The Final Act- The early 1900s showed a change in the role of the Cold Spring Opera House. With the expansion of nearby rural towns, newly constructed schools and community centers emerged as the main locations for social gatherings, performances, concerts, and other community events. During the 1910s and 1920s, the introduction of motion pictures brought in large audiences to movie theaters; the constantly updated film selections were particularly popular with attendees. Radio in the 1920s revolutionized entertainment; the entire family was able to enjoy comedy, music, and news without leaving the comfort of their living room. By the time the "Golden Age of Television" began in the 1950s, much of the magic had vanished from the opera houses. The curtain dropped and the Maurin Opera House gave its final public event in 1932.

Photo Credit/Information: Stearns History Museum/Cast of a play at Maurin Opera House_Cold Spring_circa 1922