Our History

A Landmark on the Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Hotel has stood at the corner of Main Street in Lowden, Iowa since 1915—the same year the Lincoln Highway was officially dedicated as America's first coast-to-coast automobile route. For over a century, this building has welcomed travelers, served the community, and witnessed the transformation of rural America.

Through the Years

A Century of Stories

The Beginning

The Lincoln Hotel opens its doors in Lowden, Iowa, positioned along the newly dedicated Lincoln Highway. The hotel quickly becomes a vital stop for early automobile travelers making the cross-country journey.

1915

1920s

The Golden Age

As automobile travel booms, the Lincoln Hotel thrives. The hotel serves as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, hosting community events and providing respite for road-weary guests.

Changing Times

The construction of the Interstate Highway System diverts traffic away from small towns like Lowden. The hotel adapts, shifting focus to serve the local community while maintaining its historic character.

1950s

1990s

Preservation Efforts

Growing interest in historic preservation and heritage tourism brings renewed attention to Lincoln Highway landmarks. The hotel is recognized for its architectural and historical significance.

A New Chapter

Under the stewardship of proprietor Melissa Schliff-Hardman, The Lincoln Hotel is lovingly restored and reopened as a boutique hotel, honoring its heritage while offering modern comforts to a new generation of travelers.

Today

The Early Days

When the Highway Came Through

In 1913, the Lincoln Highway Association announced an ambitious plan: a paved road stretching from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. The route would pass directly through Cedar County, Iowa—and through the small town of Lowden.

Local businessmen saw opportunity. By 1915, The Lincoln Hotel stood ready to welcome the wave of adventurous motorists who would soon traverse the nation's first "improved" transcontinental highway. Those early travelers arrived in Model Ts and touring cars, eager for a hot meal, a warm bed, and stories from the road.

The hotel became more than a place to sleep—it was a crossroads where farmers met salesmen, where locals heard tales from distant cities, and where the spirit of American exploration found a home.

America's Main Street

The Lincoln Highway

Conceived by Carl Fisher and championed by the Lincoln Highway Association, this pioneering route changed how Americans thought about travel. Before the interstate system, this was the road that connected a nation.

3,389

Miles

The original route stretched from New York to San Francisco, passing through 13 states.

1913

Dedicated

Named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the highway was officially dedicated on October 31, 1913.

States

The route passed through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.

Today

Continuing the Tradition

More than a century after its doors first opened, The Lincoln Hotel continues to welcome travelers seeking an authentic Iowa experience. The building has been carefully restored to honor its heritage while providing the comforts modern guests expect.

Every detail tells a story—from the original architectural features to the photographs that line the halls. We've preserved the spirit of those early days when a stay at the hotel meant more than just a room; it meant becoming part of a community, if only for a night.

Today, we invite you to slow down, step off the interstate, and experience travel the way it used to be. The road may have changed, but the hospitality remains the same.

With warmth and welcome,

Melissa Schliff-Hardman, Proprietor