The name was picked by the hotel’s investors out of several other popular suggestions like the Occidental Hotel, Eagle’s Nest and Boone River Inn and Lodge. But The Grove won out so that folks visiting their hometown could finally stay in The Grove when they visit the Grove, personifying the town’s nickname.

“When I was in college, I would come back to Eagle Grove because my grandma lived here, and said I’m going back to the Grove,” said Mickey Cooper, president of Eagle Grove Hotel, LLC. “It was already a nickname Eagle Grove had.”

The submission from Kathy Hildebrand came in January during the two-week contest that brought in a “ton” of ideas, earning the winner a free night at the hotel.

“We cut it down to the most popular names, then we put that out to investors, and this is what they came back with,” said Cooper.

She said progress is going well with the hotel, still anticipated to open this summer on or about June 1. Painting has been finished and the joint is ready for some flooring. A color scheme of brown, navy and blues keep the inside warm and homey with stone accents, giving a signature feeling to those visiting home.

The hotel will begin to accept reservations at the end of March. A price range for new reservations has not been set yet.

“We have been really lucky,” Cooper said on the construction progress.

Only two unintended change orders have come through, one for electrical and one for sewer and water infrastructure.

The new option will be independent and locally owned. The group opted early on not to become a franchise in the interest of maintaining more quality control over the operations of the business.

Amenities and features will include guest laundry and adjoining rooms for larger parties. The two story, 32-room hotel will partner with local fitness centers, restaurants and amenities to avoid duplicating what Eagle Grove already has to offer.

A second phase of the project, a conference center, will begin construction after completion of the hotel. Ownership and management of the conference center will be handled by a non-profit organization yet to be determined, with bookings going through the hotel’s existing software system.