In 2019, a mix of about 20 investors, all Eagle Grove natives or those with connections to the city, invested $500,000 into a new hotel.

In July, that vision became a reality as The Grove Inn & Suites opened.

The idea started as a response to the need for those visiting home, attending a wedding or coming to town for business to have another choice for lodging. The new hotel is located on the south side of town along Iowa Highway 17.

“We’re more of a destination,” said Mickey Cooper, president of Eagle Grove Hotel LLC, in 2020 while the hotel was under construction. “You’re coming to Eagle Grove for a reason. I know we’re small town Iowa, but there’s quite a bit to do here.”

“There was always a general feeling we needed (another) hotel in Eagle Grove,” she said. “A change in the business climate made us decide it was a good time to do it.”

Before, the only other place to stay in town was the Sandman Motel, which Cooper said is more geared toward long-term stays. A feasibility study conducted by the city of Eagle Grove in 2017 showed that there was enough demand and capacity to handle another hotel in town.

After reaching out to area businesses to see if they were using hotels for their business needs, they were met with an “overwhelmingly positive” response to the idea of having another hotel in town, said Bryce Davis, Eagle Grove city administrator.

Previously, many businesses used hotels in Clarion, Webster City and Fort Dodge for their needs, which wasn’t always ideal, particularly in the winter.

After visiting other hotels and consulting a variety of chain and independent establishments, the investors group got to work. By January, the hotel was under construction with Huegerich Construction Inc., of Carroll — a contractor that specializes in building hotels.

The new option, independent and locally owned, opted early to not become a franchise in order to maintain more quality control over business operations. Through third-party management, the hotel was able to bring in experience from the hospitality industry at a more efficient cost.

“We just felt that saving money on a franchise agreement and putting that back into management would better serve future users,” Davis said.

A second phase of the project, a conference center, was planned for construction after completion of the hotel.

A public contest sourced the name of the hotel. Other suggestions included the Occidental Hotel, Eagle’s Nest and Boone River Inn and Lodge. 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.

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