Hostelling International USA Minnesota Council

A Council Looks Back

A History of Hostelling International USA - Minnesota Council

By Jon Ridge and Frank Braun

1939 | Minnesotans returning from hostel experiences in New England and Europe formed the first Minnesota Council of AYH. Original members were students and faculty at Hamline University in St. Paul.

1940 | Visit of Monroe Smith, founder of American Youth Hostels, to Minnesota. His visit coincided with the November 11, 1940 Armistice Day blizzard reducing the effectiveness of his visit.

1941 | Emphasis is on bicycle touring in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Four hostels existed along the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers. These formed the first links in a chain of planned hostels to connect with Wisconsin hostels leading to Chicago.

1943 | Minnesota operates 20 small hostels. They reported 500 total overnights.

1944 | During the years of World War II nearly all hostelling activity was suspended.

1953 | Following several years of inactivity including the possibility of closing down the Council, hostelling activity in Minnesota was reinvigorated through the efforts of Gertrude Stechmann and returned European travelers. Known as Trudy, she can be credited for keeping the Council alive.

1956 | Frank Braun leads his first of 7 bicycle trips to Europe for AYH. This was just one of his many volunteer positions and board terms Frank has served over 50 years for the Minnesota Council. Frank is retiring from the HI (AYH) board in 2005. Thank you Frank.

1960s | Program activity emphasized bicycling, canoeing, preparation for European travel and skiing. The Council constantly searched for hostel facilities within Minnesota. For many years, canoe campers visiting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area along the Minnesota Canadian border were accommodated in a hostel on the Gunflint Trail. Temporary hostel facilities were established in the residential YMCAs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth and in private home. 

1962 | The opening by the Chicago Council of AYH of the Ches Perry Ski Hostel at Mt. Telemark Ski Area near Cable, Wisconsin added an excellent facility for both winter and summer activities for Minnesota hostellers.

For many years, the office of the Minnesota Council was on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. Later, the office was in varied locations including private homes, the YMCAs of both Minneapolis and St. Paul and in a rented storefront on Lake Street in south Minneapolis.

1963 | Four more European bicycle trips scheduled this summer through AYH.

1967 | The first Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride was held. A 100 mile route – only 22 started, 7 finished – with a 10 hour requirement.

1973 | Council hires its first paid Director through the shared funding by the National AYH and the Minnesota Council. George Colarich became the professional director of the Minnesota Council. He continued in this position until his retirement in 1977.

In December, the Minnesota Council hosted the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Youth Hostels at the Sheraton-Ritz Hotel in Minneapolis.

1980s | Growing interest in bicycling as a Council. Rides like the Watermelon, Aquatennial and Weekend on Wheels began. Council publishes the first of six editions of the Minnesota Bike Atlas.

1989 | Council applies and receives funding from State of Minnesota to renovate a building in Itasca State Park for a hostel. Executive Director, Tim Rudnicki spearheaded the project.

1990s | College of St Catherine's in St. Paul licensed as a summer hostel serving visitors for many years.

1992 | Mississippi Headwaters Hostel opens... great support from HI-Minnesota members and Board. Executive Director Deborah Krause readies hostel for its grand opening.

1993 | Council forms the Twin Cities Bicycle Club as an activities club of Hi-Minnesota.

1994 | Council Office moves from Raymond Avenue in St Paul to St Anthony Main in Minneapolis. Jon Ridge hired as Executive Director.

1996 | Council receives funds from State of Minnesota to study Fort Snelling buildings for possible future Twin Cities hostel site.

2000 | Council receives funds from State for building abatement and development of construction documents for future hostel site. Cavalry Barracks Building, adjacent to Historic Fort chosen. Price of construction later hamper hostel's progress.

2001 | Twin Cities Bicycle Club asks to separate from Minnesota Council and become an independent non-profit organization. Agreement to separate maintains partnerships with Ironman Ride and Minnesota Bike Atlas projects.

2002 | Council celebrates 10 years of operation with the Mississippi Headwaters Hostel. Partnership with the DNR remains strong. Over 30,000 guests have now enjoyed the charm of this terrific hostel.

2005 | Council hosts the 71st HI-USA National Council Meeting at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel. World Travel 101, Travelers Circle and other travel programs grow within the Council.

2006 | Council celebrates 40 year anniversary of the Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride. Its reputation continues as one of Minnesota's best-run events. Over 100,000 riders have participated in the Minnesota Ironman over the past 40 years