Colo in Story County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Colo Motel

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026

1. Colo Motel Marker

Inscription.
The Colo Motel included the nearby small building facing south, whose two units used mainly during summer's peak demand, and this building, which was constructed in 1948 and contained five single units. Even after the main motel building was converted to an apartment building, these five units continued to be rented to travelers until 1995. In 1948 a unit rented for $2.50 a night, and a traveler would have noted with satisfaction the Colo Motel's up-to-date luxurious features -- each unit heated and equipped with toilet and shower, one or two double beds, and a radio. Air-conditioning followed in the early 1950s, and by the middle of that decade, each room had a television set.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 42° 1.367′ N, 93° 18.626′ W. Marker is in Colo, Iowa, in Story County. It is on Lincoln Highway (Iowa Route 930) west of U.S. 65. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 Lincoln Hwy, Colo IA 50056, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater

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Des Moines.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lincoln Highway (a few steps from this marker); Colo Cabin Camp (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Colo Motel (within shouting distance of this marker); Niland's Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); Service Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Colo Reed/Niland Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Reed/Niland Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Highway Grade Separation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Colo.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026

2. Colo Motel Marker

Marker is in front of the building on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.