Downtown Lake City

Local Lore: For its time, the Hotel Lyon was ‘first class’

Apr 15, 2026

Considered another of Lake City’s lost resources, the historic Hotel Lyon can trace its foundations back to one of the very first hotels constructed here. Initially known as the American House, this small hotel was built sometime between 1854 and 1856 before being acquired later by one of Lake...

DLC, volunteers improve two downtown storefronts

Sep 24, 2025

Destination Lake City (DLC) once again made improvements to Lake City’s downtown. A senior group of DLC members gathered on the corner of Washington and Center Street the other day to help a couple of new businesses improve their storefronts with the idea that it will enhance business and make a...

Downtown businesses plan to stay open late Thursdays in October

Sep 24, 2025

The Shops of Lake City invite the community to stay downtown a little later this fall with Downtown After Dark, happening every Thursday evening in October from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The idea came about almost by accident, according to organizers. “Danielle Hegge, owner of Twice Loved Resale &...

Downtown planter box modification project proceeds

Sep 10, 2025

The City of Lake City was working on the first phase of a project to modify planter boxes downtown, with traffic cones, city workers, and the city’s vac truck downtown Tuesday. Installed as part of the Highway 61 reconstruction project, the planters triggered complaints from downtown business...

Gulls swarm during another mayfly hatch

Jul 23, 2025

Photographer Ben Threinen submitted this photo taken July 19 of a swarm of seagulls over downtown Lake City with the subject: “Gulls flock to Alliance Bank to make deposits!” The congregation corresponded with another apparent mayfly hatch on Lake Pepin. It provided a dynamic backdrop for a...

Trudy Roach built a community at her shop

Jul 23, 2025

Trudy Roach is retiring. We all know her as just Trudy from “Fashion and Fun” consignment store on Washington St. in Lake City. She’s been there for many years and now, it’s time for her to rest. But, she is so much more than a shopkeeper. She built an important part of our downtown with her...

Cocoa crawl follows cold snap

Jan 22, 2025

With the cold snap behind us and temperatures back above zero, Lake City businesses are inviting people out for hot cocoa, treats, and maybe even prizes, during the Lake City cocoa crawl on Saturday, Jan. 25. Lake City Floral co-owner Madison Johnston, who is chairing the event on behalf of the...

Voters choose Mercy and Grace as holiday window decorating contest winner

Dec 24, 2024

Around two dozen local businesses and organizations created window displays inspired by the theme “Gingerbread Bliss and Candy Cane Kiss” as part of this year’s holiday window decorating contest. Residents and downtown shoppers were encouraged to vote for their favorites. Those who did so became...

As the closure of their shop nears, owners encourage people to shop local first

Nov 13, 2024

Wow, I respect the small shops in this town! They’re full of hardworking, creative people that I’m glad I got to know. It’s been great banding together with the Shops of Lake City and the Chamber to promote the downtown to Lake City residents and visitors. About 2 years ago, my husband and I...

This is Halloween

Oct 30, 2024

Today, Thursday, Oct. 31, is Halloween. Several family-friendly activities are happening. And for grown-ups who missed the costume contests at Port 104 and B. Wells last week — or who went and just can’t get enough — there’s another one on Saturday. Family Friendly Activities Wild Wings Plaza is...