For I-35 travelers entering Minnesota from the south, Albert Lea is the first city they encounter.

Friday, February 09, 2001

For I-35 travelers entering Minnesota from the south, Albert Lea is the first city they encounter. Yet as it stands, there is not much to see from I-35 as you go past. Albert Lea remains a mystery to those who pass by.

A coalition of organizations hopes to change that by building a welcome center near the I-35 and I-90 intersection. With the opportunity to draw thousands of people from a busy freeway, it’s an idea whose time has come.

With the new Super Wal-Mart planned near I-35 and continued development in the North Bridge area, it’s clear that much of Albert Lea’s commercial future lies near the interstates. In towns across the state, that’s becoming the norm.

Adding the welcome center to the mix can only help. It would provide a reason for motorists to exit the freeway in Albert Lea, rather than keep going until they get to Owatonna or Faribault. Maybe they’ll spend some money here. Maybe they’ll see something they like and spend a few hours. Maybe they’ll come back or tell others they know about Albert Lea.

Coupled with the city’s planned water tower near the freeway, ideas like the welcome center serve to increase the city’s visibility, even for those who might not stop.

If a sensible way to fund the center is found, we hope the plans continue and that sometime soon, Albert Lea will become a more welcoming gateway into Minnesota.