COLO, Iowa — The town of Colo, Iowa, has been referred to as the “Crossroads of the Nation,” the place where the Jefferson and Lincoln highways meet. One spot on the north side of town serves as a reminder of that title.

Reed-Niland Corner started out around one hundred years ago. Then-owner Charlie Reed opened a gas station at the corner. The gas station became a key stop for travelers, and eventually, some started camping in the surrounding area. Reed later partnered with his relatives, the Nilands, to open a lunch stand and eventually built cottages. These latter two endeavors are now known as Niland’s Cafe and the Colo Motel.

Reed-Niland Corner became known as a “one-stop” for travelers, a place where they could gas up, grab a bite to eat, and have a place to stay. To this day, it’s known as one of the best preserved “one-stops” in the country.

As travel died down on the Lincoln Highway, business slowed at Reed-Niland Corner. Everything on the corner closed by 1995.

However, partnering with the Lincoln Highway, the city of Colo worked to restore the corner in the late 90s. They received three transportation grants and donations nearing one million dollars, according to the former city clerk.

Now, the cafe and motel are currently leased. The old Reed’s gas station has been turned into a museum, which is open on the last weekend of the month for visitors and by appointment. The corner is in the process of being handed over from the city of Colo to a corporation that plans to become a nonprofit focused on preserving Reed-Niland Corner.

Reed-Niland Corner Inc. plans to repair and restore the buildings there, such as repairing the signs and trying to return them to their neon state. Members of the board say they’re looking for sources of funding and want locals to realize what’s there. They feel visiting Reed-Niland Corner can remind people of the past and help them take a step back in time. They also hope the corner can be a gathering place for years to come.

You can visit Reed-Niland Corner’s Facebook page here. Niland’s Cafe’s Facebook page is here.