Thunderbird Motel, motel in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA

The Thunderbird Motel was a lodging facility in Bloomington, Minnesota, built in the early 1960s with a Native American themed design. The building featured a distinctive neon sign visible from the highway, bright interior carpets in orange and red, basic guest rooms, and a bar area called the Totem Pole that served as a popular gathering spot.

The motel was built in the early 1960s and quickly became a popular stop for travelers and sports fans visiting the nearby Metropolitan Stadium. After decades of operation, the building was abandoned in the 2000s and demolished in 2016 as the surrounding area developed with shopping centers and modern infrastructure.

The motel served as a gathering place for local social events and community celebrations throughout its operation. Its rooms and banquet spaces hosted dances and club meetings, particularly during the 1970s, making it a social hub where residents came together for entertainment and fellowship.

The motel was located near major roads and shopping centers, making it easily accessible to visitors. The parking lot was positioned directly in front of the room units, allowing guests to park conveniently and reach their rooms quickly.

The motel was known for hosting legendary baseball players like Mickey Mantle and Phil Rizzuto during their stays related to Metropolitan Stadium games. Mantle's final game at the stadium, including his last home run there, remains a memorable moment in local sports history that guests of the motel witnessed or passed through during that era.