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Cedar Valley Resort started with a vision. Larry Johnson grew up watching his father Gene run a mink farm on family land that had been in the Johnson family since the 1920s. By the 1980s, Larry decided to transform that riverside property into something new. After over a decade of planning, the first guests arrived in 2001.
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Full description and what we offer
Cedar Valley Resort started with a vision. Larry Johnson grew up watching his father Gene run a mink farm on family land that had been in the Johnson family since the 1920s. By the 1980s, Larry decided to transform that riverside property into something new. After over a decade of planning, the first guests arrived in 2001. Today, his daughter Brittany and son-in-law John run the operation alongside him.
"I always thought running a resort would be a cool way to make a living." — Larry Johnson
This isn't a typical hotel chain. Cedar Valley has 11 individual log-sided cabins built between 2001 and 2014. They sleep anywhere from 2 to 37 guests. The largest is the Big Timber Lodge—a 5,000-square-foot unit with two kitchens, six bathrooms, and space for family groups or small weddings.
The 30-acre property sits directly on the Root River, with the Root River State Bike Trail running through it. That's not marketing language—it's actual geography that matters for what you can do here.
Spring/Summer/Fall Outfitting: - Mountain bikes and e-bikes - Kayaks and canoes - Tubes for river floats - Basketball court - Pickleball court - Access to Root River State Bike Trail
Winter Outfitting: - Cross-country skis - Snowshoes - Snow tubing - Sleigh rides
Cedar Valley actively markets to: - Family Reunions — they've hosted multi-generational gatherings for 22+ years from the same families - Church & Ministry Groups — retreat center available with full kitchen and fireplace - Corporate & Staff Retreats — ranked #1 Top Minnesota Team Building Resorts by Resorts and Lodges - Quilting & Crafting Groups — special discounts available - Weddings — retreat center can host 80+ people, cabins provide lodging for wedding parties - Fishing & Hunting Groups — direct river access, abundant wildlife (bald eagles, deer, wild turkey) - Girls Weekend Getaways — marketed specifically for friend groups - Bike & Cycling Groups — sits on active trail system
A dedicated event space with: - Full commercial kitchen (guests can do their own catering or work with local restaurants) - Fireplace - Outdoor firepit and grill - Flexible layout for ceremonies, dinners, crafting sessions - 2023 Best of the Best Event Center award (Bluff Country)
Guest Volume: Over 6,000 guests per year
Awards & Recognition: - #1 Top Minnesota Winter Cabin Getaways (Resorts and Lodges) - #1 Top Minnesota Team Building Resorts (Resorts and Lodges) - 2024 Best of the Best – Rentals (Bluff Country) - 2023 Best of the Best – Event Center (Bluff Country) - 2022 Best of the Best – Lodging & Vacation Rental (Bluff Country) - 2021 Best of the Best – Lodging & Vacation Rental (Bluff Country) - Best of Minnesota – 2015 (Star Tribune) - The Best of the Midwest – 2013 (Midwest Traveler) - Operators of the Year – 2013 (Minnesota Resort and Campground Association)
Why people actually come back: One guest has been returning for 22 years. Another family uses it for annual Christmas reunions. Wedding groups book multiple cabins because it works. This matters—it means the place doesn't just look good in photos.
The property backs onto active habitat: - Bald eagles - Deer - Wild turkey - Owls (evening wildlife viewing is part of the experience) - Coyotes (you hear them at night) - Song birds - River access for canoeing and tubing
Onsite retail shop for souvenirs and local items.
Phone: 507-467-9000 Email: [email protected] Booking: Online availability system for cabins and retreat center Gift Certificates: Available Newsletter: Signup for updates and special offers