Cedar Valley Resort, MN – An Interview with Larry Johnson – Owner
Cedar Valley Resort – An Interview with Larry Johnson – Owner
About Cedar Valley Resort
Our Family Resort has 11 beautiful log sided Cabins ranging in size from 1,400 sq’ to over 5,600 sq’ and will accommodate from 2 to 38 guests!
Lanesboro MN, named one of America’s Prettiest Towns by Forbes Traveler, one of the 50 Best Sports Towns in the Nation by Sports Afield Magazine and the Bed & Breakfast Capitol of Minnesota is located just 5 minutes away on State Highway 16.
With the Root River State Bike Trail, the #1 rated trail in the state, winding through our Southern Minnesota Resort and the Root River running along side, there is no better access for fishing, biking, hiking, blading, kayaking or tubing.
Whether you’re on a working vacation or simply relaxing with us, you’ll enjoy the unspoiled natural splendor of the Root River Valley right from your cabin and porches. The wildlife is abundant and includes eagles, deer, wild turkey, turkey buzzards, and of course in the evening you’ll hear the owls and coyotes.
If you’re looking for a Family Vacation, Family Reunion, have a group of Friends or a Group Retreat we believe we have the perfect setting and accommodations for a relaxing, memory filled getaway throughout the year!
What’s your story? How long have you been here in the Driftless, Were you born in the Driftless, What keeps you here in the Driftless?
Larry Johnson, 61 years in the Driftless, born and raised. The natural beauty of the area keeps me here.
Tell us a little bit about what you do at Cedar Valley Resort.
My wife, daughter, son-in-law, and I run a year-round resort that we started from scratch 19 years ago.
Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career with Cedar Valley Resort.
Starting the resort from scratch in a county in Minnesota without a lake.
We’re constantly making things better, faster, smarter or less expensive. We leverage technology or improve processes. In other words, we strive to do more—with less. Tell me about a recent project or problem that you made better, faster, smarter, more efficient, or less expensive.
We live in a very rural area, but have recently add fiber optic to the resort for a great experience for our guests while using their devices.
Tell us about some of the people you’ve met, that stand apart from the rest, while here at Cedar Valley Resort.
With cabins that range from small to very large, we have met so many people from all over the world as we host family gatherings. Many come year after year, and have become like family to us.
Tell us about someone who has influenced your decisions for yourself or Cedar Valley Resort.
My dad gave me my first taste of the entrepreneurial spirit when I was in my teens. He started and ran a number of businesses and taught me anything is possible with common sense and dedication.
What do you think will change about your business or business process over the next five years?
The speed at which technology is changing, and knowing we have to stay updated with it.
What do you wish other people knew about you or Cedar Valley Resort?
The amount of time and care we put into loving this Resort.
If you were to tell a friend to come and visit the Driftless Area, and they ask “Why” … what would you tell them?
There is an amazing amount of natural beauty, contrasting terrain, a variety of game fish, caves, and tours around.
How do you develop yourself outside of your work environment? Personal development can take all shapes and sizes. It can be found in a hobby, a purposeful pursuit, or in an appetite to explore.
Our faith is how we develop and expand ourselves inside and outside of our business.
What are some of your favorite places to go and have fun here in the Driftless?
On the river (fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing), hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, visiting Niagara cave, and Amish tours.
What are some of your favorite places to eat here in the Minnesota Driftless?
Pedal Pushers, Aroma Pie Shoppe, Pastry Shop, Home Sweet Home, Old Village Hall, and Luigi’s
What might our readers be surprised to know about you?
I had a dream early in life to someday purchase a small mom and pop resort. As it turned out, after looking at many over six years, we decided to start our own from scratch. Now, 19 years later with our daughter Brittany, son-in-law John, and our three grandsons joining us in this adventure, we are at a wonderful time in our lives.
the Root River Valley right from your cabin and porches. The wildlife is abundant and includes eagles, deer, wild turkey, turkey buzzards, and of course in the evening you’ll hear the owls and coyotes.
