A Family Legacy in the Heart of Bluff Country
At Cedar Valley Resort, the story starts long before the first guest ever arrived. This peaceful riverside retreat in Whalan, Minnesota grew from generations of family roots, trust in God’s timing, a clear vision for what could be — and a deep commitment to creating a place where families and groups can come together, reconnect, and make lasting memories.
Rooted in the Land — And in Family
The Johnson family has called this land home since the 1920s, when Larry Johnson’s grandfather, Temen, purchased the scenic property along the Root River. Temen was a railroad foreman on the tracks which today, have been transformed into the Root River State Bike Trail. Having his own vision for business, Larry’s father Gene, then turned the property into a mink farm, along with other small businesses including a concrete sand and gravel venture. As a child, Larry helped with the family business and spent summers traveling to Minnesota resorts — and it was during those trips that a dream began to take shape.
“I always thought running a resort would be a cool way to make a living,” Larry recalls.
In 1988, Larry and his wife, Sheryl, began planning in earnest. It took over a decade of vision, hard work, and faith — but in 2001, Cedar Valley Resort welcomed its very first guests. What started as a two-bedroom mobile rental to test the waters, quickly grew into a thriving, award-winning resort destination.
Today, Cedar Valley Resort is still very much a family-run business. Larry and Sheryl’s daughter, Brittany, and son-in-law, John, joined the business in 2013 and their son, Lucas joined in on the fun in 2022. Together, they’ve continued the Johnson family legacy of hospitality, care, and personal connection.
Built with Families in Mind
From the very beginning, Cedar Valley Resort was designed to bring people together. Inspired by their own family’s tradition of Minnesota resort vacations, Larry and Sheryl wanted to create a resort that offered more than lodging — a place for deep connection, fun, and rest.
They built spacious, log-sided cabins where large families could gather comfortably. Rather than crowding the property with as many units as possible, they focused on quality, privacy, and peacefulness. Today, the resort features 11 beautiful cabins — from cozy three-bedroom options to the 5,000-square-foot Big Timber Lodge, which sleeps up to 37 and includes two kitchens and six bathrooms.
Guests can play on the basketball and pickleball courts, paddle the Root River, bike the Root River State Trail, or simply enjoy a quiet evening by the fire — all in one unforgettable setting.
A Place for Group Retreats
Beyond family reunions, Cedar Valley has become a go-to destination for retreats of all kinds:
Church retreats and men’s/women’s ministry weekends
Crafting and quilting groups (special discounts available)
Corporate and staff retreats
Fishing and hunting groups
Large gathering spaces, full kitchens, and flexible sleeping arrangements make it easy to host a meaningful group event in a setting that inspires reflection and connection.
“Our goal,” Larry says, “was to build a resort where people would feel comfortable being together — where they could unplug from the world and focus on what really matters.”
Hospitality That Feels Like Home
One of the things that sets Cedar Valley apart is the care and attentiveness the Johnson family and their team bring to every guest experience. From your first call to the final goodbye, you’ll feel the difference that comes from a place run by people who truly love what they do.
The resort welcomes over 6,000 guests a year, many of whom return annually. It’s not uncommon for guests to bring their kids, then come back years later with grandkids. Why? Because Cedar Valley isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place that becomes part of your story.
“We’re blessed to share this land and this dream,” Larry says. “God has provided in so many ways, and we’re honored to create a space where others can find rest, joy, and connection.”