Journal
11 Fun Area Attractions Near Riverside Resort
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Mark 12:30-31
We have many “neighbors” around Riverside Resort. Although there are countless activities to participate in at Riverside Resort (boating, fishing, outdoor games, relaxing, swimming….), we understand that people like to get out and explore the area. If you are someone who likes to take in multiple experiences while on vacation, we put together a list of places you may want to visit while staying with us.
Here it is:
1. Rich Spring Golf Club – 4.3 miles 
Four! The Rich Spring Golf Club is an excellent way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In addition, it is located just minutes from Riverside Resort.
https://www.richspringgolf.com/
(320) 685-8810
2. Cold Spring Bakery – 6.5 miles
In business since 1946, this yummy bakery is a full line family owned bakery. Located within walking distance of Riverside Inn, perfect for those sweet tooth cravings! Also, if you are wondering where we get those delicious muffins that were on you table as a welcome gift, look no further. Cold Spring Bakery is the place!
(320) 685-8681
3. Third Street Brewhouse Brewery – 6.7 miles 
Third Street Brewhouse, the largest brewery in Minnesota, is a leader in making, as well as selling, high quality beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Cold Spring is the #1 energy drink and specialty drink producer in the country and the #1 producer of exclusive beer and craft beer brands for major retailers in the United States as well as other companies throughout the world. Don’t waste time, book a tour of the Third Street Brewhouse today to see their Brewhouse followed by beer samples in their Taproom!
http://www.thirdstreetbrewhouse.com
(320) 685-3690
4. Quarry Cinema – 7 miles 
If you are looking to take a break from the beautiful weather and sun for a bit here is the perfect option. Big time entertainment with small town values! Quarry Cinema offers state of the art features like stadium seating as well as digital DOLBY sound!
(320) 685-3355
5. A Maze’n Farmyard – 12 miles 
Hours of fun for the whole family! A Maze’n Farmyard located only minutes from Riverside Resort provides a full day of fun activities! From learning about the farm animals hands on, to trying to find your way out of Minnesota’s largest permanent maze, it will definitely be a perfect addition to your vacation!
(320) 453-6901
6. Flanders River Ranch – 16 miles 
Mike and Jo, along with their son Dugan, own and operate a riding stable that offers day to week-long horse camps for all ages, private lessons, and hour long trail rides.
http://www.flanderssaddleshop.com/
(320) 243-3453
7. The Grande Depot – 16.2 miles 
Your ideal destination for an eclectic blend of high quality gourmet foods, culinary gadgets, fine wines, spirits, as well as home décor. Our shoppes are truly a unique shopping experience. You’re sure to find that perfect accent piece or gift idea. Shop a fabulous assortment of brand name décor as well as gourmet food items.
“A Shopping Experience Like no Other”
http://www.thegrandedepot.com/
(320) 257-5500
8. Rockville County Park & Nature Preserve – 17 miles
Rockville County Park contains 294 acres. There are approximately 1.2 miles of the Sauk River frontage touching the park boundaries. In addition, portions of the park property contain natural communities recognized on the Minnesota County Biological Survey. A large granite outcrop is contained on the easternmost portion of the park. A lowland hardwood forest as well as a tamarack swamp also lie within the park boundaries.
https://co.stearns.mn.us/Recreation/CountyParks/RockvilleCountyPark
9. Quarry Park – 20 miles 
Quarry Park is the most unique county park in the United States, containing 684 acres. It features Granite reflecting pools, a swimming hole 112 feet deep, Scientific and Natural Areas, Mountain bike paths, Trout fishing, Scenic woodlands, Open prairie, Wetlands, as well as Un-quarried bedrock areas. As a result, Quarry Park offers something exciting for all ages!
http://www.co.stearns.mn.us/Recreation/CountyParks/QuarryParkandNaturePreserve
10. Stearns County History Museum – 22 miles 
In 2005 Stearns County celebrated its 150th Anniversary! This magnificent museum showcases two floors of exhibits providing the visitor with an entertaining learning experience.
(320) 253-8424
11. Millner Heritage Vineyard and Winery – 26 miles
You’re Invited!..to experience their Austrian-Hungarian style Minnesota winery. Please take the time to visit their gift shop, try a wine tasting, experience a vineyard & winery tour, as well as purchase artisan cheeses and various ethnic meats. In addition, they offer an opportunity to learn a tremendous amount about Minnesota grapes as well as wine. Also, if you come at the right time you might even be able to hear a little Austrian singing or see a bit of Hungarian dancing.
(320) 398-2081
Our goal is for you and your family to have the best vacation possible when you stay with us at Riverside Resort. We hope that visiting a few of these other attractions adds to your enjoyment and makes your vacation even more memorable!
12 Outstanding Restaurants near Riverside Resort
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
There are so many wonderful things about vacations, like: sleeping in, relaxing, participating activities you would not normally do, and, oh yes, the yummy food! Sometimes our guests at Riverside Resort eat food they brought from home, or the fish they caught that day, or they may sometimes choose to give themselves a break and go out. We have some really great restaurant options near the resort. We wanted to share with you some of our favorites. For your convenience, we have listed them in order starting with those closest to Riverside.
Jill’s Cafe – 2 miles away
“Best burger in town, located right in Richmond. The fries were equally outstanding–hot and crisp, and the service ever so friendly. An all-around great family-owned restaurant.”
388 4th Street SW, Richmond, MN 56368
*Note: this is a new location…they just moved!
(320) 597-3838
Shady’s Long Shots – 4 miles away 
Located on the Rich Spring Golf Course, this is a popular dinner destination as you can arrive by car or by BOAT! About a 20 minute boat ride from Riverside Resort.
17467 Fairway Circle, Cold Spring MN 56320
(320) 685-8810
The Great Blue Heron – 6 miles away
This family owned supper club is like no other in the area! Whether you are looking for a night out with the family, or a romantic dinner date with that special someone, The Great Blue Heron is a fantastic choice! Call now for Holiday Party gatherings that, together with Riverside Inn, provide the perfect choice for celebrations
https://www.blueheronsupperclub.com/
305 5th Ave S, Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-3831
Marnanteli’s – 6 miles away
Marnanteli’s Pizza of Cold Spring has been serving family and friends since 1985. Many changes have happened over the years such as menu changes, new faces, and even a new building.
314 3rd St S, Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-3083
Dino’s Eden Lakeside Club – 6 miles away
Dino’s Lakeside is renowned for serving fresh, delicious food at reasonable prices. From hot baskets, burgers, pizzas, and tantalizing dinner combinations, to our one-of-a-kind buffets, we have something on the menu for every taste. Plus, you’ll want to leave room for one of our tantalizing desserts. Bring your appetite, because Dino never skimps when it comes to portion size!
15445 County Road 9, Eden Valley, MN 55329
(320) 453-4444
Cold Press Cafe – 6 miles away
This wonderful coffee shop just recently opened in the spring of 2019. Coffee lovers will get their daily caffeine fix with any of the wonderful regular or specialty drink options.
200 Red River Ave S, Cold Spring, MN, 56320
(320) 686-0157
Jimmy’s Pizza – 6 miles away
Jimmy’s Pizza is a family owned and operated franchise. The Hanson family has been in the pizza business for 16 years. Only the best ingredients are used, and they love what they do! They are also available to cater any time of day or night.
https://www.jimmyspizzacoldspring.com/
206 Red River Ave. S, Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 685-3151
Granite Edge Cafe – 10 miles away
Family owned and operated since 2005. If you’re looking for high quality food and great personal service, this is the place for you. At Granite Edge Café they’ll give you the attention and personal service you’ll come to expect and enjoy.
http://www.graniteedgecafe.com/
244 W Broadway St, Rockville, MN 56369
(320) 253-7331
Eddie’s on Grand – 13 miles away
For a casual dining experience, visit Eddie’s On Grand Bar and Grill. They are a bar and grill located south of Rockville that serves everything from burgers and wraps to steaks and walleye.
21614 Co Rd 8, Cold Spring, MN 56320
(320) 654-1811
The 400 Club – 16 miles away
There’s something warm and inclusive about having dinner at a Supper Club. The elegant décor, tasty bites, and unique drinks set the tone for a memorable night. If you’re looking for a fantastic supper club in Saint Cloud, MN, visit the 400 Club. Enjoy our stunning lake and beautiful dining areas.
25958 Lake Rd, St. Cloud, MN, 56301
(320) 253-2465
Kay’s Kitchen – 17 miles away
Kay’s Kitchen is known as one of the best restaurants in central Minnesota for a warm, inviting dining experience. They are committed to maintaining a fresh, clean, fun atmosphere along with the long-standing tradition of great food, friendly service, affordable pricing, and comfortable surroundings for all.
http://bestbreakfastmn.com/index.html
303 College Ave. N, St. Joseph, MN, 56374
(320) 557-0030
Anton’s – 20 miles away
A unique St. Cloud Area restaurant in an authentic log cabin nestled along the Sauk River. No need to travel all the way to Minneapolis – you’ll find the best quality steaks, seafood, award winning ribs, and of course, giant popovers, right here in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
https://www.antonsrestaurant.com/
2001 Frontage Rd N, Waite Park, MN 56387
(320) 253-3611
We are confident that if you visit any of these fine restaurants you will not be disappointed. We absolutely love it when our guests explore the area and see all the wonderful things it has to offer!
6 Benefits of Being in the Outdoors
“In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth” – Genesis 1:1
We know that God created everything from nothing. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, it tells us that God first created the heavens and earth and then in the next 5 days He created everything else such as light, darkness, plants, animals, sea creatures, man, etc. He made everything perfectly and with a purpose. We continue to see evidence of this as we learn how important it is to be in nature and take in everything the outdoors has to offer. It is the best because God created it to be the best!
At Riverside Resort there are so many opportunities to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy countless activities in the outdoors. There are numerous benefits of being in the outdoors. In this blog, we will discuss just a few.
1. Being outside boosts your energy
The fresh air and sunshine you get outside gives your body a natural boost of energy. Sitting inside all day long and participating in sedentary activities causes your body to feel sluggish and tired. Even just spending a few minutes a day outside will do wonders for your energy level. Just imagine how much energy you will have if you spend an entire day outside! Yes, this is unreasonable for most of the year, but when you come to Riverside Resort you will have the opportunity to do just that! You will have no need for coffee, but you are definitely welcome to enjoy it anyway. 🙂
2. The outdoors boosts your immune system
Being inside in the stuffy air that circulates from person to person is not wonderful for your health. Sunlight, which gives you Vitamin D, is good for your immune system. It also seems to energize special cells in your immune system, called T cells. T cells help your body fight infection. Many plants put substances, such as phytoncides, into the air that seem to boost immune function as well.
3. The outdoors provides free aromatherapy
Are you an essential oils person? Do you enjoy lighting candles all around your house? Or perhaps you prefer to use simple air fresheners. What if I told you there was a free aromatherapy option. That’s right, you guessed it, just walk out your front door. You will immediately be greeted by wonderful, fresh smells from all around. Perhaps you have a lilac bush nearby or you are smelling the aroma of freshly cut grass. Regardless of your surroundings, your nose will be working non-stop.
4. Being outdoors helps reduce stress levels
Have you ever had a crazy day, where everything seemed to go wrong or you just did not have enough time to get everything done? I think we all have had days like that. In those times, have you ever taken a few moments to walk outside and just be in nature? If so, you will have found that your stress level immediately drops. You can simply be still and listen to all the sounds, smell all the aromas, and see all the beauty around you. This allows your brain to reset and remember what is really important in life.
5. Being outside leads to more activity
We have a problem in our society with obesity and poor health. We, as a nation, can help restore our health by making a point to go outside on a regular basis. Sure, a person can go outside and just sit, however a person is more apt to be active if they are outside. Just going for a stroll around the block or planting flowers by the front stoop are great ways to be active. At Riverside Resort, we have countless ways to do just that. You can swim, fish, canoe, paddleboard, play disc golf, or just take a walk around the resort to name a few.
6. Being outside leads to better sleep
Being outdoors definitely helps set your sleep cycle. There are particular cells in your eyes that need enough light to get your body’s internal clock working right. The best light to help with your sleep is early morning sunlight. Researchers have found that this may be more important as you age because your eyes are less able to absorb light. However, if someone gets in a good habit of spending time outside on a regular basis, by the time they are older it will already be a pattern.
As you can see, there are so many health and wellness benefits from being outside. You and your family should come to Riverside Resort and take advantage of these benefits. We are open each year from April – October. We hope to see you there!
2019 Season Highlights
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” – Psalm 9:1
Our hearts are once again filled with joy and gratitude as we look back on our wonderful, busy season. We know that the Lord is in control of all things and He has once again richly blessed our season. We wanted to share with you some of the memories that stand out to us as we reflect back over the last 5 months.
Fishing with Joe was a hit!
Every Tuesday morning, Joe woke up with a smile on his face knowing what was to come. At 8:00am, he made his way down to the main dock with all of his fishing gear in hand. This is where all the resort kids, as well as some parents, gathered to catch fish. Joe would give helpful advice and suggestions on best technique to entice the fish to nibble at their bait. It was not uncommon for Joe to have 4 or more poles in his face needing assistance. 🙂 As a result, the fish were caught in abundance and the smiles were priceless.
Everybody loved Gaga Ball, or is it Octoball?
We are continually adding new features, as well as fun activities for our resort guests. This year one of those additions was a Gaga Ball pit. This game was a hit all summer long. Boys played, girls played, children played, and yes, even adults found themselves in this octagon shaped pit slappin’ the ball into their opponents. If you have never given it a try, we highly recommend it! 🙂
July 4th fireworks are always a favorite
Whether you are sitting in a lawn chair on the grass, a towel on our beach, or hanging out in the water on a boat; the fireworks show does not disappoint. We start the crowd off with a few small warm-up fireworks, just to wet their whistle. 🙂 Then before you know it, huge booms as well as oohs and aahs are heard in all directions. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of attending fireworks at Riverside Resort, we invite you to join us!
Our newest Cabin #20 was a hit!
Last fall, we purchased a wonderful, cozy, 2 bedroom cabin. This cabin quickly became a guest favorite and this summer it was one of our most rented cabins. Throughout the season we heard about how people really enjoyed the privacy and secluded feel this cabin offers. We are so pleased with the positive response to this new cabin and are excited for other families to experience it in years to come.
Visits from Jeremy, the fishing guide
If our guests were having trouble catching fish or maybe, catching a certain type of fish, all they had to do was join Jeremy on Monday nights in our game room. Jeremy is a local fishing guide who knows the in’s and out’s (and up’s and down’s) of the Horseshoe Chain of lakes. He knows the best spots to fish, the best time to fish them, as well as, the best bait to catch your desired fish. Many found success this summer after spending a short time with Jeremy. We are so thankful for the expertise and knowledge he shared with us and our guests.
Our church services
This is always a highlight for us. We love to worship the Lord with our resort guests as well as anyone else who would like to join us. Throughout the summer, we have such wonderful people that come share their talents and love of Jesus with us. We are filled up and encouraged by people’s stories. As a result, it energizes us to keep living for and serving the Lord in all we do.
Our guests make the summer great!
Without trying to brag or sound prideful, we have, hands down, the best resort guests!! 🙂 Each season we get to see families who have been coming to the resort for many many years. We are always amazed how fast the time goes between their yearly visits. Because of this, it is so easy to pick up right where we left off the year before. We also have the blessing of meeting new people each year who are coming to our resort for the first time. It is such an honor and blessing to be able to spend time with and serve each and every guest who chooses Riverside Resort throughout the summer. 
On a personal note…
This summer was a great one for our family. At the end of the summer, Christina’s youngest sister, Laura, got married. It was a wonderful time of celebration and time spent with extended family. In addition, Christina’s brother and his family from Japan were able to join us. This meant we were finally able to meet our niece and nephew! Because they live so far away, it is very seldom and extremely special when we are able to spend time with them. 
Our 2019 season was definitely one for the books and we are thankful for it. We thank the Lord for being in control and always being trustworthy. We thank our guests for their loyalty, trust, as well as the joy they bring each time they visit. See you all again next season! 🙂
7 ways to make long lasting vacation memories
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
-Luke 2:19
After the amazing and wonderful experience of giving birth to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Bible tells us that Mary thought about “all these things” and treasured them in her heart. This was definitely a moment in her life that she did not want to forget.
We all have special moments in our lives that we, too, want to remember. Family vacations take time to plan, energy to prepare for being away from home, and finances to make it happen; these are moments we definitely want to remember. Here are a few ideas to make your wonderful vacation memories last forever.
1. Take lots of pictures/videos
This may seem like a no-brainer. But it can be difficult to remember to take pictures especially if you are having such a fun time. It is also much easier to take pictures of others, but it is important to remember that you were there too! 🙂 Ask people to take pictures of your whole group or take turns snapping the photo.
2. Journal 
This may come very natural to some and for others, the idea of journaling may never come to mind. Even if you are in the latter group, you may want to try it. While you and your family are living the vacation it may seem like you will never forget it. But there are always little moments that make the vacation special that may be easily forgotten. Perhaps you could take 5-10 minutes at the end of each day and write down all your favorite moments from that day. Here is a great resource if you are not sure how to start your vacation journal.
3. Be in the present
We are all very busy and it is not uncommon to have to much on our plates during a normal day. Vacation is an opportunity to get away from those responsibilities for awhile and focus on being together. Try your best to keep your focus on the vacation instead of being worried or preoccupied with work or other things from back home.
4. Allow for multi-generational time
Multi-what? Let me say that again. Allow your vacation to have some multi-generational time. This simply means allow for time where many different generations come together. This could be inviting grandparents or great-grandparents to meet you somewhere or bringing along your own grandkids for the adventure. Each generation brings something different to the experience so it will make it more memorable.
5. Do something new
Do you remember the first time you did something really cool? Like the first time you went white water rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, or went to a professional sporting event? It is more memorable to do something for the first time. Try to incorporate at least one thing into your vacation that will be a “first” for either you or someone in your family.
6. Do something unique
This goes hand in hand with the last point, but is a bit different. This suggests to not only do something new, but try to find an uncommon or rare activity to participate in. Do some research before you go on vacation and figure out what makes the place you are going unique. At Riverside Resort, for example, we have excellent fishing, multiple boating options, and numerous games/activities. Perhaps you have never been paddleboarding or kayaking or played Gaga Ball before. Vacations are a great time to do something unique and special that you could not normally do at home.
7. Bring home a souvenir
Are you a coffee drinker? Buy a coffee mug with a picture or name of the place you visited. Does your family like to play cards? Buy a deck of cards that will remind you of your vacation. Do you collect postcards? Do you like to get new clothes? The list is endless. Souvenirs will help you remember the stories that go along with them.
If you try one or more of these suggestions, you will have an easier time remembering the wonderful vacations you had together as a family. Time is so precious and goes by so quickly, hold on tight to the moments that matter and, like Mary, let’s do our best to treasure them up in our hearts.
8 Secrets to a great Canoe Adventure
“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;”
-Psalm 96:11-12
There are many wonderful activities to enjoy on a hot, sunny, summer day with your friends or family, but one of our favorites is to go canoeing. Riverside Resort sits on the legendary Horseshoe Chain of Lakes and has many great places to canoe. We have embarked on several canoe adventures throughout the years. We would like to share some tips with you that we have found to be very helpful. If you follow these you are sure to have a successful trip that everyone will look back on with fondness.
Bring plenty of water bottles
Canoeing can be very relaxing and great for all ability levels, but it can also be quite physically taxing. You may not even realize you are in need of water because you are having so much fun, but make sure to keep drinking water throughout the trip.
Don’t forget to protect yourself…from the environment
It is always better to be over-prepared because weather on the water can change so quickly. Regardless of if the sun is behind clouds or directly beaming down, you should protect yourself from its rays. This can be done many ways, but the 3 most common are sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. You may also need to protect yourself from bugs, so don’t forget the bug spray!
Bring an ample amount of food
It doesn’t matter what you are doing, food always makes every experience better, right? Few canoe adventrues are short in length, so it is important to pack along enough food to keep everyone satisfied. Great foods to bring along are granola bars, pre-made sandwiches, fruit snacks, nuts, cut-up veggies, trail mix, and beef sticks.
Put your supplies in waterproof bags
Food, bug spray, sunscreen, extra clothes, and all other supplies should be kept in a waterproof bag. It is not likely that your canoe will tip, however it is a possibility. Splashes from paddling, unexpected rain, or spontaneous water fights are also ways your belongings could get wet. Nobody wants a soggy sandwich. 🙂
Prepare yourself for portaging
What is portaging, you may ask. Well, that’s when you have to get out of your canoe and walk it across land. Here is a short video to show you what it might look like. Bring shoes or comfortable sandals that will not easily fall off. It can be very painful to carry a heavy and cumbersome canoe barefoot. It is also wise to pack light so that if you do have to portage you have little to carry.
More experienced canoer in the back
Some of you may think this is an obvious suggestion, however you may be surprised how many people overlook this important detail. The person in the back controls the direction of the canoe. This is extremely helpful in making the most out of every stroke and keeps the canoe going on the correct course.
Bring string/rope 
This tip may seem a bit odd, however if and when the time comes that you and your group want to just chill on the water you may find yourself thanking me. You could also have some unhappy campers if you do not have access to all the food in different canoes when it is time to eat. But more importantly, it is wonderful to all be together without having to hold on to one another’s canoes for an extended period of time. This is even helpful if you just have one canoe. While you rest, simply tie the canoe up to a tree or dock.
Have an adventurous and laid back attitude
These tips are very helpful, however cannot possibly account for everything you will encounter along the way. Adventure by definition is “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity”. This is half the fun, right? No matter how much or how well you plan, things may go wrong. If you come into the adventure with that mindset and expectation it will be easier to make adjustments when needed.
Now, you are ready to sail the high seas, I mean, paddle down the river. We hope you will find these tips to be helpful the next time you embark on a canoe adventure with your crew.
Written By:
Kathryn Rupnow
7 Fishing Mistakes
“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.“ – Luke 5:6
A few men were fishing all day long and did not catch anything. After they were pretty discouraged, Jesus told them to go into deep water and let down their nets again. They were sceptical but obedient. Once they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Jesus was showing the men that He was in control and He will provide for them. Sometimes we too find it hard to catch fish. Here are some things to stay away from if you are trying to have a successful fishing trip.
1. Loud music or loud talking
Most fish have a great sense of hearing. They hear sounds differently than humans and some types of fish even hear through their swim bladders. Even though a fish’s sense of hearing is very acute, they may not be able to hear much that is going on above the water. Loud music and talking may not necessarily scare away the fish, but it may make other fisherman around you disgruntled.
2. Using the wrong lures or bait
It is important to know which type of fish are around to choose the correct bait and lures. For instance, if you are just looking to catch small sunfish off the dock you do not need anything fancy. For this type of fish a simple worm or leech is sufficient bait. However, if you are desiring to catch a fish such as crappie, a fathead minnow would be better bait. Wondering what fish are most commonly caught around the resort? Click here! 🙂
3. Being impatient
Fishing is a marathon not a sprint. It is an activity that requires finesse, skill, and patience. When fishing you should expect to spend a good amount of time on the water. Occasionally, you will be pleasantly surprised by a quick catch. However, if you go into it with the mindset that you will immediately catch a fish you may end up disappointed and in the end feel unsatisfied with your results.
4. Fishing at the wrong time of day
During the spring and fall it is better to fish around dusk because when the water is warmer the fish are more active. In the summer months, it is best to fish in the early morning or later evening. It is important to do a bit of research before going out because if you are searching for a specific fish it is important to know at which times of the day they are most likely to be caught.
5. Using worn out fishing line
This is one of the most common mistakes people make while fishing. You may have the correct lure, perfect bait, fish during the optimal time, and everything else, but if you have worn out fishing line you may not catch your fish. Make sure that you replace your fishing line on a regular basis and check it often to see if there are any nicks or irregularities in the line. If so, replace it before your next cast.
6. Being unprepared
Make sure you have all the equipment you need to catch the fish as well as everything you need once the fish is caught. Also, if you are on the water for several hours, you will need personal items to keep you at the top of your game. These items may include: food, water, and sunscreen. Here is a website with helpful details about what to pack for a great fishing trip.
7. Not paying attention
Finally, another mistake to avoid is simply losing focus and becoming less attentive. The fish are there and most likely they will bite (if you are doing everything else correctly, that is). However, if you are not paying attention that fish may have enough time to grab the bait on your hook and be on their way. Do not let that happen! 🙂
Hopefully, this will help you avoid some common fishing mistakes. Now, gather your supplies together and get fishing! 🙂 We know some great spots around the chain of lakes if you are ever wondering where to start!
2019 Season Kick-Off
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23
Every year when a new resort season begins we see this verse come to life in so many ways. We are so thankful for God’s faithfulness and His guidance as we open our resort for it’s 92nd year! 🙂 Each year looks a bit different and we like to bring new experiences and make improvements for our guests, but the foundation of the resort and the hope to give each family a ‘picture perfect vacation’ will never change. Here is what you can look forward to in this 2019 season!
What’s New in 2019?
1. We will be adding a new activity this year. “Fishing time with Joe”. One morning every week, kids can fish with Joe off the dock. Whether this is their first time fishing or they have been doing it for years, they will learn new things and have fun doing it!
2. For several years, we have had a resort wide volleyball game once a week with smores. This year instead of playing volleyball we will have yard games for guests to play. Some of these games include: Spikeball, Bocce ball, Kubb, Kan Jam, and more!
3. We now have another fishing boat option for our guests. It is a 16-foot boat with a 15hp motor. Just one more reason to get out on the lake. 🙂
4. The biggest news of this season is our 20th cabin addition, “Restful Retreat”! We have purchased and fixed up a cozy 2-bedroom cabin that is sure to be a guest favorite. It has its own beautiful outdoor space which is secluded and close to the water.
What’s been improved in 2019?
Every year we make multiple improvements to the resort and this year is no different. Some have been large improvements and others have been small, but we are excited about them all!
1. We have added lights on the decks of some of the cabins to help with better visibility at night. This also adds to the beauty and character of the cabins.
2. Cabin #8 ‘Paradise‘, is wheelchair accessible and this year we built a new ramp leading up to the cabin.
3. The fish house gets an abundance of foot traffic each year as people bring in their catches from the day. This year a new tapered floor was needed, so we put one in. 
4. Not only did the fish house need a new floor, but we also replaced the floor in the women’s bathhouse.
5. Our guests love to be on the docks, whether they are fishing, reading, or just looking out at the beautiful view. For this season, we upgraded the benches on the end of the main dock.
6. This year we also installed a new firepit and put in some new deck stairs for Cabin #1 ‘Rest Haven‘.
We feel so blessed to be able to serve God and others in this way. After so many months of the resort being still and silent, we are excited to see it come back to life. It brings us immense joy to see families and their friends spending quality time with one another and making memories that will last a lifetime. It may sound silly, but we have been looking forward to your vacation just as much as you have! We cannot wait to see you here!!!
If you want further information check out our website.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
God has created us all in such a way as to be curious and ask questions. God has promised us that if we come to Him, and seek to understand who He is as well as what He has done for us; He will reveal that to us. Just as many of us may have questions for God about life, we also have questions about many other things. Over the years, we have had many people ask us questions about Riverside Resort. We have started compiling a list of the most popular questions. We hope they are helpful to you.
1. What year did the resort first open?
The resort opened in May of 1927.
2. What do I need to bring when staying in a cabin?
A list of items that would be helpful for you to bring can be found here on our website.
The list consists of kitchen towels, kitchen trash bags, dish soap, scrub sponge, beach towels, sunscreen, bath towels, hand soap, and, of course, your personal items.
3. What supplies are in the kitchen?
We have done our best to make sure all necessary supplies are in the kitchen when you arrive. Here is what we have: dishes, silverware, drinkware, pots, pans, coffee maker, ice cube trays, can opener, knives, wooden spoons, spatula, mixing bowls, pizza cutter, measuring cups, and a pitcher.
4. Do the cabins have A/C?
Yes, each cabin has its own A/C unit which can be regulated by our guests.
5. Do you have Free WiFi?
Yes!
6. Can I bring my pet?
Yes, however, we prefer that dogs be boarded or stay at home, but arrangements can be made to bring people-friendly pets. Our pet policy, which can also be found on our website under resort policies, is: Please call for permission before bringing a pet to either a campsite or a cabin. The Pet fee is $30/day or $150/wk. Pets must be kept quiet, well cleaned up after, as well as being on a leash anytime they are outside. Pets are also not allowed in the beach/swimming area.
7. Is Riverside on a river or a lake?
Riverside Resort is located on a lake, Cedar Island Lake. It sits right where the Sauk River channel runs through Cedar Island Lake.
8. Is there a swimming pool?
No, not on-site. However, we have a partnership with the Riverside Inn in Cold Springs, MN. All of our guests are welcome to use their indoor pool and hot tub.
9. What water rentals are available?
We have several rental options such as kayaks, canoes, pontoons, row boats, paddleboards, and more. You can check out the complete list here. 
10. Is there a swimming beach?
Yes, it is very nice! We have a clear area for swimming that includes a slide as well as a water mat for guests to play on.
11. How is the fishing?
The fishing is great. Much of the time you could simply fish off any of our docks and be successful. However, there are some spots on the lake that we would be happy to point out to you if you are looking to venture off the dock. Check out the 6 most common fish that are caught around the Resort.
12. Are there full hookups at the overnight camping sites?
We do not have full hookups, but we do have electric sites in the additional camping areas. This is unlike our more rustic, wooded camping sites which do not have electricity.
13. Does your resort have seasonal sites?
Yes! We have 41 seasonal sites on the resort and they are very popular.
14. What onsite activities are there?
We have several activities for our guests to enjoy such as swimming, a variety of boating options, frisbee golf, craft times, a game room, basketball, movie nights, volleyball, bean bag tournaments, and more. Check out our website for a complete list.
15. Are their hiking/biking trails nearby?
Yes, there are several trails around the area. Here is a complete list of trails for you to check out. The closest trail, Rocori Trail, is only 1.5 miles away.
16. Are there any golf courses nearby?
Yes! Rich Spring Golf Club is only 4 miles away in Cold Spring. In fact, we even have discounted golf certificates for all of our guests! Make sure to ask about it during your next stay.
17. Is there a restaurant onsite?
No, however we do have a store onsite. In the store you can purchase candy, ice cream, as well as some simple grocery items. As far as restaurants, there are several right down the street in both Richmond and Cold Spring.
18. How far are you from MSP?
We are approximately 95 miles from the Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport and only 30 miles from the St. Cloud airport.
19. What is the reservation policy?
All the specific details can be found here on our website. We do require an advanced deposit on all reservations and once the reservation is finalized the guests are responsible for their whole stay.
20. What’s the deal with the rabbit?
Riverside Rabbit is our resort’s mascot as well as our dear friend. For the full history of Riverside check out this blog!
We hope that some of your questions have now been answered as well. If you still have more questions feel free to contact us at anytime via phone, facebook, or email. You can also look for more information on our website!!!
By: Kathryn Rupnow
Social Media Specialist
Riverside Resort
The Tale of Riverside Rabbit
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” -Hebrews 13:16
Jeanette DeRose, the mother of Joe DeRose (current owner of Riverside Resort), was a wonderful women. Jeanette dearly loved Jesus, her family, as well as the guests who came to vacation at Riverside Resort. She and her husband, Jim, owned and managed the resort for 32 delightful years. She loved to spread joy and continually thought of new ways to make this happen. Because of this, she had an idea to create a mascot for the resort. Her vision was to make it come alive, so the guests could interact with it. After much deliberation, a specific animal was chosen. Jeanette wrote the following story to provide background for their new, adoring friend.
The Tale of Riverside Rabbit
Once upon a time, in a land known to many as a “vacationer’s paradise”, a large rabbit was seen wandering in the woods of Central MN. The DeRose family lived in the big white house near these woods. Year after year, vacationers traveled to this ideal Minnesota vacation area. Everyone knew they could count on the DeRose’s at Riverside Resort to provide fun vacation memories for the entire family.
As is the custom at Riverside Resort,
the DeRose’s welcomed this large rabbit to their resort home. They motioned for him to come up out of the woods and presented him with a bunch of carrots. An instant friendship was made…Jim, Jeanette, Jennifer, Jessica, as well as Joseph DeRose felt as though this special guest had been a friend of theirs for year.
When asked who he was, this large rabbit replied that his name was Riverside Rabbit! He explained that he had traveled to vacation areas in many parts of the world. He was searching for the special vacation place which he had been named after. You see, it seems that many years ago his parents had vacationed at a resort. At this resort, people were friendly and the fishing was great. Therefore, only fun vacation memories filled their photo albums. Riverside Rabbit said that this special vacation place was known as Riverside Resort. He asked if his new friends knew how he could get there!
Well,
imagine his surprise when the DeRose’s enthusiastically told Riverside Rabbit that he was at Riverside Resort! Everyone was so excited! To everyone’s delight, the DeRose’s adopted Riverside Rabbit. In 1992 he made the woods of Riverside Resort his permanent home.
Riverside Rabbit makes friends instantly with the guests at Riverside Resort, where he loves to share hugs, as well as, cookies with “kids of all ages”. When Riverside Rabbit is not giving resort children their special coloring contest prizes, passing out cookies, or visiting with resort guests, he may be seen in the woods of Riverside Resort. A vacation home, where he and all of Riverside’s “extended family”, create lasting vacation memories and live happily ever after!
Blog Post by: Kathryn Rupnow