 Well, it’s happening. School shopping may be done, maybe that school bell will ring in your school district, maybe it isn’t. But summer is on the down swing and poof, GONE! You might think that all of Minnesota is gathering for our winter hibernation or southern migration. But there is more than enough time to enjoy a long or short Minnesota Vacation at Riverside Resort this fall. Here are some top reasons to get here before the trees are bare, the ground is white, and the lakes are hard. Come to just take in the crisp, cool, tranquil fall.  1. Fall Colors- Minnesota is home to 52 native trees, consisting of coniferous and deciduous trees. And that equals a spectrum of brilliant fall colors. You could travel to the most northern part of the state to the southern to catch the fall hues. CLICK HERE for a list of the Top 10 Drives in Minnesota.. You can also chase the rainbow with this Fall Color Tour from the MN Department of Natural Resources.  2. Tranquility- Lake vibes are always laid back but there is nothing more laid back than the fall. As the summer wraps up in these small communities that are home to many Minnesota Resorts less visitors line the streets, restaurants, and shops and everything slows down like the leaves slowly falling and everything is much quieter. So if you are looking for some peace and quiet a Fall Minnesota Vacation is a must book. And there is nothing more tranquil than our state bird’s call which is heard throughout that fall. We are home to 12,000 Common Loons. In September, Minnesota’s adult loons travel to their winter home along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina south to Florida, or on the Gulf of Mexico. Younger loons follow a month or so later. Before they fly south they will gather on the lake to entertain us one last time with their calls. CLICK HERE to learn more about our state bird.  3. Fishing- As the weather cools the fish become more active. Just like the wild life above the water, fish become more active in order to fatten up for winter and they also start to form schools. This means it’s a great time for fishing for you! So don’t miss out on the fall bite and CLICK HERE to check out this link for some fall fishing tips.  4. Value– The Minnesota Resort vacation is already an affordable one, but top it off with some of their fall specials, it’s a no-brainer to join us in the fall. If you already stayed with one of our owner-operated resorts make sure to ask them about fall specials.  Come Fall in Love with Minnesota Fall. It is right around the corner as dabbles of color are starting to appear along the tops of our maples and steam is starting to emerge from the water as the cool down begins. But don’t worry, we aren’t going anywhere; we will be here all 12 months. Don’t miss out on any of our seasons at Riverside Resort. Based on Blog Submitted by: Megan Johnson
Edits by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort
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 When our kids were nine, seven and five, we took them to Disney World. You know this kind of family vacation, right? It’s often referred to as the best family vacation for kids. It’s the vacation that every kid dreams of and that every parent hopes they can some-day give their kids while they are still young. Well, it can also require lots of advance research on how to navigate the parks, the hassle of flying, it’s very expensive, and don’t even get me started on the crowds! But we were able to give our kids the best vacation for kids …… or so we thought. After we returned home, I asked the simple question, “What was your favorite part about vacation?” And much to my astonishment they all three said, “Eating sugared cereal for breakfast in our bedroom while watching cartoons!” (Both sugared cereal and eating in their bedroom were taboo at home, but some rules are ignored on vacation.) And while I was happy for their honest answer, I was thinking to myself “What!? After all the hassle and time and money we spent, your favorite part was something we could have just done at home?!?!”
So these answers really got me thinking. Vacations for kids don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Simple will do just fine. I realize many families take more than one vacation in a year, and I encourage you to make one of those vacations a simple one.  Minnesota resorts, like Riverside Resort, are one of the best places for a simple family vacation. Most are a four to eight hour drive from the Twin Cities, Iowa or the Dakotas (no flights needed). They are a safe place for kids to roam and offer a quiet, friendly atmosphere in a natural environment. Cabin and boat rental rates are very affordable. After spending a week at a Minnesota resort, when asked what their favorite part of vacation was, I would imagine answers like these: “Going to the store all by myself to buy ice-cream.” “Riding my bike everywhere.” “Building sand castles at the beach.” “Eating as many Freeze Pops as I wanted without having to ask!” “Sitting on the end of the dock with you.” “Playing on the splash mat.” “Fishing with daddy.”  Submitted by: Jennifer Bateman
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  Sometimes life just gets too busy. We find that planning ahead for a get-away just sometimes cannot be done in advance. We understand. It is much better to try to do it last minute then not at all! To answer the question if last minute stays are ok? The answer is a definite YES!!!
 Now that you have decided to take a resort vacation, you need to see what is available. For your convenience, Riverside Resort has our cabin availability on-line. You can easily see what works for you and your family.
 You also may be asking yourself, "Don’t resorts usually have a minimum number of days they require?" If you are looking in the main summer season, we do typically require a 5 night minimum, however it doesn't hurt to call and talk to us directly. Taking the risk of making a last minute stay, may just work in your favor. Don’t be afraid to ask us if we are willing to take a reservation that is less than what we usually take.  THE MAIN IDEA IS THAT VACATIONS ARE WORTH THE EFFORT AND EXTRA WORK OF PLANNING. IF POSSIBLE, PLAN AHEAD. BUT IF THAT IS NOT YOUR REALITY, THEN PLAN A LAST MINUTE STAY... YES, THEY ARE OK!  We are hearing this more and more. “I want a vacation with my family, but right now I don’t want to fly.” Some people have never enjoyed flying and even more are reluctant to fly since the Covid-19 pandemic. That doesn’t mean that you cannot go on vacation. Vacationing at a Minnesota Resort has always made sense and now it makes even MORE sense! So, what can you do for a vacation without flying? You can DRIVE to a Minnesota Resort, specifically Riverside Resort.  Vacationing at a Minnesota Resort may be the answer. Why? ➯Usually only a 3 hour or less drive away. ➯It is a safe way to vacation. ➯You can have family time… together…. in one location that isn’t your home. ➯You can create memories that can last a lifetime. ➯You can save money. Usually a 3 hour or less drive away. Minnesota has so many Resorts to choose from. Depending on where you live, the drive could be fairly short. If you are coming from an adjacent state to Minnesota, the drive is still doable in one day. So, there won’t be a hotel stay along the way! It is a safe way to vacation. Your Resort owners are working hard to assure you that you will have a safe and secure vacation. Could there be a better, safer place to vacation then in your own cabin? You will be sharing your space with…. just your family. Resort owners follow CDC and MN Department of Health laws. There are many guidelines that need to be followed during this time and you can be rest assured that they are keeping up on it. You can have family time…. together… in one location that isn’t your home. Wouldn't it be nice to spend some time together in a place that is not your home? Since 2020 it seems most people have been spending a bit more time at home. That is good, but a change of scenery is certainly nice and it takes you out of the usual routine of life.  You can Create Memories that can Last a Lifetime. When you look back at your childhood, what are many of the memories revolving around? Could it be vacations or doing something out of the ordinary? Memories are important. Spending time together as a family at Riverside Resort would be….. perfect.  You can Save Money. Yes, it is true. Flying somewhere and then renting a place to stay and renting a car can be really expensive. Driving to a Resort is much less expensive. Think about staying a full week. Depending on how much time you have, a full week may not be that much more than 4 days. You can do all your cooking in your cabin. You don’t have to eat-out for every meal. Cherish those family memories and save money at the same time.  You can have an awesome family vacation and you DON’T have to FLY. Start with checking out one of our awesome owner-operated Minnesota Resorts like Riverside Resort.
Submitted by: Karen Senger Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  Minnesota lake country is full of owner operated resorts, all providing a family vacation experience like no other vacation does. There seems to be a universal thought that the only time to go to a lake resort is in June, July or August. Well, I’m here to tell you that the month of May is an overlooked gem! If you are a lover of lakes, then May is the month for you. Here’s why:  1) Wildlife watching — May is the month that Minnesota lakes come to life. Spring is actually happening, and in a comfortable cabin by the lake is one of the best places to experience it! The spring bird migration occurs during this month, so it’s a great opportunity to see a wide variety of birds move through the area. The lakes attract groupings of waterfowl such as trumpeter swans, loons and ducks. Wildlife is also on the move, increasing your chances of seeing deer, fox, moose, bear and other furry creatures. The sights and sounds of wildlife, during both the day and night, are unique and more plentiful in May. 2) Value — May is no doubt the least expensive time of year to stay at a Minnesota resort. The reason for this is the demand for cabin rental is lower. Most mid-west schools are in session until early June, which means families with children typically do not vacation in May. Lower demand means lower rental rates, but you still get the same great cabin, the same great lake view and the same great customer service as you would get during peak season.
3) Quiet — Staying at a lakeside resort that isn’t full to capacity and with few to no kids means quieter days and nights. May is a more popular month for couples and empty nesters.
4) Full choice of water activities — Yes, lake water takes time to warm up after ice-out, so swimming is rare in May. But if you’re not one to have to actually get in the water to enjoy the lake, then May is a really good option for you! With the exception of swimming, all lake activities are possible. Just to name a few are fishing, cruising, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.  5) The Common Loon — Minnesota lakes are the summer home for the Common Loon, which are a beloved bird for their beauty as well as their vocal singing. Loon cries are most prevalent during breeding season as pairs aggressively defend their territories and begin mating and guarding their territory. And as you may have guessed, May is their breeding season. So if you love the call of the loon and want to hear it during the day and night, book your resort vacation in May! Click here to hear what a loon sounds like. Do I have you convinced? Click here to make your reservation at Riverside Resort, then get ready to have a wonderful spring experience at the lake! Submitted by: Karen Senger - Resorter for 17 years, now retired Edited by: Katie Rupnow - Riverside Resort Photo Credit: Riverside Resort Do you know what bird makes that chirping sound? Can you identify that animal rustling in the brush? Do you know how to identify the types of trees you see? There are many ways to enjoy nature and learn about and NATURALLY discover Minnesota.  1). Go For A Walk An easy way to NATURALLY learn more about Minnesota is to go for a walk. While on your walk, make sure to leave your music at the cabin. As you stroll along, listen for different bird songs and try to match up the chirping with the birds you see around you. One of the most common birds in Minnesota is the Black-capped Chickadee. Click here to hear their unique and distinctive sound. Bring your bird field guide book so you can look up all the different species of feathered friends.
 2). Get Out On The Water Minnesota is known for its multitude of clear clean lakes. (Our own Cedar Island Lake being one of the best!) There are so many different types of animals and habitats that inhabit our waters. As you are out fishing, have you thought about the fact that there are so many different species of fish in just one lake? Look at your depth finder or get up close and personal and jump in and peer under the surface to see all the different types of structures there are under the water. Crappies love being in structures that protect them from other bigger fish. While the Muskie might like the shallow reedy habitat so they can ambush their prey.  Looking around the edges of the lake you can NATURALLY discover Minnesota and learn where the turtles sunbathe on the fallen trees or where the loons have made a nest right on the water because they cannot easily walk on land. What can you learn from the beaver lodge: What types of trees are best for making a beaver den? Which aquatic plants can live best with the high traffic of beaver life? All of these questions can be answered by just getting out on the water!  3). Star Gazing The sun has set but that doesn’t mean that the learning has stopped! Minnesota has many nocturnal animals that we can learn about too. By laying out and just looking at the sky we can see the stars. You can NATURALLY discover Minnesota. Can you recognize any of the constellations? Who made that “hoot”? What type of animal is flapping around? One of the best parts about getting out of the light saturated city is that you can observe the vast expanse of the stars. You can grasp the knowledge of movement of the solar system with your own eyes when you are relaxing at cabin in outdoors. That “hoot” can be from a couple of different species of owls; glance around and figure out who is making the noise. Bats are one of those animals that you will only see at night. Watch as they swoop and dive and flit through the air eating bugs. Let's Enjoy Nature and all that God Created! Submitted by: Holly Senger
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  L to R: Caleb, David, Tyler, Selah, Christina, Joe You’ve maybe heard the term ma and pa resort before and wondered… what? Ma and Pa? Sure sounds old-fashioned, maybe a little too rustic?  The term "ma and pa" was historically used to describe local family owned and operated general stores or drugstores. Today, ma-and-pa establishments are synonymous with various different types of businesses, including restaurants, bookstores, automotive repair shops, and insurance agencies.  And that is exactly what ma and pa resorts are, owner operated. At these resorts you will more than likely find two generations, maybe even three working side by side giving each Minnesota Resort its very own personality just like the personalities that own and operate them. In the 1980’s the term boutique hotel was born, these owner operated resorts have the same feel and philosophy. Riverside Resort was established in 1927 and we are in our fourth-generation of owners.  When you visit one of these resorts, you’ll soon realize that the resort owners live right on the resort grounds, raising their families while working. Now that’s multi-tasking. Your kids will play with their kids and many families create lasting relationships. Nothing is better than receiving a guest’s holiday card and to top it off is if that card photo is from, non-other than a Minnesota owner-operated resort. And while your kids might be perfecting their under-water head stand or casting off the dock with the resort children, their siblings, parents or grandparents will be scooping your minnows, helping you fuel up your boat, and making sure you enjoy your Minnesota Vacation. Sounds fun right? But what about that old-fashioned factor? Maybe you have to work? Maybe you can’t sleep without AC or you enjoy the convenience of WiFi. Perhaps you want to check out some of the newer and improved lake toys (Stand Up Paddleboards, Aquaglides, kayaks , etc.). Well, don't worry. At Riverside Resort, we have taken the time to update and even rebuild parts of the cabins. Along with that, we have several amenities for our guests comfort and enjoyment.
Now that this has been explained a bit more, book that vacation at Riverside Resort today! Written By: Karen Senger
Edited By: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort Fall is an awesome time to get outside. Come to think of it, it is great to get outside anytime of year. But, there is something about the fall season that is so appealing to many people. It could be the colors or maybe the cool evenings and bright sunny days. Maybe it is the quiet after a busy summer. Whatever your reason, TAKE YOUR TIME to really enjoy being outside.  You have many options. Below are just some to consider. Sit on a chair: Yes, just sit. Whether you are by water or in the middle of the forest, grab a chair and plan on just sitting and relaxing. TAKE YOUR TIME to just sit. If you are lucky enough to be by the water, grab a chair and just sit. Don’t bring your phone, i-Pad or music. Plan on just listening. It does take a little practice. You can sit by yourself or sit with others. No matter where you are, you can TAKE THE TIME to just sit.  Sitting by a lake or river: This is one of my favorites. There is something soothing about watching water. Riverside Resort lies right on the Cedar Island Lake. We can walk down and look at it whenever we want. It is GORGEOUS!!!. We really try to not take it for granted. It may be the same lake, but it is always interesting and different. The clouds are different, different boats go by, the waves are different, sometimes there are animals that pass by, actually one time we even saw an eagle swoop down and snag a fish. If you don’t TAKE THE TIME to watch, you are really missing something. Think about TAKING THE TIME to sit by water. It is awesome!!!  Image from Google Maps Hike: You can really appreciate nature by just walking in it. Riverside Resort is located only 1.5 miles away from the Glacial Lakes State Trail. You can also click here to check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for MN State Trails for other trails in MN. If you would prefer to not take a trail, you can just walk on a quiet road. When you are out there TAKE YOUR TIME and pay attention to the noises. If you are quiet you will most likely hear the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. These noises are always there, we just usually don’t take the time to listen. If you plan ahead think about taking a small chair or perhaps a bag lunch to take a break on the trail. Whatever you do, TAKE THE TIME.  Cabin: When you are lucky enough to rent a cabin, think about spending some time enjoying it. Some people enjoy getting out and spending very little time in their cabin and enjoy a very active vacation. This is great (and many times this is the type of vacation I take). But, make sure you take some time during your trip, TAKE YOUR TIME to sit and relax. If you are at a busy resort, it is fun to hear others hustle and bustle. If it is more quiet or secluded, you will hear nature all around you. Chances are you will hear the loons. They will be going south soon! And, do not forget to open your windows. Fall is in the air, the time to keep windows open may be coming to an end. Enjoy your time. Enjoy your vacations. TAKE YOUR TIME. Written by: Karen Senger
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  So you’ve decided to take your family vacation at a Minnesota resort, specifically Riverside Resort. Congratulations! And it could be that you’ve already decided what amenities your family would probably enjoy at a resort.
Some popular amenities at Riverside Resort are fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, splash mats, paddle boards, water slide, pontoons, and other ways to get you out on the water. But one amenity that many resorts have that you might not think about is sunsets! Everybody loves a good sunset. I doubt you’ve ever met anyone who said, “No. Not me. I don’t like sunsets at all.”  It could be that you live in an area where you can’t get a good view of the sunset. Maybe buildings or trees are in the way, or you’re at work so not free to watch the sky, or your house windows just face the wrong direction. A Minnesota resort is a great place to see a sunset, and it may be an amenity that you were not even counting on. What are the benefits of watching the sun set over a lake? ► Several places to view it — Choices include the picture window from the cabin, on a screen porch or deck, in a chair on the lake shore, on the end of the dock or out in a boat. Most should offer a nice, wide open view with no visual obstructions. ► Reflection — This benefit is often overlooked! Whether the lake you are on has a big expanse of water or small, you will get reflection off the water, and a mirror image if it’s a calm night. That’s two sunsets in one! Depending upon the colors in the sunset, it can make you feel like you’re in another world! ► Lake sounds — Along with the sunset you will get “lake sounds” which is part of the experience. You’ll likely hear the sounds of water birds such as loons, ducks, geese and herons. If you’d like to try your hand at photographing lake sunsets, visit this link for tips on the best way to photograph sunsets.  Written by: Jennifer Bateman
Edited by: Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort  With every vacation there is that special moment that you don’t want to forget. Getting those moments caught on camera will keep them alive forever. Here are some tips to keep your Minnesota travel memories unforgettable!!!!  Family and Friends The first thing that people seem to regret is not taking enough photos of are family members. Family is something that everyone thinks will always be around, will live within a couple miles (or hours) or will have time to go on vacation with. But we all know that life gets busy, people move, and move-on. So, while on vacation I always recommend taking pictures of your family and/or friends. Take the candid pic of them eating the messy S’more, them jumping into the lake, or with that big fish. Family photos don’t have to be stiff, everyone wears the same color, and fake smiles; they can be the swimsuit group shot where half the people are sunburned and the other half pasty white and yet that one cousin always seems to get that nice tan within hours of the snow melting. Those casual photos of your people are going to be the ones that litter the fridge.  Nature Minnesota is exploding with the most beautiful scenery that you can imagine. When you are traveling around Minnesota make sure to capture as much of the diversity there is to offer! Get that shot with the loon, the one with the twisted tree, and don’t forget the one of the weird bugs you do not know what it is! When you are taking shots of the nature around you, you are learning about the points that make Minnesota interesting. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a great site to find the best scenic and natural areas that you can explore when you are on your vacation or when you have an afternoon off! Click here for a DNR link to Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas.
Important Events While we are traveling we experience life's greatest events: catching our first fish, camping the first time, engagements and weddings, birthday celebrations, and so many more. Remembering all of those special moments becomes easier when you take photos. There are options when these phenomena happen; you can hire a professional to get an outsider's perspective, a friend can capture the moment, a member of the group, or all of the above! When you are on vacation there is something special about being around the people you travel with and those who are important to us that no one wants to forget. Just don’t forget to let them slip by without a photo (or 10)! 
Selfies One of the viewpoints some often seem to forget is the selfie! Nowadays, we always think of selfies as tweens taking a photo of themselves in a bathroom mirror; they can be so much more! Also, if you ever do some solo traveling, that selfie might be the only physical proof of you being on that vacation! And, it is a great way to remember your experiences.  Written by Holly Senger
Edited by Kathryn Rupnow Photo Credit: Riverside Resort |
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