The Somerset/New Richmond area has been named the Tubing Capital of the World for a good reason. What began as a fun spot for locals to tube the Apple River in the early 1960s has become a prime campground and tubing destination in Minnesota. Our tubers get access to over 3 miles of lazy river paradise.

River’s Edge got its place on the map thanks to Charles Kuralt and his show “On the Road With Charles Kuralt.” In 1972 the film crew was in the area and stopped by Rivers Edge to see what the tubing craze was all about. Charles and his crew fell in love with the Raleigh family (owners at the time) and ended up staying for a 3-day vacation! Over the next few years, Charles found himself back to River’s Edge 19 times, enjoying the Supperclub and celebrating the Raleigh’s birthdays!

Today, visitors can enjoy the same thrill of the river on a tube or 500-gallon tank! Our river tubing is open daily during the summer season! Make it a weekend adventure and book your stay at one of our campground sites, cabins, or tiny home!

A Brief History of the River’s Edge

As recorded in our vintage restaurant menu.

View Our Historic Menu!

Early 1900s
Founded by Noe Johnson
It all Starts Here

River’s Edge, that Shangri-la of present day dining and “where to go” winter and summer, owes its beginnings to an aspiring young man, Noe Johnson.

He, together with one Henry Hand, was the first to operate one of those places called a “chicken shack” where a happy group could pull up with the old “fliver”, order some fried chicken and some “spiked beer” (a highlight of prohibition days) and be served from an open-out shelf from a little white building.

This was located on a serene spot by the Apple River, in from 64 one quarter of a mile, where the water flowed incessantly winter and summer. The fried chicken gained its beginning from a colored cook, “Little Legh”, who was imported into this area, with his husband, for the very purpose of providing delectable Southern Chicken.

The Early Years
A much different picture than today
River’s Edge Starts Growing

From a mere shack and with the onslaught of gambling, prohibition, more automobiles, this busy little dining haven grew and grew. This was really the start of a dining area surrounding the village of Somerset, which has grown to present day popularity, and is known the world over for good food, frog’s legs, and the new title of “Floating Capital of the World.”

1930s-1940s
River’s Edge Changes Hands

Noe Johnson had some problems like all businesses do, and at one time was closed up for a portion of a year, possibly for some prohibition technicality.

The story goes that Noe at one time served John Dillenger and his gang one afternoon. But Noe was a wonderful fellow, kind, generous, and loved by all, especially in later years, by the children. Operating a store in Somerset, it was a known fact that he gave half of what he stocked to the children. However, he sold Noe’s Shack to one, Eddie Ferranbach. Later it was sold to the Mondor boys. About 1937, Noe and his wife, Esther, operated it until about the early forties.

1945 - 1946
It's a full family affair
Earl Mondor Transforms the Business

Earl Mondor then became owner, and in about 1945 remodeled and beautified two rooms, the bar and the dining room. Slot machines flourished and made money easy until the last part of 1945, when gambling was really outlawed everywhere in the state. It was then, in early 1946, that the Jack Raleigh family took over, after operating “Raleigh’s Café” in Somerset for six years.
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This family grew to ten, there being five boys and three girls, all of whom work in the business. Some are bartenders, some are waitresses, some are musicians and help do the musical entertaining on occasion. Families come from far and wide to dine, float down the river and enjoy the magnificent view of the Apple River from our windows. Many a young couple looks back at their happy wedding reception held here, many a happy family occasion has been highlighted here.

Early 1950s
The River's Edge we know today begins to take shape
Shangri-la at Last

The grounds have been enlarged and are beautifully kept up, spacious and shaded by beautiful trees. Here indeed is Shangri-la.

Here for years, Charlie Ward brought his groups to dine on sautéed frog’s legs, and be entertained. Here, once Alice Longworth Roosevelt (Roosevelt Longworth) was his guest. Here, after a visit, Fitzpatrick of “Voice of the Globe” once wrote in our guest book – “If you build a better mousetrap, the whole world will find its way to your door.”

June 13th, 1972
Kerault Puts Us on the Map
River’s Edge Featured “On the Road Show”

Highlight of our famous visitors came Charles Kuralt, of the famous “On the Road Show”, of the Walter Cronkite hour, on June 13, 1972. His two-day visit stretched to four days. He loved the simplicity and the greenedness of River’s Edge and was quizzed along the whole float trip by the Raleigh boys. The last day of his trip saw him going down the Apple, on an improvised raft made by the Raleigh boys supported by four large inner tubes, fishpole in hand (his favorite sport is trout fishing), all the photographic equipment aboard and his crew.

River’s Edge has become a dining Mecca for people from all over the nation. Famous for sautéed frog’s legs, its reputation for serenity and peace, and the most romantic place to take one’s loved ones, its popularity grows. Here, always is a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful dinner.