Today we’d like to introduce you to Ross & Lara Coyer.
Hi Ross & Lara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Cabin O’ Pines Resort on Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota is a hidden gem of the Northwoods. It’s now owned and operated by fifth-generation Ross Coyer and his wife, Lara.
The land was originally homesteaded by Ross’s family in 1906, and the resort officially opened in 1939. For 119 years, the property has stayed in the family, with each generation shaping what Cabin O’ Pines is today — from hand-built cabins to a welcoming community of returning guests.
Ross grew up here and had been running the resort alongside his parents for several years in preparation to take over. When Lara came into his life, the timing felt perfect. They married on the main dock in July 2024, marking the official start of the fifth generation of ownership.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a seasonal resort is an all-hands-on-deck lifestyle. There’s no separation between work and home — and when something breaks, you’re the one fixing it. A single thunderstorm can knock out power to the entire resort. When you’ve got a full campground, marina, and families on vacation, there’s no margin for delay.
Every summer season is a balancing act: cabins to turn over, boats to launch, maintenance to stay ahead of, and new and returning guests to look after. It’s busy, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding — but it’s not for the faint of heart.
There’s also a bigger picture we’re always mindful of. In the mid-20th century, Minnesota had nearly 3,000 family-run resorts. Today, fewer than 600 remain. Between rising costs, regulatory pressure, and the challenges of living where you work, many places like this have disappeared. We’re proud to still be here — and we’re focused on growth, sustainability, and setting up the future so that there’s a sixth generation ready to take it on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cabin O’ Pines Resort & Campground?
Cabin O’ Pines is a seasonal fishing resort with 10 housekeeping cabins, 3 yurts, 40 seasonal and weekly campsites, and a full lineup of marine rentals — including boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. All non-motorized watercraft are provided free of charge to guests.
Pelican Lake is known for its giant bluegill and abundant wildlife, and guests return year after year to fish, reconnect, and unplug. Some families have been coming for generations — their kids now return with kids of their own.
We live and work on-site during the season and are supported by an incredible team of Workampers who help with everything from groundskeeping to guest support. There’s a quiet rhythm to life here — early mornings, campfires, fish stories, cabin dinners, and the loon calls that signal the end of the day.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Our story started with a chance meeting under London Bridge – literally – a moment neither of us expected to change everything. Six months later, we were engaged, and just two weeks after that, we said our vows right here on the main dock at Cabin O’ Pines in July 2024.
Lara, originally from the UK, had never been to Minnesota. She knew of it, but had no idea what a fishing resort really was — and certainly never imagined making one her home! But from day one, she jumped in with both feet. Together, we work as a team — from flipping cabins, and screen printing apparel to welcoming guests and keeping the resort running smoothly.
What surprises people most is how natural it’s all felt. For us, this isn’t just a business or a legacy — it’s a shared life and a shared passion. We’re honored to carry on a 119-year-old family tradition and excited to build it even stronger, preparing for a sixth generation to one day call Cabin O’ Pines home.
Pricing:
- Campsites – $49 to $159/night
- Seasonal Sites – $3,795 + electricity
- Yurts – From $199/night
- Cabins – From $249/night
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cabinopines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabinopines
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cabinopines
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CabinOPinesResortOrr
