Interview by: Camilla Sanchez of VoyageMinnesota Magazine

Published: July 31, 2024

View original article published here.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri & Dave Rodgers.

Hi Bri & Dave, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

We are Brianna and David, and we are the founders and creators of Sweetbriar Ridge, which was born out of the need for nature. As a professional Interpretive Naturalist with 12+ years of experience, I (Brianna) have guided thousands of individuals of all ages to find enjoyment in the natural world. I have seen firsthand the nature deficiency our society is experiencing and the need for nature.

As a paramedic with 15+ years of experience, and holding certifications in Critical Care and Wilderness Medicine, I (David) have born witness to countless tragic situations. I have used nature as a way to process and begin the healing journey. Multiple yearly trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, as well as going to local state parks and wilderness areas have helped me cope over the years. Our dream is to provide a place for others to be able to come out and experience the healing power of the outdoors while also resting in comfort. Sharing nature experiences with others and seeing them fall in love with the outdoors is one of our biggest passions in life. 

After years of dreaming and searching, we discovered the perfect sanctuary for Sweetbriar Ridge in 2021 – a haven nestled amidst Minnesota’s native landscapes. This land mirrors our passion and commitment to connecting people with the beauty of nature. Our mission is simple: to break down barriers and offer everyone the chance to immerse themselves in nature through a luxurious and distinctive experience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Building Sweetbriar Ridge has been hands down, one of the most challenging, fearful, tiring, and anxiety inducing experiences we have ever gone through, both as individuals and as life/business partners. We first dreamt up Sweetbriar Ridge in 2017 and had spent a few years researching the idea and creating a solid business plan. For years we searched for the right property that would reflect our ultimate vision and mission, which is to create a space of healing in nature while providing ecological restoration to the land. The property also needed to be affordable and an hour from the Twin Cities. The real estate market was tough post pandemic, but we were committed to finding the perfect piece of land.

After finding the land for Sweetbriar Ridge, we were able to secure the funding needed to build along with the permits required by the local township in the fall of 2021. Everything seemed to be going as planned. In May of 2022, we had all our contractors lined up and ready to begin construction. The same week road restrictions lifted, and construction was to begin, we received a letter in the mail that our building permit had been revoked. There was a new building inspector in town that did not understand our unique build and vision and ended up delaying our project for almost two years. 

During this time, we hired the best architect in outdoor hospitality, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, and an attorney to help us navigate this unique situation. In the Fall of 2022, after setback after setback, we finally received our foundation permit to pour concrete. However, it was too late in the season due to freezing Minnesota temps, and we had to wait until Spring of 2023. That following Spring, we were excited to get our foundation in and move forward on the build.

Yet again, it felt like everything was going wrong that could go wrong. Two of our original contractors walked away with our deposits and never submitted permits to the state as agreed upon. Because of this, we had to find new, trustworthy contractors, and wait over ten weeks for the state to approve our new permits. It was difficult to just sit and wait during prime building season. The waiting really tested our faith and resilience. We finally received the last of our permits from both the state and township in the fall of 2023 and spent the winter 2023-2024 building out the dome interiors.

Due to the delay in construction, we were behind on our building timeline and well over budget. We continued to move forward on the things we could control and chose to surrender to the things that were out of our control all while trying to stay positive and optimistic. Those were some of the longer and harder months we have ever experienced, but we chose to lean on each other and not take no for an answer. To take each day as it came, and to focus on our “why” behind Sweetbriar Ridge. We would not be where we are today, if it wasn’t for the many friends, family members, business mentors, banks, and amazing contractors who believed in our vision and came along side of use to help see it through.

Memorial Weekend 2024, we opened our doors to host our very first guests in Solidago Dome. We can finally say we have made it to the “fun” part! We are certain we will still face future hurdles and surprises along the way, but the grit and determination it took to get us to this point, was worth it by the beautiful reviews and smiles we have already received sharing the unique beauty of Sweetbriar Ridge with so many wonderful people.

As you know, we’re big fans of Sweetbriar Ridge Glamping. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

Sweetbriar Ridge is located just 70 miles north of the Twin Cities on 56 acres of secluded woods and prairie landscapes. This is where nature and luxury meet your soul, all while providing the comforts of home inside three lux stargazing geodesic domes.

At our retreat, we passionately embrace the transformative power of the ‘three-day effect.’ Countless studies affirm that when individuals escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a minimum of 72 hours, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, healing can take place within the mind. Away from the constant buzz of phones, emails, and tasks, guests can experience a profound reset – a rejuvenation of the soul. This immersion in nature has proven therapeutic for those battling post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction, igniting a journey of healing and restoration.

Sweetbriar Ridge has partnered with Heroes Helping Heroes, Empower Recovery Services, and other local Minnesota nonprofits to provide stays for those in need of a nature fix. We are committed to not only restoring people to the land but restoring the 20+ acres of cattle field to native prairies to improve biodiversity. Only 1% of Minnesota’s Native Prairie Landscapes remain and we are committed to doing our part to improve and protect the land for generations to come.

This land mirrors our passion and commitment to connecting people with the beauty of nature. Our mission is simple: to break down barriers and offer everyone the chance to immerse themselves in nature through a luxurious and distinctive experience. Whether you are craving a relaxing retreat, a getaway bonding with your besties, celebrating a special anniversary, or a spontaneous solo adventure, we cater to all nature enthusiasts. We invite you to join us and let nature work its wonders, rejuvenating your spirit and soothing your soul.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?

Such a great question! For us, the simple answer is the freedom to be with those who matter the most to us in life. To have the opportunity to drop our daughter off at school, to go on evening walks together, to spend the little moments as a family that ultimately create a life. Having a full heart and home over a full bank account, that feels like true success to us.

What’s next for Sweetbriar Ridge and where can people find your Minnesota Glamping Domes?

Sweetbriar Ridge will be opening two more glamping domes in the fall/winter of 2024. Visit www.sweetbriarridgemn.com to learn more on how to book your stay and about our mission to restoring the land and giving back to the local community!

Pricing:

• Pricing varies based on seasonal demands, weekends, and holidays.
• $150 dog fee – we are dog friendly!
• Complementary paddleboards/snowshoes provided (we are open year round!)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetbriarridgemn.com
• Instagram: @sweetbriar_ridge
• Facebook: Sweetbriar Ridge

Image Credits

1. Kimberly Williams Photography – dome exterior with Dave & Bri (daughter) Rodgers
2. Kimberly Williams Photography – vanity
3. Kimberly Williams Photography – shower
4. Taylor Hildreth – dome exterior
5. Taylor Hildreth – mug
6. Antonia Grant – northern lights
7. Taylor Hildreth – sunset
8. Kimberly Williams – kitchen
9. Kimberly Williams – loft

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