About Us
Ryden's Border Store has been family owned and operated since 1947. We are the third generation and although we are doing many of the same things our grandparents did, we have grown over the last 70 years. We still sell plenty of chips, pop, candy bars and souvenirs, yet we are so much more. We are the largest seller of T-shirts/sweatshirts on the North Shore and the largest seller of our famous Beef Jerky. Much of our business also involves parcel services for our Canadian neighbors, both personal and businesses. We offer FedEx, UPS, SpeeDee and USPS services along with large freight deliveries such as, whirlpools, airplane engines and tires of all sizes!
Our History
Fishing and curiosity is what brought big Ed Ryden up the North Shore. An injured logger from Hill City, Minnesota, he came to look at Sextus Hotel after some friends told him it was for sale. Ed and Mabel Ryden bought the resort for $25,000 in 1947, changing the name to Ryden’s Pigeon River Resort. Ed and Mabel raised 5 children at the ‘Old Border’, Darrell, Pete, Larry, Joy, and Clyde. With many of them still living in the area today. In 1959 the store burnt to the ground leaving only their sign ‘Ryden’s’ remaining. When the roof collapsed that sign landed straight up. That's when friends told Ed “you’ll be fine, the name stands strong.” That sign currently sits above the Duty Free Shop at Ryden’s Store. Shortly after, the store was rebuilt.
In 1963, the new highway was built and the store was moved to the present location. Along with the old customs building which is now used for employee housing. In 1973 Ed and Mabel retired and son Larry Ryden took over. Larry Retired in 1991, sadly he passed away in 2016 (We love to hear stories about him in the store).
Currently, the store is owned by Lori (Sam) Boomer. She is the third generation daughter of Larry Ryden. She is currently working on the 4th generation to take over! Stop in and see us!