Rivers Bend Family Resort brings Igloo Dining To The Area
Rivers Bend Family Resort, created by couples Jim and Juanita Tonsing and Kyle and Anesa Knight, spans 27 acres of cabins, RV and tent sites, disc golf and event space alongside a full-service creekside restaurant. Its signature heated igloo dining—where guests enjoy homemade jalapeño cream cheese wontons and “Anesa’s Special” fries while watching deer, eagles and turtles—has become a beloved seasonal tradition, and the resort welcomes visitors year-round for lodging, dining and family-friendly gatherings.
By Kristi Spencer
The owners of Rivers Bend Family Resort have dedicated the last three years to creating a place where families and friends can escape, relax and make lasting memories. The vision of Jim and Juanita Tonsing, along with Kyle and Anesa Knight, has transformed Rivers Bend into more than just a business; it is a labor of love shared between two couples who are not only partners but also family.
“We wanted to create a space for our family to enjoy as well as everyone else in the community,” shares Anesa Knight. “Over the past three years, we have expanded our services as a small family-owned business to include 27 acres for our guests to enjoy, a full-service restaurant, 23 RV sites, six remodeled nightly cabins, 17 tent sites, a disc golf course, igloo rentals, event space rentals, non-profit events and water access for our guests.”
A Unique Winter Dining Experience
One of Rivers Bend’s most talked-about features is its igloo dining experience. Set on its expanded patio overlooking the creek, these cozy, heated igloos offer a warm and inviting space with seating for up to eight people per igloo. Inside, you can enjoy a meal while surrounded by nature.
“Our patio is our most-used space in the restaurant,” Anesa explains. “On a nice weather day, 90% of our guests choose to sit outside to enjoy the views of the creek. We wanted them to be able to enjoy the patio throughout the entire year, while also bringing a unique experience to the Joplin area.
”The igloos have become a seasonal tradition for many families. “It warms our hearts knowing for three years now we have created a tradition for our customers to continue doing,” Anesa says.
What’s on the Menu?
Rivers Bend’s menu offers something for everyone, but a few items stand out as guest favorites. Anesa says their homemade wontons are a must-try. They are filled with a jalapeño cream cheese mixture and served with a sweet, tangy, homemade orange sauce. Another crowd-pleaser is Anesa’s Special, a serving of crispy fries topped with creamy mac and cheese, smoked pulled pork, onion strings and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
The menu includes burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, along with salads. For those seeking a unique dining experience, the butter candle is a new option; it’s served with sourdough, French bread or crescent rolls.
“The igloos are such a fun experience, and the wildlife this time of year is beautiful to see. The deer walking through the water, the eagle hanging out in the trees, the fish and turtles in the water are all worth seeing this time of year.- Anesa Knight““
Making Connections
Rivers Bend isn’t just about great food—it’s also a destination for special occasions. The resort has hosted Christmas parties and family get-togethers. “We have several families that have made it a tradition every year to come out around Christmas time and do the igloo experience,” Anesa says.
“The igloos are such a fun experience, and the wildlife this time of year is beautiful to see. The deer walking through the water, the eagle hanging out in the trees, the fish and turtles in the water are all worth seeing this time of year,” she continues.
The owners take great pride in creating a welcoming space, evident in every detail of their establishment. As a small family-owned business, they genuinely appreciate each person who walks through their door.
“It’s a quiet, relaxing place where people can escape from everything happening in the world,” Anesa says. “We aim to provide an environment that caters to each individual who visits. We hope that everyone feels like a regular and leaves knowing we truly appreciate their support for our business.” The resort is focused on being a safe space for every member of the family.
Year Round
Rivers Bend Family Resort is much more than a winter dining destination. Year-round, the resort offers RV sites, remodeled cabins and pre-set tents, providing plenty of options for travelers. The onsite restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon until 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays). Guests can enjoy lunch specials, happy hours and a menu that combines comfort and creativity.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re stopping by for a meal, hosting an event or looking for a quiet getaway, Rivers Bend Family Resort offers something special for everyone. Guests can book online and are encouraged to dress warmly for the full winter experience by the creek.
For more information and reservations, visit www.RiversBendFamilyResort.com. Rivers Bend Family Resort is located at 4041 Highway NN in Joplin, just down the road from Mercy Hospital.
