The Cedar River was originally known as the Red Cedar River because of the many red cedar trees that thrived along its banks. This stand is now one of the few remaining examples of the species in the county.

Farmers clearing their land made short work of the abundant tree cover, much of which was floated downstream to saw mills on the Mississippi River. Locally, red cedar was prized as material for fence railings in the days before barbed wire. The wood contains a natural fungicide that helps prevent rot. This also made red cedar ideal for bridge pilings.

As recently as the 1960s, it was difficult to find any red cedar trees in this area. Preservation of existing stands, and the careful cultivation of new groves, has led to the reappearance of the species along the river named in its honor.

Another stand of red cedar is located on Bennington Road, past the entrance to the NEITA Raceway, about half a mile west of U.S. Highway 218.