We describe the design and operation of a cryogenic magnetic resonance force microscope for detecting nuclear magnetic resonance. Instrument-critical details are enumerated, including fabrication of a positionable radio-frequency coil, detection of angstrom-level microcantilever oscillations using an optical fiber interferometer, design of a compact fiber/cantilever alignment system, temperature compensation of the fiber/cantilever gap, control of sample temperature, and vibration isolation. Additionally, experimental protocols and sample specific considerations such as spin relaxation times are addressed. F-19 nuclear magnetic resonance data obtained from a Nd-doped CaF2 sample are presented.