If you're craving mountain views, lakeside serenity, and a whole lot of fresh air, you need to check out Lutsen. The first time I visited, I couldn’t believe this kind of alpine-meets-lake beauty existed in Minnesota. Nestled right on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Lutsen blends rugged wilderness with cozy cabin charm—and trust me, whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking through fall leaves, it’s pure magic up here.
Lutsen, MN Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Ski or snowboard at Lutsen Mountains – I’ve hit the slopes here and was honestly surprised by how big it is for the Midwest. You’ll get 95 runs across four peaks, and on a bluebird day, those Lake Superior views are unforgettable.
- For History Buffs: Learn North Shore lore at the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum – I popped into this place while exploring nearby Tofte. You’ll discover stories of Scandinavian fishermen and how they built a life along these wild shores—it gave me a new appreciation for the area.
- For Shoppers: Browse local art at Last Chance Gallery – I always like to bring home something unique, and this gallery was a gem. You’ll find sculptures and regional art, plus there’s a sculpture garden that feels like a hidden creative retreat.
- For Couples: Ride the Summit Express Gondola – I took this ride with someone special and the views were just incredible. You’ll float above the forest to Moose Mountain and see Lake Superior stretch out like an ocean—it’s the kind of quiet, beautiful moment you won’t forget.
- For Families: Visit Cascade River State Park – I brought my nieces here, and it was the perfect family outing. You’ll find short trails, waterfalls, and plenty of spots to stop and enjoy a picnic or take photos. It’s close to town and easy to access, which makes it even better.
Best Time to Visit Lutsen, MN
Your best time to visit really depends on what you love. If you’re into skiing or snowshoeing, then December through March is ideal—I’ve braved the winter and it’s truly a wonderland. But if you ask me, summer and early fall are where Lutsen really shines. From June to October, the trails are open, the lake breeze is perfect, and the fall colors along the Superior Hiking Trail? Absolutely breathtaking. I’ve hiked it during peak foliage, and it felt like walking through a painting.
How to Get to Lutsen, MN
- If you are traveling by car: I drove up from Duluth along Highway 61, and it might be one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever taken. You’ll pass waterfalls, forested cliffs, and that endless blue water. It’s about 90 minutes from Duluth and 4.5 hours from the Twin Cities.
- By Air: I flew into Duluth International Airport (DLH), picked up a rental, and took my time on the way north. It’s a peaceful journey that sets the tone for your stay.
- By Shuttle: If you’d rather not drive, there’s a North Shore Shuttle that runs from Duluth to Lutsen with advance booking. I’ve used it before and it’s super convenient if you want to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Where to Stay in Lutsen, MN
- Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior – I stayed in one of the lakefront cabins here and couldn’t have been happier. You’ll get that historic lodge charm, great dining, and guided activities—it really feels like an all-in-one getaway.
- Eagle Ridge Resort – If you’re coming to ski, this is the spot. I loved being able to ski right out from my door and crash by the fire afterward. You’ll also get awesome views of Moose Mountain.
- Caribou Highlands Lodge – I stayed here with a group, and it was perfect for families or friends traveling together. You’ll find townhomes and condos with full kitchens, plus indoor pools and easy access to trails.
Best Things to Do in Lutsen, MN
Cascade River State Park
Hugging the rugged, rocky coast of Lake Superior, Cascade River State Park is located at the northeastern tip of Minnesota and has more than its share of nature’s majesty. With the rushing Cascade River, spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges with black volcanic rocks covered in moss, and old cedar, spruce, and birch forests with many different types of wildlife, Cascade River State Park is a magnificent spot for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Numerous smaller trails link with the North Shore State Trail and the Lake Superior Trail, offering spectacular views of Lake Superior. The park has several drive-ins and campsites for those who want to stay longer.
3481 W Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612-9535, Phone: 218-387-3053,
Lutsen Mountain Tram
Lutsen Mountain Tram is an aerial gondola that offers fantastic views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the scenic, rugged coast of Lake Superior. This popular North Shore attraction takes visitors on a breathtaking ride to the top of Moose Mountain, 1,000 feet above Lake Superior. You will stop at the Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains, a lovely mountaintop chalet where you can relax, have lunch, and enjoy the views of the lake. It is no surprise that the chalet, with its spectacular views and great amenities, is a popular site for weddings. From the chalet, you can take one of many trails through the Lutsen Mountains, enjoy the view, and hope to spot the wildlife that makes this mountain its home.
467 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN 55612, Phone: 800-360-7666
Lutsen Mountains
The magnificent Sawtooth Mountains tower more than 1,000 feet above the coast of Lake Superior. Lutsen Mountains, with its diverse topography that is unique for the Midwest, is a perfect location for the Lutsen Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in mid-America. It has it all: High mountains, an average of 10 feet of snowfall a year, and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Lutsen offers more than 95 runs on four mountains with interconnecting peaks, with a 825-foot vertical rise. There is a new eight-passenger gondola and a new six-passenger high-speed chair lift. With great accommodation all year round, slope-side and mountain top dining, and live music every night, Lutsen Mountains is a great destination for family vacations, weddings, or a couple’s retreat both in the winter and in the summer.
Cascade River
Running for about 17 miles through Cook County in northeastern Minnesota, the Cascade River spills into Lake Superior between Lutsen and Grand Marais. At its lower end, it rushes through Cascade River State Park along a narrow, shady canyon, dropping down majestically in a series of waterfalls and cascades. There is a network of trails in the park; some of the most scenic ones follow the river’s mossy banks. The trails, surrounded by dense forests of white pine, birch, and spruce, are very popular with hikers during the warmer months and with cross-country skiers in the winter. Those who like spending the night under the stars can find a spot in one of several campsites throughout the park.
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
Oberg Mountain Loop
A spur trail off of the Superior Hiking Trail, the Oberg Mountain Loop Trail is a 2.6-mile very popular and well-used loop trail with a trailhead near Tofte, Minnesota. This moderately challenging trail runs primarily through large, mature forests. Nine overlooks offer wonderful views of Lake Superior, Moose Mountain, and Oberg Lake, with the North Shore Sawtooth backcountry in the background. The trail starts with a few mild switchbacks that lead on an easy loop to the top of the 1,000-foot Oberg Mountain, with steep cliffs at the top. With rock ledges and cliffs along the way, keep an eye on the kids. Dogs on a leash are also allowed on this trail.
Where to Eat:
Lockport Marketplace and Deli
A North Shore landmark since 1928, Lockport Marketplace and Deli is a family-owned one-stop shop where you can fill your car with gas, have wonderful French toast for breakfast with the best coffee in town, load the car with groceries and supplies, and relax on the back porch while watching deer grazing peacefully. This charming little place off Highway 61 used to be just a gas station, but each consecutive owner added a bit of authentic northern Minnesota atmosphere to make it a must-stop place on your way to the Lutsen Mountains. Don’t forget to try their delicious flaky pies and home-made pastries and fill your cup with their excellent hot coffee.
1273 Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, Phone: 218-663-7548
Cascade Lodge Restaurant
Located on the North Shore of majestic Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minnesota, Cascade Lodge Restaurant is a historic property with a main lodge built in 1930 and log cabins snuggled amongst birches and pines. The rustic but very charming restaurant has a massive rock fireplace and cozy decor with wagon wheel chandeliers and mounted animal trophies. The food is prepared with local fish, meat, and produce and the menu consists of everyone’s favorites such as crispy fried coconut-crusted walleye fingers, steak bites with Cajun sauce, or juicy half-pound juicy beef burgers. The view of the lake from the dining room is breathtaking.
3719 W Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612-9534, Phone: 218-387-2911
Fika Coffee
Fika Coffee is a coffee roaster and coffee shop located in the Clearview Building in downtown Lutsen, Minnesota. They roast small batches of coffee beans from sustainable growers in Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Burundi, with the goal of offering to their customers the best coffee from around the globe. In their small, charming, and unpretentious coffee shop, which doubles as a roasting place, they not only brew excellent coffee and make a mean latte but also introduce the concept of fica, Swedish for coffee break, which is a quiet moment of relaxation in a hectic day and a time to chat with good friends with a hot cup of coffee. They sell their roasted coffee through a range of wholesalers. In their Lutsen shop, together with a coffee, you can get scones and muffins from the Elfyin Bakery and ice cream from LoveCreamery from Two
5327 W Highway 61, Clearview Building, Lutsen, MN 55612-9513, Phone: 218-663-9055
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