Lutsen/Tofte Area

SPECIAL SPONSORED SECTION

Photo courtesy of Lutsen Resort

The Lutsen area provides an impeccable vacation resume of expansive forests, windswept peaks, clear streams, and raw, rugged shores. Lutsen Mountains, the Superior National Forest, and Lake Superior are right outside your door. Bike along the Gitchi-Gami state trail, golf at the 27-hole Superior National at Lutsen, fish in Lake Superior (home to at least 78 different species of fish), hike along the seemingly endless backroads and trails of Superior National Forest, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the Northwoods. Head over to Lutsen Mountains for a fun summer day on the slopes. An all-day pass includes unlimited rides on the gondola, which takes you up to Moose Mountain for hiking and biking, and chairlift rides to Eagle Mountain, featuring the alpine slide.

FOR BIG KIDS

One of the most common expressions heard at Cove Point Lodge is “I had no idea you were here.†The lodge is so well hidden, says Steven Hillestad, co-owner, “We’ve actually had people argue with us that we don’t exist!†The unique location, in a natural cove down by the lake–away from the highway noise– creates a cozy, peaceful environment perfect for couples or singles wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. Located just outside the Superior Hiking Trail, near Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche State Park, and the Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail, guests can stay busy hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, or canoeing, or stay put at the lodge and relax (rooms include fireplaces and/or Jacuzzis). Favorite dinner options at the lodge include walleye, steak, pasta, stuffed mushroom appetizers baked in champagne, and Split Rock Shrimp served on wild rice. Adirondack chairs, set out where the lawn slopes down to the lake, create the perfect spot for cocktails and quiet conversation.

for little kids

While Cove Point Lodge mainly attracts couples looking for a romantic getaway, it shouldn’t be ruled out as a family-friendly destination. Kids love swimming in the indoor pool, hunting for agates along the rocky shoreline, making s’mores down at the fire pit, playing Frisbee golf or bocce ball, and enjoying the sights and sounds of Mother Nature along the Superior Hiking Trail (Cove Point is located just outside the Superior Hiking Trail and Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail). Canoes are available free of charge to Cove Point guests, who either paddle around the cove or–for the more adventurous–venture a short way out into Lake Superior. Another popular kid-friendly activity is the Grandpa Woo cruise, highlighting the Lake Superior shoreline from East Beaver Bay down to Split Rock Lighthouse.

For more information, visit www.covepointlodge.com

FOR BIG KIDS

Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, located in the Lutsen-Tofte area, offers the entire resort experience–gourmet dining at Bluefin Grille, romantic bonfires on the beach, charter
fishing, soaking in the outdoor hot tub, unwinding with a massage at the Superior Waters Wellness Center, and luxurious amenities within the midst of the North Shore’s rugged wilderness. The location is ideal for hiking, biking, or sea kayaking.

for little kids

A children’s program and play area keeps the little ones busy, along with the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, volleyball and tennis courts, sea kayaking lessons,
naturalist program, and complimentary use of mountain bikes (a portion of the paved Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail runs right past Bluefin Bay).

For more information, visit www.bluefinbay.com 

FOR BIG KIDS

Find your own little piece of paradise at Surfside on Lake Superior, nestled between the Superior National Forest and Lake Superior and set against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains. Be one of the first to stay at the new luxury waterfront retreats in the Lutsen/Tofte area. Each townhome features three luxurious levels of style and space, private balconies, vaulted pine ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, two fireplaces, stainless steel appliances, and an expansive kitchen. The first of nine (of 26 total planned) townhomes are complete and open for rental at an Early Bird discount of 35 percent off the regular rental rates. Coming later this summer, Surfside on Lake Superior will open a world-class pool and spa facility–Superior Waters–including an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, tennis court, and a full menu of spa and massage services.

for little kids

Surfside on Lake Superior is perfect for families, with each townhome featuring more than 3,000-square-feet of living space, and anywhere from four to six balconies or decks. This spring and summer, while the Surfside resort amenities are being completed, guests are invited to participate in the activities schedule at Bluefin Bay, its sister resort.

For more information, visit www.surfsideonsuperior.com

 
Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

FOR BIG KIDS

Warm, inviting hospitality, postcard-perfect scenery, a location perfect for romance and adventure, and a tradition of excellence (Lutsen Resort is the oldest resort in the state) attract adults to Lutsen Resort. Some come to relax (reserve a bed and breakfast, romance, or massage package), some come to play (sign up for an adventure getaway), some come to play and relax. Let nature (and Lutsen Resort activities director Adam Harju) be your teacher during the Spring Kayaking Adventure May 30-June 1–designed for all skill levels–and the Father’s Day North Shore Adventure Weekend June 13-15, including rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking. When not out exploring or lounging indoors, guests enjoy campfires on the shores of the ever-mystical Lake Superior, shuffleboard, a
par-3 golf course, indoor pool and Jacuzzi, and meals in the lakeside restaurant or pub.

for little kids

A hugely popular complimentary activity at Lutsen Resort is sea kayaking lessons and guided tours. Kids (and parents) also love the Kids’ Camp (4 and up), Adventure Camp (created for older kids), guided hikes, naturalist programs, Pizza and Movie Nights, disc golf, bocce ball, fly fishing, night hikes, and horseshoes.

For more information, visit www.lutsenresort.com