Lutsen is a charismatic community set on the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by lush boreal forest. Hike in the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, ski at one of the top alpine resorts in the Midwest and explore some of the best canoe trails in the United States. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family or solo, Lutsen is a great base for your getaway to the North Star State.
Things to do in Lutsen
Lutsen Mountains offers one of the only alpine ski experiences in the Midwest. Discover more than 1,000 acres of downhill skiing terrain across four snow-capped peaks. You can also explore 450 kilometres of cross-country ski trails and a huge network of snowmobile tracks. Rent ski gear and hit the mountain or brush up on your technique with lessons from a local instructor. After a day on the slopes, warm up with dinner, drinks and live music at a local bar.
After the spring snowmelt, Lutsen Mountains transforms into an outdoor summer playground. Hiking trails wind across the resort and take you through lush forests and wildflower-strewn meadows. Others lead to tumbling waterfalls.
If you don’t want to hike, ride the Summit Express Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain. The gondola unlocks spectacular views over Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. There’s a chance to spot bears, wolves, eagles and, if you’re lucky, moose.
Lutsen is a launchpad to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where you can paddle on almost 2,000 kilometres of canoe trails. Enjoy a leisurely day trip or set off on an adventurous overnight paddle and sleep under the stars.
Getting around Lutsen
Rental cars are the best way to visit Lutsen and explore Cook County at your own pace. The community is a 1.5-hour drive from Duluth and two hours from Thunder Bay in Canada. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is a four-hour drive away.