History

Lutsen Resort is Minnesota's oldest resort. In 1885, the rugged natural beauty of Lake Superior's North Shore prompted Charles Axel Nelson, a young Swedish immigrant, to establish his homestead overlooking the lake. He called it "Lutsen".

Soon married, he and his family supported themselves through fishing, logging and trapping. The original cabin, built at the site of the current Lutsen Resort lodge, grew into an ever-larger family home. In the early days, long before a road was built, travelers found Lutsen a stop of convenience as they made their way up the lake. The Nelson children vacated their beds for travelers.

As its reputation for welcoming guests grew, Lutsen began to attract visitors who came to stay—to hike, fish, and hunt. Known as a friendly haven for weary travelers, the family home evolved into one of Minnesota's favorite destinations.

The sprawling homestead buildings were eventually replaced by the Main Lodge. This Swedish-style hewn pine timber lodge was designed by renowned architect Edwin Lunde for which he received an architectural award. Traditional style log homes and condominiums were added to the resort during the last 15 years to provide additional lodging options for guests.

In 1988, the resort changed hands as the original Nelson family sold the resort to another Minnesota family whose roots in northeastern Minnesota also go back four generations. You will find the tradition of warm hospitality with a Scandinavian flavor continues today.