Saturday Notice: Summit Express Gondola closes at 2 PM. Alpine Slide open until 5 PM.

Red gondola over lush greenery near a blue ocean under clear sky.

Welcome to Lutsen

Thank You for Staying With Us

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Our History

Lutsen Mountains has deep roots on Minnesota's North Shore, tracing its history back to 1885 when Swedish immigrant Charles Alex Nelson founded Lutsen Resort as a wilderness retreat along Lake Superior. Skiing came to the mountain in 1948, inspired by George Nelson's experience with the alpine skiing 10th Mountain Division in World War II, and the resort has been growing ever since.

Over the decades, Lutsen evolved into the Midwest's largest ski resort, expanding across four mountains and becoming home to the region's first gondola in 1989. The resort carries an Olympic legacy as well, with Cindy Nelson, who learned to ski right here on these slopes, earning a Bronze medal in the 1976 Olympic downhill.

Today, Lutsen Mountains continues to invest in its future while honoring its past. Recent additions include Charlie's Alpine Bistro, new slopeside condominiums at Eagle Ridge, and the Lofty Gondola music venue, all while maintaining the North Shore character that has defined this mountain for over a century.

Lutsen Mountains is proud to be part of Midwest Family Ski Resorts, alongside Snowriver Mountain Resort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau, Wisconsin.

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Historical photos of Lutsen; On top, Vintage photo of skiers in snow. Bottom: Colorful vintage picture of skiers with gear.

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Things to Do Near Lutsen

Just beyond the mountain, the welcoming communities of Lutsen, Tofte, and Grand Marais are your gateway to everything the North Shore has to offer.

Adventure, Culture, and Charm Around Every Corner

Rustic buildings by a lake; women chatting; historic fort entrance.

The North Shore has a personality all its own. From lakeside dining and local shops to artisan galleries and live music, there's plenty to discover just beyond the mountain.

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Stone building facade with modern signage.

Resort Dining Options

Refuel, recharge, and enjoy. Lutsen's dining scene spans the mountain and beyond, with options ranging from a quick bite at Rosie's Cafe to upscale cuisine at Charlie's Alpine Bistro and live music at Lofty Gondola. Every spot is designed to make your time here a little more memorable. View our full list of resort dining options.

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Two musicians playing guitars in a stylish, cozy setting.

Live Music

Charlie's Alpine Bistro is the heartbeat of Lutsen's live music scene all summer long. Five nights a week, some of the North Shore's best local talent takes the stage for an evening of great food, great drinks, and live music that makes every night at Lutsen worth staying in for. Learn more about the live music schedule at Lutsen Mountains this summer.

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Waterfalls

From the roaring cascades of the Poplar River right here in Lutsen to the mysterious Devil's Kettle Falls where half the Brule River simply disappears, the North Shore is home to some of the most dramatic waterfall scenery in the Midwest. The Cascade River drops 900 feet over its final three miles, while the High Falls of the Pigeon River stands as the tallest waterfall in Minnesota at 120 feet. See all the waterfalls near Lutsen on our waterfalls page.

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Flowing forest river connected to waterfall with lush green trees and rocky banks.

What's Happening This Summer

Cable cars glide over vibrant autumn forest.

Gondola Rides

Glide above the Poplar River valley to the top of Moose Mountain for some of the best views in all of Minnesota. The Summit Express Gondola delivers sweeping panoramas of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, with Summit Chalet and it's observation deck waiting for you at the summit.

Man sliding down a concrete luge track in a forest setting.

Alpine Slide

Ride a chairlift to the summit of Eagle Mountain, grab a sled, and cruise down a half-mile of twisting, turning track at your own pace. Easy enough for first-timers, fun enough to ride twice. A great experience for the whole family.

Silhouette of a couple embracing at sunset.

Weddings & Groups

Lutsen Mountains is one of the most stunning wedding destinations on Minnesota's North Shore. Say "I do" at the Summit Chalet with 100-mile views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest, arrive via gondola, and celebrate with up to 175 guests in a setting that is truly one of a kind. On-site lodging at Eagle Ridge Resort keeps your guests close for the whole celebration. Learn more about hosting your wedding at Lutsen Mountains.

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Skiers glide through snowy forest trail in winter setting.