If you’re looking for things to do in Lutsen, on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, look no further! This guide highlights the area’s best attractions, hiking trails, and winter activities.
Lutsen is Minnesota’s original vacation destination dating back to 1885. Tucked between the Poplar River, the Sawtooth Mountains, and Lake Superior, the views and landscape are truly breathtaking. Outdoor recreation, beautiful lake and mountain views, and wonderful resorts are the hallmarks of a vacation here.
The best hiking trails in Lutsen, MN
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do here. That’s because the peaks and ridges of the Sawtooth Mountains offer some of the most spectacular views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest.
The hiking in Lutsen is phenomenal any time of year, but especially in the fall because of the bright red maple trees that stretch along this part of the Sawtooth Mountains.
The best hiking trails in Lutsen are along the Superior Hiking Trail:
- Lake Agnes to White Sky Rock
- Oberg Mountain Loop
- Gondola Loop
- Lookout Mountain
- Britton Peak
- Carlton Peak
- Poplar River Falls
- Cascade River
Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide and Gondola
In the summer families love Lutsen Mountians’ Alpine Slide and Summit Express Gondola. The Alpine Slide is a thrilling summer luge run. First, take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. Then walk your sled to the start of the concrete track (with a spectacular Lake Superior view, by the way). Finally, board your sled and take off down the half-mile twisting, turning track! There are two parallel tracks so you can ride next to your friend. It’s amusement park fun for the whole family!
One of the most popular things to do on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior is to ride the Summit Express Gondola (especially during fall colors!). This leisurely and scenic ride is perfect for young and old. On this attraction, you ride the aerial gondola car at treetop level to the top of Moose Mountain (one of the North Shore’s tallest peaks). At the top of Moose Mountain, you will experience unbelievable views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest! You will also find the Summit Chalet (which has an eatery with indoor and outdoor seating), hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. It is generally open year-round, but hours are usually limited in October – December, and March-May.
Superior National Golf Course
George Nelson, Jr. continued his vision of recreation and hospitality in Lutsen by offering land to build a world-class golf course. As a result, Superior National Golf Course was built in 1991 to accompany the great skiing and lodging on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. It is situated along the Poplar River between Lutsen Resort and Lutsen Mountains. Today it’s known as one of Minnesota’s Top 10 Golf Courses, and is arguably one of the most beautiful in America!
Superior National offers 27 holes of championship public golf on the newly renovated River & Canyon 18, and the Mountain 9. Play golf along the spectacular Poplar River with stellar views of Lake Superior as the backdrop. It is a public golf course so all are welcome to come and play a round. Whether you are an avid golfer, occasional player, or a beginner you must play a round at Superior National!
Even if you’re not a golfer you can still play on the course! FootGolf is a new addition to the scenic Mountain 9. It’s like golf, but played with a soccer ball. Families and anyone who likes to play outside will love a game of FootGolf.
Bike on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Ride your bike on the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail from Lutsen to Tofte. Admire the views of Lake Superior along the way. This stretch is 7.3 miles one way, and mostly flat and easygoing.
Access the trail from the bottom of Ski Hill Road (Cook County 5). Cross the Poplar River and head southwest towards Tofte. A new section of the trail from Ski Hill Road to Lutsen will be open in 2025.
Winter Activities
Lutsen Mountains Ski Area
In 1948 C.A.A. Nelson’s grandson George Nelson, Jr. returned to Lutsen after serving in WWII’s elite skiing infantry called the 10th Mountain Division. George had a passion for sharing skiing and recreation with visitors to their family resort. As a result, he set out to build a ski area on the mountains behind the resort. He and his father cut ski trails by hand and opened the ski area called Lutsen Mountains with two runs and a tow-rope.
Over the last 70+ years, Lutsen Mountains has grown into the Midwest’s largest ski area! It boasts 4 mountains, 95 runs, the Midwest’s only gondola. It also has two chalets, a restaurant, and ski-in/ski-out lodging. Because the North Shore has such ideal winter conditions, you can ski at Lutsen Mountains from mid-November through early May!
Cross Country Skiing & Fat Tire Biking
The Lutsen-Tofte area boasts some of the best cross-country skiing in North America! Explore the Sugarbush Trail System and the Norpine Trails. Fat tire biking trails are available within the Sugarbush Trail System.
Snowmobiling in Lutsen
Ride your snowmobile through the Superior National Forest. The C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail can be accessed in Lutsen.
Snowshoeing in Lutsen
With Lutsen normally receiving about eight feet of snow each winter, you’ll definitely want to blaze a trail in the thick fluff! Just find some deep snow in the forest and make your own path! Hiking Trails are usually packed down, so snowshoes are not usually needed. However, I do recommend wearing ice grippers on your boots when hiking on snow-packed hiking trails in the winter.
More Things to Do in Lutsen, Minnesota
Discover mile-by-mile points of interest that you can explore in Lutsen in the North Shore Explorer Guide.
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