The historic Lutsen Resort lodge on the North Shore was completely destroyed by a fire early Tuesday morning. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the fire engulfed the building along the Lake Superior shore just after midnight. Despite the efforts of crews from eight fire departments, the main lodge of the resort was declared a total loss. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Lutsen Resort, with its origins dating back to 1885, is a separate entity from the nearby Lutsen Mountains ski resort. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the main lodge has been destroyed by fire, as it had previously burned down in both 1949 and 1951. Resort officials posted on their Facebook page, expressing their sadness over the loss while also vowing to rebuild the lodge better than before. This tragic event marks the end of an era for the historic resort, but the memories made there will remain in the hearts of those who have visited.
As a developing story, updates may come as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire. The loss of the Lutsen Resort lodge is a blow to the history and character of the North Shore, but the resilience and determination of the resort officials to rebuild offer hope for the future. The impact of this fire on the community and the significant role the resort has played in the area’s history and culture adds weight to the loss of the iconic building, ushering in a new chapter for the North Shore and its beloved resort.