Lutsen Lodge’s History Runs Deep Into the 1880s

The Lutsen Lodge, Minnesota’s oldest resort, was established in 1885 when Swedish immigrant Charles Nelson opened his small fishing camp and lodge.

Business continued to grow through the years, but it was not always a smooth ride.

Photos from the Cook County Historical Society show Lutsen in its very early stages.

The lodge was destroyed by fire twice before.  The first time in 1948, and then again in 1951.

It was rebuilt a second time and reopened again in 1952, which is the same lodge that burned down Tuesday morning, standing for almost 72 years.

Generations of families have stayed at the resort during that time, generating memories going back decades.