Lutsen combines ski history, mountain scenery, and specific hiking trails. Lutsen Mountains offers downhill runs and a gondola route; a section of the Superior Hiking Trail crosses the resort grounds, and other trails lead to destinations such as the Upper Falls of the Poplar River. When planning your trip, consider which activity you want to shape your stay and which route best fits it.
Ski History and Mountain Scenery
Lutsen Mountains grew out of the historic Lutsen Resort, founded in 1885 as Minnesota’s first resort. The area’s sporting history includes Cindy Nelson: she learned to ski at Lutsen Mountains, became the first American woman to win a World Cup downhill race, and won the bronze medal in the downhill at the 1976 Olympics.
Lutsen Mountains encompasses four interconnected mountains with 95 downhill runs across 1,000 acres and views of Lake Superior. Operating details may change seasonally. You can also experience the mountain scenery on foot: the section of the Superior Hiking Trail through Lutsen Mountains features mountain panoramas, deep cedar forests, maple ridges, and Poplar River Falls.
Gondola Rides and Hiking Trails
The Summit Express Gondola takes passengers from the main base area to Moose Mountain above the Poplar River valley. From there, enjoy sweeping views of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior; visibility depends on the weather. Hikers can ride the gondola up and return to the base area on a 4.5-mile loop via the Spur Trail and Superior Hiking Trail. Trail and lift conditions may vary.
For a shorter loop, connect the Moose Mountain Ridgeline Trail with the SHT Spur Trail: this scenic route is just over a mile long. By comparison, the 4.5-mile loop includes a gondola ride and a return to the base area. The routes therefore differ both in length and in the trails and transportation included.
Another hiking destination is the Upper Falls of the Poplar River. In Lutsen, hikers can reach them from the end of Ski Hill Road via the connector trail to the Superior Hiking Trail and the old road to the bridge. The trail is about half a mile long.
More Activities in Lutsen
For the Alpine Slide, the Bridge Chairlift takes guests to Eagle Mountain; from there, the ride runs half a mile down the mountain. A complete round trip takes 7 to 15 minutes, not including wait times. Operations are weather-dependent. The duration helps with planning, but does not include any waiting time.
For another activity beyond the hiking trails, Lutsen offers Superior National, a public 27-hole golf course. The Summit Chalet is also located at the summit of Moose Mountain. The Summit Chalet Cafe offers lunch options; the menu and service may vary.
Plan Your Stay
If you’re looking for a hotel in Lutsen, start by deciding whether downhill skiing, hiking, or specific destinations such as the Upper Falls will shape your stay. The distances listed above offer a concrete comparison when choosing a hike; for a loop that includes a gondola ride, trail and lift conditions may also vary. Before your visit, check Lutsen Mountains’ seasonal operating information and the weather conditions for the gondola and Alpine Slide.
Discover more destinations: Tofte, Grand Marais.
View the broader travel guide: Cook County.
