Growing up in the Chicagoland area, I fell in love with snowboarding at the ski areas and resorts to the north in Michigan and Wisconsin. Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort, being the largest in the region, was a destination I dreamed of visiting. However, as a kid too young to drive, persuading my parents to make the 560-mile journey north was futile. As I grew older, like many Midwesterners, all my extra summer job earnings were allocated to trips out West. Though I never made it to Lutsen, it’s disheartening to learn that the oldest resort in Minnesota has been destroyed by fire.
Lutsen… Older Than I Thought
The hotel derives its name from the 1632 Battle of Lützen, a historic clash between Sweden and Austria in Saxony during the Thirty Years War. Although the Lutsen ski area was established in 1948, people have been enjoying vacations in the area for much, MUCH longer. In fact, the property has housed a resort since 1885, making it the oldest in Minnesota. Founded by Charles A.A. Nelson, a Swedish immigrant, he initially expanded his homestead to accommodate tourists as a fishing camp.
Lutsen Resort And Ski Area… A Family Affair
A tale as timeless as history itself: soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division found the thrill of skiing during their service in WWII and yearned to reintroduce the European sport to the shores of the Unite States. Remarkably, 62 ski areas across the country owe their founding to members of the 10th Mountain Division. Among them was Charles’ grandson, George, who established Lutsen Ski Resort. Adding to the family’s legacy, George’s daughter clinched a bronze medal in downhill skiing at the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Hallmark To St Paul Architect
Throughout the years, Lutsen Resort underwent significant expansion. By the 1920s, the hotel had added a lobby, dining room, and additional guest rooms. However, adversity struck when the main lodge burned down not once, but twice – first in 1948 and then again in 1951. The building that stood on the property for over 72 years was the masterpiece of St. Paul architect Edwin Lundie, marking the epitome of his architectural prowess. Lundie’s style, deeply rooted in Scandinavian heritage, seamlessly blended craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail. From the distinctive gabled roofs to the intricately crafted mortise and tenon joints, every aspect of his design exuded finesse. Situated on the North shore of Lake Superior, Lundie’s architectural style harmonized with and embraced the natural surroundings with grace.
What Happened?
The fire at the lodge along the Lake Superior shore was reported shortly after midnight on Tuesday, February 6th, with staff members noticing smoke emanating from the lobby floor area. Vanegas, the general manager, mentioned that the building was unoccupied, which wasn’t unusual for a Monday, particularly without a holiday weekend and with business impacted by the lack of snow. However, he noted that they had a considerable number of check-ins scheduled for later in the week, projecting the lodge to be around 50 percent full by Thursday and Friday. By the following morning, only the chimney stood as the sole remnant of the main lodge building.
A Rising Phoenix Three Times Over
Amidst the aftermath of such a devastating fire, there’s a glimmer of hope. Just as it was rebuilt after the previous two fires, the manager confirmed that the building will rise again, utilizing the same plans crafted by Lundie in 1952. This decision ensures that future generations can relish in the timeless charm of opulent hotel lobbies adorned with wood-burning fireplaces, savor elegant fine dining, and partake in nightcaps before retiring to bed. As they say in Norwegian: “Skol!”
