LUTSEN — Lutsen Lodge describes itself as Minnesota’s oldest, most beloved resort. That reputation was supported by hundreds of comments on a Facebook post from the resort about a “devastating fire” Tuesday, Feb. 6, that destroyed the main lodge.
Cook County Dispatch was notified of a fire alarm at the resort, and staff reported smoke coming from the lobby floor, according to a Cook County news release.
There were no guests on site and no injuries were reported, but the building was engulfed by flames. The resort post said the lodge is a total loss. The state fire marshal is investigating.
Visitors grieved the loss of the place they honeymooned, celebrated and made memories.
“This was my happy place and I grew up going here, and my husband and I just had our honeymoon here in October,” one commenter wrote. “I am absolutely devastated beyond words.”
Many also said the loss of Lutsen's covered bridges made the Lodge’s destruction even more difficult. The bridges were wiped out by flooding from historic runoff in 2022.
Lutsen was originally founded by a Swedish immigrant in 1885. Its main lodge previously burned down in 1948 and 1951 and was rebuilt on the original foundation both times. The resort’s Facebook post said it plans to rebuild.
