Lutsen, Minn. – February 6, 2024 – At approximately 12:24 am the Lutsen Resort staff reported smoke coming from the lobby area. Promptly, nine local volunteer fire departments along with the Cook County Sheriff’s office responded to the call. Unfortunately, the building was completely engulfed in flames and is reported as a total loss. No injuries are reported.
“We are absolutely devastated about this tragedy,” said Bryce Campbell, owner of Historic Lutsen Lodge. “There are so many generations of families and friends who have vacationed and worked here over the years. This place has held so many memories, today we grieve together.”
Lutsen Resort was founded in 1885 by Charles Axel Nelson, a young Swedish immigrant, as a small fishing camp. It remained in the Nelson family until 1988 when Scott Harrison and Nancy Burns purchased the resort. In 2018 Bryce Campbell purchased the resort. During his tenure, the resort has undergone several major renovations including the historic lakeside dining room The Strand and most recently, a complete renovation of the third floor of the resort which included the original apartment of the Nelson family.
“Lutsen Resort has been at the heart of the hospitality industry in Cook County for nearly 140 years,” said Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County. “Its loss is felt deeply in the community.”
As the oldest resort in Minnesota, this is not the first fire at the lodge. In 1949 and 1951, there were back-to-back fires. After the 1951 fire, the lodge was rebuilt in the iconic Edwin Lundie style that it is known for today.
“There are a lot of unknowns right now, but what we do know is that we will rebuild again and continue to keep the legacy of Historic Lutsen Lodge going for many generations to come,” added Campbell.
Requests for interview can be directed to:
- Edward Vanegas, General Manager at Historic Lutsen Lodge at (218) 663-7212 | Email: Edward@lutsenresort.com
- Linda Jurek, Executive Director at Visit Cook County at (218) 387-2788 ext. 101 | Email: linda@visitcookcounty.com
- State Fire Marshall Office
Photos are available by contacting Kjersti Vick at (218) 387-2788 ext.103 | Email: kjersti@visitcookcounty.com
Visit Cook County, Minnesota
Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.” Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, and Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at VisitCookCounty.com.
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Questions, Contact:
Kjersti Vick Marketing & Public Relations Director
Linda Jurek Executive Director
Historic Lutsen Resort from the 1930s - shared by the Cook County Historical Society
Photo from the recently renovated rooms at Historic Lutsen Lodge. This room was the original apartment of the Nelson Family.
One of the recently remodeled lakeside rooms at Historic Lutsen Lodge.
Lutsen Lodge on Lake Superior shows proximity to Lutsen Mountains. No longer connected by the same ownership.