Lutsen Archives - Cascade Vacation Rentals

6 08, 2025

Charlie’s Alpine Bistro
Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Jaye2025-08-12T15:31:00+00:00Local Businesses, Lutsen, News & Updates|

Charlie's Alpine Bistro: A New Chapter in Lutsen Mountains Dining Charlie's Alpine Bistro officially opened in July 2025, bringing a fresh and refined dining experience to Lutsen Mountains in Lutsen, Minnesota. Located just across from the iconic Scandinavian Chalet, this new restaurant offers table service for both breakfast and dinner. Filling a much-missed niche after the tragic loss of its Papa Charlie's Restaurant and Event Center. In June 2023, as the annual Lutsen 99er mountain bike race was gearing up, a devastating fire broke out at Papa Charlie's Restaurant and Event Center. Smoke could be seen billowing from the [...]

22 10, 2024

Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore
Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore

Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore

Jaye2024-12-30T17:39:28+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, Local Businesses, Lutsen, Schroeder/Tofte|

Discovering the Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore If you’re heading to Northern Minnesota along Lake Superior, either for skiing at Lutsen Mountains or to explore the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, one thing’s for sure: You’ll need a good cup of coffee to fuel your adventures. This scenic area may be known for its outdoor beauty, but it also boasts some fantastic local coffee spots. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe after a day of exploring or simply want to experience local Minnesota coffee, this guide will introduce you to some of the best coffee [...]

28 06, 2023

Fire at Papa Charlie’s
Fire at Papa Charlie’s

Fire at Papa Charlie’s

Jaye2025-08-06T20:28:20+00:00History, Local Businesses, Lutsen, News & Updates|

While many were enjoying and celebrating a local man's victory at the Lutsen 99er, just a mile away another scene was playing out. Up on the hill at Lutsen Mountains, a fire had started at the beloved Papa Charlie's restaurant and events center. The fire started sometime before 6 am. While crowds were gathering at the nearby golf course for the bike race, fire crews from six area fire departments were rushing towards Lutsen for to try to battle the fire. Many of those called had also volunteered to help at Lutsen 99er Aid Station. Instead, they were battling [...]

27 06, 2023

Local Man Wins the 2023 Lutsen 99er
Local Man Wins the 2023 Lutsen 99er

Local Man Wins the 2023 Lutsen 99er

Jaye2023-07-06T17:41:30+00:00Events & Holidays, Lutsen|

A thrilling photo finish brought a victory back to the North Shore in the 2023 Lutsen 99er Gravel Bike Race. A local man wins the 2023 Lutsen 99er. On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at around 7:30 AM, nearly 2,000 racers competed in a series of races known as the Lutsen 99er. The 2023 Lutsen 99er featured four challenging courses: the 99er, the 69er, the 49er, and the 25er. Within those races, 589 racers took on the challenging 99er. A local man, Will Surbaugh, son of Cascade Vacation Rentals' owner Steve Surbaugh, took home the 99er victory in a dramatic [...]

1 03, 2023

Cascade Beach Road
Cascade Beach Road

Cascade Beach Road

Jaye2023-03-02T16:05:09+00:00Lutsen|

Cascade Beach Road is a five-mile road just outside Lutsen, Minnesota that runs along the Lake Superior shoreline. This picturesque area is home to many vacation rentals. It serves as the ideal vacation destination on the North Shore thanks to its central location and unique beaches. Also, homes along the road are privately owned, making this a wonderful destination for those looking for a peaceful, private getaway. A Brief History of Cascade Beach Road Cobblestone shoreline on the eastern end of Cascade Beach Road- Namaste Main/Namaste Guest House beach. Just a few miles outside of Lutsen lies an [...]

8 06, 2022

North Shore Summer Camps
North Shore Summer Camps

North Shore Summer Camps

Jaye2022-06-14T14:48:39+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, Lutsen|

Are you looking for kid-friendly entertainment on your next vacation? Did you know that the North Shore is home to many great day camps and residential camps? In recent years, local day camps have reported more and more attendance by out-of-area kids. Families have learned how to incorporate north shore summer camps into their vacation. It can be a great way for kids to have a unique North Shore experience. And, for adults to have some kid-free time. Taking Advantage of Local Day Camps The North Shore, primarily in the Duluth area, has many summer camp offerings. Exploring the North [...]

8 12, 2021

Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort
Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort

Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort

Jaye2025-08-06T20:32:06+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen|

Perhaps the most popular wintertime activity for North Shore residents and visitors is alpine skiing and snowboarding at Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort. This family-owned and operated resort has been a North Shore staple since 1948! It's a place where locals and visitors test their skiing and snowboarding skills with Lake Superior sweeping along the background. The resort is mid-America's largest and tallest ski destination with runs and activities for all ages and skill levels. Mountain Stats Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort reaches a vertical rise of 1,088 and features 95 runs designed for all skill levels. From the beginner run [...]

14 10, 2021

Sawtooth Mountain Range
Sawtooth Mountain Range

Sawtooth Mountain Range

Martha Finley2021-10-15T17:13:43+00:00Grand Marais, Lutsen, Schroeder/Tofte|

The Sawtooth Mountains are a range of small mountains on Lake Superiors North shore. It stretches about 30 miles From Carolton Peak on the west to Grand Marais on the east. Of the number of peaks, the highest reaches 900 feet over Lake Superior. While these peaks don’t rival other mountain ranges in height, the Sawtooth Mountain Range has a noteworthy silhouette. Looking at it from a distance, the peaks resemble the teeth of a saw with their uniform size, height, and angles. This is why they were given the name Sawtooth Mountains. A combination of volcanic activity and erosion [...]

25 02, 2021

Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola
Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola

Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola

Jaye2021-02-25T18:52:59+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen|

No matter the season, there are beautiful views to behold at Lutsen Mountains. No place offers you better views than aboard the Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola. Take the scenic ride to the peak of Moose Mountain over 1,000 feet above Lake Superior. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of the boreal forest and Lake Superior. Open all year, the Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola provides a different experience each season. The winter sees the gondola receiving the most use. Skiiers and snowboarders use the gondola to access the runs on Moose Mountains. While use of the gondola is included [...]

25 02, 2021

Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide
Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide

Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide

Jaye2021-02-25T18:53:51+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen|

Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide is a half-mile twisting, turning track that riders cruise down on a speed-controlled sled. You hop on the chairlift just off Ski Hill Road to the top of Eagle Mountain. Then, you soar down the mountainside on the provided sled. Since you are in control, you can go full speed and enjoy the thrilling sensation as you fly down the mountainside, or choose to take it slow and enjoy the beauty and sights surrounding the area, with Lake Superior as your backdrop. Most North Shore visitors think of the Lutsen Mountains Ski area as a winter-time [...]