Lutsen Archives - Cascade Vacation Rentals

21 04, 2026

Lutsen vs Grand Marais
Lutsen vs Grand Marais

Lutsen vs Grand Marais

Molly Solberg2026-08-06T20:13:26+00:00Grand Marais, Lutsen|

Planning a trip to the North Shore of Minnesota is an exciting endeavor, but it often leads to one difficult question... Lutsen vs Grand Marais: Where should I stay? Both destinations sit along the majestic shores of Lake Superior, offering unique vibes and world-class experiences. Whether you are planning a family vacation, friend getaway, romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, here is a guide to help you choose the perfect home base for your next vacation. Both towns made Midwest Living Magazines "Best of the Midwest 2026" list. With Grand Marais receiving the honor of "Best of the Midwest: [...]

9 03, 2026

Poplar River Falls
Poplar River Falls

Poplar River Falls

Martha Finley2026-04-23T14:15:55+00:00Lutsen, Waterfalls|

Tucked inland in the hills above Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minnesota, Poplar River Falls is one of the North Shore’s lesser-known waterfalls. The Poplar River begins inland in northeastern Minnesota and flows roughly 21 miles before emptying into Lake Superior. Near the ski hills of Lutsen, where the river narrows, is where the most dramatic cascades occur. During peak flow, water rushes through the canyon with incredible force, creating the powerful roar that makes North Shore waterfalls so memorable. Because this stretch of the river sits farther inland than many North Shore waterfalls, and is not located along a [...]

6 08, 2025

Charlie’s Alpine Bistro
Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Molly Solberg2025-08-12T15:31:00+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

Molly Solberg2026-03-03T16:47:37+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

Molly Solberg2025-08-06T20:28:20+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

Molly Solberg2023-07-06T17:41:30+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

Molly Solberg2023-03-02T16:05:09+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

Molly Solberg2022-06-14T14:48:39+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

Molly Solberg2025-08-06T20:32:06+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 [...]