Bluefin Bay Resort- Minnesota Family Resort- North Shore Vacation

Activities and Attraction

Alpine Slide
Enjoy a scenic chair lift ride to the summit of Eagle Mountain followed by a thrilling ride down a 1/2 mile slide track through dips and turns on a specially built toboggan. Open Mid-May through Mid-October.
Lutsen Mountains. 218.663.7231.

Biking
North Shore Touring Trail.

Boating
There are more than 200 inland lakes within a short drive of Bluefin. Many area inland lakes have public access. Just ask at the Front Desk. Public Access to Lake Superior is located adjacent to Bluefin in the Tofte Town Park or six miles south at Taconite Harbor. Avanti Charters and Tofte Charters are great ways to experience Lake Superior.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
One million acres in size, this magnificent wilderness and neighboring 1.1 million acre Quetico Provincial Park offers over 2,000 miles of canoe routes through some of the most beautiful country in the world. With literally thousands of crystal clear lakes, the BWCAW also contains the largest virgin forest in our country east of the Rocky Mountains. The BWCAW was known as the Superior Roadless area until 1958 when the name Boundary Waters Canoe Area was adopted. The routes modern canoeists paddle today are the very same used for hundreds of years by the Sioux and Chippewa Indians and the French Canadian Voyagers.

Carlton Peak
Within eyesight of Bluefin Bay stands majestic Carlton Peak - one of the first land holdings of the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company now known as 3M. It is now part of Temperance State Park. Considered the second highest peak in Minnesota, Carlton Peak is accessible via the Superior Hiking Trail from Britton Peak/Sawbill Trail and Temperance River State Park. Spectacular views from the summit afford a unique look at the Superior National Forest and Lake Superior. Also in sight is Taconite Harbor which was created with rock quarried from Carlton.

Cascade River State Park
Located just 14 miles from Bluefin on the way to Grand Marais this picturesque riverside park provides wonderful opportunities for hiking and picnicking - as well as cross-country skiing in winter.
Park Office 218.663.1543

Cross Country Skiing
There are nearly 220 kilometers of groomed and tracked cross-country trails accessible outside your door. This myriad of trails offers something for everyone - from novice to expert. Trail maps are available at the Guest Services Center. Ask at the Guest Service Center or phone the Concierge for more details about the North Shore Cross-Country Ski Trail.

Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding has become an ever more popular activity in the North Country. For information, contact the Front Desk. Remember the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon runs every February along the North Shore.

Father Baraga's Cross
In 1846, Father Baraga, an Indian Missionary, erected a wooden cross to commemorate his safe crossing of Lake Superior by canoe. The present granite monument which replaces the original wooden cross is located 4 miles from Bluefin in the Town of Schroeder.

Fishing
There are more than 200 Inland lakes as well as numerous rivers and streams within a 25 mile radius of Bluefin Bay. Muskie, Northern, Walleye, Bass, Lake Trout and Brookies as well as many more are all available. In addition to all these opportunities, the Big Lake offers some of the best sport fishing in the Midwest - from Coho to Kings to the big Lake Trout.

Gondola Ride
This two mile round trip sightseeing ride aboard Mid-America's only Gondola, glides at treetop level through the Poplar River Valley before climbing dramatically to the summit of Moose Mountain. With mountain top picnic area and observation deck this 1000 foot peak offers vistas of more than 100 miles. Superior Hiking Trail Access. Spectacular fall colors. Lutsen Mountains. 218.663.7281

Mountain Biking
There are many mountain biking opportunities available in the Tofte/Lutsen area - from marked trails (maps available at the front desk) to more rugged logging trails. Checkout bikes at the Front Desk.

Snowshoeing
Here are endless opportunities for this activity at your doorstep. Just ask at the Front Desk for information and equipment rentals.

Split Rock Lighthouse
Erected in 1905 after six ships were lost in a November storm, this lighthouse guided ships from 1910 until 1969. Since then, the lighthouse has been made into a museum and park with an Interpretive Center. A must-see for any North Shore visitor, the Split Rock Lighthouse is located 38 miles from Bluefin on the way to Duluth.
218.226.4372

Superior National Forest
This incredible resource is literally all around us. For information ask at the Front Desk or visit the Tofte Ranger Station.

Tofte Ranger Station
Located in the Town of Tofte just 1/2 mile from Bluefin (toward Duluth), the Ranger Station is worth a visit to discover the wonders of our beautiful forests.

Temperance River State Park
Located just 2 miles from Bluefin with picnic areas along the shore, hiking trails, access to the Superior Hiking Trail as well as a spectacular walk along the narrow Temperance River Gorge with its falls and rushing waters. Here you can read about the geological history which created the river gorge. Take your camera. This is a great place for photos.
218.663.7476

Tettegouche State Park
" The gem of the state park system"... Lake Superior Magazine
Located 25 miles from Bluefin on the way to Duluth, this park offers waterfalls and scenic trails with access to the Superior Hiking Trail, four inland lakes and excellent trout and salmon fishing. There is an Interpretive Center and a Park Office.
218.226.3539

Hiking Trails

Britton Peak
Located just four miles up the Sawbill Trail, Britton Peak offers a short hike to a great view. Access is available from this trail head to the Superior Hiking Trail.

Cascade River State Park
Located just 14 miles from Bluefin toward Grand Marais, this beautiful riverside park offers a variety of hiking opportunities.
Park Office 218.663.1543

Oberg Mountain Trail
A favorite trail of the local folk, the Oberg Mountain trail provides a short (one hour) walk to some of the best views on the North Shore. From the vistas over Lake Superior to the view of pristine Oberg Lake, you will enjoy this trail located just three miles from Bluefin off the Onion River Road (#336), this area also provides access to Le Veaux Mountain and the Superior Hiking Trail.

Superior Hiking Trail
This tremendous trail system is now complete in the Tofte/Lutsen area, providing Guests with the opportunity to explore the vast forests on maintained walkways. When complete, the trail will run 250 miles along the North Shore from Duluth to the Canadian Border, spanning seven State Parks, two National Forests, two State Forests, as well as private lands.

Temperance River State Park
Located just 2 miles from Bluefin, this park offers access to the Superior Hiking Trail, Carlton Peak and the spectacular walk along the narrow Temperance River Gorge with its falls and rushing waters. Take your camera!

Tettegouche State Park
Located 25 miles from Bluefin on the way to Duluth, this park offers waterfalls and scenic trails with access to the Superior Hiking Trail.

Skiing and Winter

Cross Country Skiing
There are nearly 220 kilometers of groomed and tracked cross-country trails accessible outside your door. This myriad of trails offers something for everyone - from novice to expert. Ask at the Front Desk for more details about the North Shore Cross-Country Ski Trail, maps and ski equipment. Shuttle service is available to Trail heads Please contact the Front Desk.

Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding has become a popular sport in the North Country. Whether you are interested in an hour introductory ride or a trek through the Boundary Waters, contact the Front Desk for information. And remember the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon runs every February along the North Shore.

Ice Skating
Our rink is located by the kids play area and is open all day and lighted at night. Checkout skates at the Front Desk.

Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen Mountains Ski Area is the biggest, highest and by far the most exciting downhill skiing between Vermont and the Rockies - and it is Just 10 minutes away. Scheduled and individual Shuttle Service is available FREE from Bluefin to the Ski Area. Contact the Front Desk for details.

Snowmobiling
The North Shore is home to the North Shore Mountains Corridor Trail which runs from Duluth to the Canadian Border. In addition, there are numerous marked trails throughout the area.

Golf

Superior National Golf Course
Lutsen. 218.663.7195
Championship style, 27 hole course overlooking Lake Superior. Beautiful vistas. Challenging course. Discounted Greens Fees available at the Front Desk. Be sure to play a round at "The Cadillac of Minnesota Golf Courses." says the Explore Minnesota Magazine.

Lutsen PAR 3
218.663.7212
A homemade, northwoods golf course which is a little "rough around the edges." Par 27. Nice scenery. Has its own kind of challenges.

Silver Bay Golf Course
218.226.3111
Relaxing, quality, scenic 9 hole course. No waiting and no tee times Carts for rent.

Gunflint Hills Golf Course
218.387.9988
Course open through October 15. Rental sets are available.

Wildlife

The wildlife of the North Shore is abundant and varied. Here you will find white tailed deer, black bears, moose, beaver, bobcats, foxes, gophers, mink, otter, grouse/partridge, ducks, loons, wolves, various fish species (bass, pike, trout etc.) and too many more to mention here.

Black Bears
This is the most common type of bear and the smallest of the North American bears. Most are timid and will seldom attack humans unless defending their young, wounded or taunted with offers of food. Despite their size, black bears can run very rapidly and are skillful tree climbers. If you should be fortunate enough to come across one, observe from a distance. If the bear should get too close, some loud noises and shouts usually send them on their way.

Lynx
This predator's main features are its large, padded feet (perfect for getting around in our deep snows) and its 2 inch-long black ear tufts. Smoky gray, often mixed with tan, is the lynx's basic coloration. This cat's body, though compact, is supported by long powerful legs. A superb hunter, the lynx's average size ranges from 20 to 30 pounds and stands about two feet tall at the shoulder. Our snowshoe rabbit is the lynx's main food source. The cat's own population is directly linked with the snowshoe hare's population cycle. Like the wolf, viewing this magnificent animal is a sign you are in the wilderness.

Moose
The largest member of the deer family. A moose can reach 7 1/2 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 1500 and 1800 pounds. A male is called a bull, a female a cow, and a non-adult is called a calf. The bull moose grows heavy, flattened antlers which spread out six feet or more, with 6 to 12 points which stick out like fingers. Every year, the antlers are shed and a new set grown. Moose can be found in forested areas and near swamps and lakes. Moose feed on water plants, leaves, tender twigs, grass and herbs. They are excellent swimmers and can sometimes be spotted swimming across a lake. In the winter, their long legs allow them to walk easily in deep snow. Moose cause most problems to humans in the autumn during their mating season (rut). The bulls wander in search of cows. A bull moose will follow every sound to see if it was made by a cow or a rival bull. Due to their size, they are afraid of very little. Combine that with their poor eyesight and they charge just about anything, particularly when protecting a calf or when in rut.

Red Fox
The fox is slightly built and resembles a small dog. It weighs between 6 and 18 pounds and stands about 16 inches at the shoulder. The fox is quite common along the North Shore, and its long coat can range from bright red to yellowish blond. The fox preys on small mammals and birds with the field mouse ranking at the top of his menu.

Wolves
While they resemble their dog counterparts, they are much larger in size, with large feet. Wolves can travel for hours at 20 miles per hour. They are master hunters. In some ways they help the moose and deer populations by killing sick or injured members of the group, as well as by keeping down overpopulation. Wolf families remain together for long periods of time. The reason behind the wolves' howls is to keep the pack together. If you do see a wolf, consider yourself extremely lucky, for they are very wary of humans.