Autumn

Picture vibrant reds, pulsating oranges, and lively yellows spread out across the rugged Sawtooth Mountains. Now picture all of this set against the gorgeous clear blue autumn sky with the always breathtaking Lake Superior in the background.

There is nothing quite like fall colors on the North Shore, and no place quite like Bluefin Bay to plan your fall getaway. We offer an array of activities designed to get you out into the wilderness, including guided hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail and inland off-road biking. If you prefer to take in the fall beauty on your own, our activities staff can recommend some of the best hiking trails and forest road drives in the area. Some favorites of our guests and locals alike include Oberg Mountain, Carlton Peak, and Heartbreak Hill.

The Lutsen-Tofte area is home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic sections of the Superior Hiking Trail. This 205-mile footpath follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from Two Harbors to the Canadian border, passing through numerous state parks and featuring access every 5-10 miles along the shore.

The Superior Hiking Trail has been dubbed the "Appalachian Trail of the Midwest" by the Chicago Tribune and was listed on Backpacker Magazine’s “10 Prime Trails That Leave All Others in the Dust.”

For those new to the area, new to hiking, or who simply enjoy the company of others, Bluefin Bay offers guided hiking excursions. Our complimentary shuttle service brings guests to and from area trailheads. Favorite hikes include Carlton Peak and Oberg Mountain. Pick up an area trail map at Guest Services and hit the trail. P.S. You might want to bring your boots for spring hiking.

Road and mountain bike rentals are included as part of your stay at Bluefin Bay and the area offers trails for both that meet all skill and ambition levels. From a gentle ride along the Gitchi-Gami paved trail, to the challenging single-track at Britton Peak, to the rugged back-roads and trails inland of Tofte, everyone is guaranteed to find biking to meet their abilities and desires.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), named one of National Geographic’s “50 Destinations of a Lifetime”, truly deserves its reputation as one of the top wilderness destinations in the country. Upwards of 1.3 million acres of federally designated and protected land is home to over 1,200 canoe routes, 15 hiking trails, and more than 2,000 designated campsites.

Only 25 miles from Bluefin Bay, guests can access this pristine wilderness via the Sawbill Lake entrance point. Sawbill Outfitters provides full service canoe outfitting, allowing guests to rent all equipment necessary for their excursion right at the access point. One of the most popular options for a BWCA daytrip is the Kelso loop, which allows for the wilderness experience of a weeklong trip all in a single day.

Bluefin Bay guests have the unique opportunity to experience a scenic Lake Superior excursion with expert Captain Darren Peck aboard Tofte Charters.  Half and full day charters available. Watch the Sawtooth Mountain range and the Superior National Forest slide slowly by as you troll along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior. King salmon, coho salmon, steelhead and lake trout inhabit the local waters and all make for fine dining after the trip. Fishing is also available on a variety of inland lakes in the area. Ask Guest Services for more information.

Located just seven miles from Superior National Golf Course, Bluefin Bay is the perfect place to stay on your golf getaway.  Superior National, offering 27 unique holes, was ranked as the #1 public golf course in Minnesota by Golf Digest Magazine. Being tucked into the beautiful north woods and overlooking Lake Superior only further enhance this already amazingly designed course. Bluefin Bay offers Golf Stay & Play Packages for the entire season. Check our Specials Page for the best deals.

Our onsite tennis court is available for play as long as light permits. We also offer complementary tennis rackets and balls available for guest use.

Whether you’re in search of some time away from the kids or choose to participate in the crafts right alongside them, our kid’s activities program deliver excitement and entertainment for your children during any season. Although craft activities will vary and often change with the seasons, some favorites include painting Lake Superior rocks, block printing, and building birdhouses. When weather permits, kid’s crafts will be held outside by the lake or playground.

Join us on the Bluefin Bay beach, just feet from Lake Superior, for an evening campfire with s’mores. Cozy up next to the campfire and gaze out onto the seemingly endless beauty of the lake. You can even start a campfire song or story if you so choose. This is a great family activity and a great way to meet other Bluefin Bay guests. Complimentary s’mores packets are available at Guest Services.