Guest Services at Bluefin Bay is open 24 hours a day every day for guest check-in & check-out.
For guests of Surfside and Temperance Landing, Surfside Guest Services is currently located at Waves of Superior Café and is open daily.
Hours are as follows:
Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
If you arrive outside of these hours, we ask you to check-in/out at Bluefin Bay Guest Services, located one mile north on Highway 61. The lower level of the Surfside Guest Services building is open daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. for equipment check-out.
Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
Make-up services are available upon request. Please contact housekeeping between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and we’ll make arrangements to provide these services when you are out of your room.
Bluefin Bay and Surfside both have pet-friendly units available. Click here for more information on how to book a pet-friendly room.
Rooms with Kitchens: Rooms with kitchens are fully stocked with basic amenities.
Rooms without Kitchens: All room styles without a kitchen are equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
Caribou Coffee is included in your stay.
We do not have fully handicapped accessible lodging options. If you are needing a unit with no steps, please call us directly at 218-663-7296.
We do have wheelchair ramps available for units with 3 or less steps (with the exception of Units #20-33). The Two Bedroom Units at Surfside (with the exception of Units 5, 6 or 7) are also available without steps to access the unit.
We also have handicapped parking signs, shower chairs, and grab bars for showers. Please call our Guest Services team to request these items.
Winter Activities: Ice Skating Rinks & Skate Rentals, Snowshoe Rentals & Tours, Cross Country Ski Rentals & Tours, Yoga, Bonfire Hikes, Lutsen Mountains Shuttle, Craft Classes, Live Music, Nightly Campfires with S’mores
Spring Activities: Guided Waterfall Hikes, Yoga, Bonfire Hikes, Craft Classes, Bike Rentals, Bike & Hike Tours, Live Music, Nightly Campfires with S’mores
Summer Activities: Bike Rentals, Bike & Hike Tours, Guided Hikes, Yoga, Winery Shuttles, Craft Classes, Lake Superior Sea Kayaking Tours, Inland Kayaking Tours, Wilderness Canoeing, Kids Program, Campfire Music, Nature Programs, Tennis Courts with Tennis & Pickleball Equipment, Nightly Campfires with S’mores
Fall Activities: Bike Rentals, Bike & Hike Tours, Guided Hikes, Yoga, Winery Shuttles, Craft Classes, Fall Color Kayaking Tours, Wilderness Canoeing, Campfire Music
The outdoor pool is only for guests staying at Bluefin Bay Resort.
Yes. The outdoor pool is only subject to closure if temperatures fall below 0 degrees (including windchill) or if the pool deck ices over.
There are a number of gas grills located throughout the Bluefin Bay & Surfside properties. At Bluefin Bay, grills are located adjacent to the Tennis Court, near the Indoor Pool, across from units 1-9, between units 57 and 58, across from units 64-69 and next to units 70-72. At Surfside, grills are located between each townhome building. At Temperance Landing, each unit has its own grill.
Bluefin Bay:
Units 10-12, 15-18, 20-55 & 58-72 have wood-burning fireplaces
Units 1-9, 14, 19, 56 & 57 have gas fireplaces
Surfside:
All units have gas fireplaces
Temperance Landing:
Some units have gas fireplaces and some have wood-burning fireplaces
Unlimited wood supply for wood-burning fireplaces is included in your stay.
Bluefin Bay & Surfside
Upon booking, a deposit of one night plus tax will be charged to your credit card to be held towards our 14-day cancellation policy. If you cancel prior to 14 days to arrival, you will receive a full refund of the deposit. If you cancel during the 14-day window the deposit will be held towards a future stay for up to one year. Guests will be charged for nights dropped during the 14-day window. If you decide to leave early you will be held responsible for any nights not stayed at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
Temperance Landing
Upon booking, 50% of your entire stay will be charged as a deposit. The remaining 50% balance will be charged automatically 30 days prior to arrival. If you book during the 30-day window at Temperance Landing, the entire balance will be charged when the reservation is made. 30-days prior to arrival, the reservation and room number is locked in and no room moves will be possible. Reservations cancelled for Temperance Landing within 30 days to arrival will forfeit 100% deposit. Temperance Landing is also subject to a $500 damage deposit which will be charged at check-in and posted to your reservation. Damage deposit is refundable 72 hours after departure. If you decide to leave early you will be held responsible for any nights not stayed at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
Universal, level 2 electric car chargers are located at both Bluefin Bay and Surfside Resorts. You can see resort maps here, which indicate where the chargers are located. There is no fee to charge your car.
Additionally, Surfside Resort has a Tesla Supercharging Station located onsite.
Bluefin Bay & Surfside Resorts
10% resort fee, 9.15% sales tax, 4% county lodging tax
Temperance Landing Resort
10% resort fee, 8.983% sales tax, 4% county lodging tax
Click here to see what's included in the Resort Fee.
We have the following items available for guests:
• Tooth brush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Lotion
• Eye mask
Bluefin Bay Indoor Pool Facility: 8am-11pm
Bluefin Bay Outdoor Pool Facility: 7am-10pm
The Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub will close if the temperature (including wind chill) falls below 0 degrees or if the pool deck freezes over
Surfside Indoor Pool Facility: 7am-10pm
Bluefin Bay is the only North Shore resort that offers guest activities included in your stay at Bluefin Bay, Surfside, or Temperance Landing. Activities vary by season but include guided excursions like Lake Superior Kayaking, Wilderness Canoeing, Guided Hikes, Stand-up Paddleboarding and more, plus craft classes, biking, live music, and kids’ activities, all included in your lodging reservation.
In addition to complimentary activities, Bluefin Bay offers year-round indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, sauna, onsite dining at the Bluefin Grille, Waves Café, and Coho Café & Bakery, the Waves of Superior Spa, and direct access to Lake Superior.
Bluefin Bay is a year-round destination, and every season offers something unique along Minnesota's North Shore.
Summer is ideal for kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, and enjoying Lake Superior. Fall brings vibrant fall colors, crisp temperatures ideal for hiking, and scenic drives. Winter transforms the shoreline into a snowy landscape perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice formations, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. Spring offers rushing waterfalls, fewer crowds, and emerging wildflowers.
The best time to visit depends on the experience you're looking for, but there's no bad season to explore Minnesota's North Shore.
Bluefin Bay is surrounded by some of the North Shore's most popular attractions and outdoor adventures.
Within a short drive, you can hike to waterfalls, explore some of the most popular state parks, paddle Lake Superior, visit local breweries, shop in Grand Marais, ride the Alpine Slide at Lutsen Mountains, or spend the day exploring the Superior Hiking Trail. Nearby attractions include Tettegouche State Park, Temperance River State Park, Cascade River State Park, Oberg Mountain, Lutsen Mountains, and the charming harbor town of Grand Marais.
Many of these adventures are complemented by Bluefin Bay's own guided guest activities, making it easy to experience the best of the North Shore.
Some of the best hikes on Minnesota's North Shore are just minutes from Bluefin Bay.
Popular nearby hikes include:
Bluefin Bay also offers guided hikes throughout the season, making it easy to discover local trails with knowledgeable guides.
Yes, all of our resorts have direct access to Lake Superior.
Bluefin Bay features a natural Lake Superior shoreline with a rocky beach that guests can explore year-round. It is accessed via the Lakewalk path on the north side of the Bluefin Grille. This is where the resort’s Sea Kayaking tours depart from, and there is a bonfire pit where we host campfire music and nature programs. There is a second, more private, beach available in the spring, summer and fall that we call Tofte Cove. It’s located behind Coho Cafe.
Tofte Cove and the Beach Patio are both wedding venue locations.
Surfside has a rocky shoreline which is ideal for exploring. The west side of the property is more of a cliff while the east side has direct access to the water. There are multiple paths leading from the townhomes to the shoreline.
Temperance Landing has a unique, large pebble beach which is perfect for looking for agates and other unique rocks.
You can find maps for all three resorts here.
Absolutely. Bluefin Bay is one of Minnesota's most family-friendly North Shore resorts.
Families can enjoy spacious townhomes and condos with full kitchens, year-round pools and hot tubs, complimentary guest activities, kids' crafts, guided outdoor adventures, bike rentals, and easy access to nearby hiking trails and waterfalls. Many accommodations offer multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families of all sizes.
Bluefin Bay offers activities for every age. Families staying at Bluefin Bay will find plenty to do both at the resort and throughout the North Shore.
Popular family-friendly activities include:
Bluefin Bay also offers complimentary activities throughout the week, including crafts, guided hikes, paddling adventures, and seasonal family programming.
You can see the full list of activities and amenities here.
We offer booster chairs and pack n plays. Please request the item when you make your lodging reservation.
condos, and townhomes, so your dog or cat can join you on your North Shore vacation. Pet-friendly accommodations are limited and subject to availability, so be sure to request a pet-friendly unit when making your reservation. You can see a list of pet friendly rooms here.
A maximum of two pets is allowed per unit. The pet fee is $39 plus tax per night, with a maximum charge of $156 plus tax per stay. Pets must be kenneled and quiet when left unattended and should be kept on a leash while on resort grounds.
The North Shore is a great destination for traveling with dogs, with many pet-friendly hiking trails, including sections of the Superior Hiking Trail and trails in nearby Minnesota State Parks. Dogs can also enjoy Bluefin Bay's rocky Lake Superior shoreline but should remain leashed and under their owner's control.
Yes. Bluefin Bay is an ideal North Shore destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. The resort is located directly on Lake Superior and offers romantic accommodations with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, private balconies, and panoramic lake views.
Couples can enjoy dinner overlooking Lake Superior at the Bluefin Grille, book a couples massage at Waves of Superior Spa, relax in the year-round outdoor hot tub, walk along the Lake Superior shoreline, or simply enjoy the view from their room. The Grand Superior Master Suite is an especially popular choice for romantic getaways, featuring a king bed, wood-burning fireplace, double whirlpool tub overlooking Lake Superior, and second-story lake views.
Bluefin Bay is approximately 30 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota. The drive typically takes about 35 minutes along scenic Highway 61.
Bluefin Bay's location in Tofte makes it easy to explore both the Lutsen-Tofte area and Grand Marais during your North Shore vacation. Guests can spend the day shopping, visiting galleries, dining, or exploring the harbor in Grand Marais and return to Bluefin Bay in the evening.
Several of the North Shore's best waterfalls are within a short drive of Bluefin Bay. Onion River is about five minutes north of the resort, while Temperance River State Park is just a few miles south and can even be reached on foot from Surfside and Temperance Landing.
Other nearby waterfalls include Caribou Falls and the many cascades of Cascade River State Park near Lutsen. Farther up the North Shore, guests can explore waterfalls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park and Minnesota's highest waterfall at Grand Portage State Park.
Spring is especially impressive for waterfall viewing because snowmelt creates powerful river flows, but the waterfalls are beautiful throughout the warmer months.
Yes, it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Bluefin Bay when conditions are right. The North Shore's relatively dark skies and views over Lake Superior can provide excellent opportunities for viewing the aurora borealis.
Northern Lights visibility depends on solar activity, cloud cover, and other conditions, so sightings are never guaranteed. The best displays generally occur on clear, dark nights when aurora activity is strong. Guests can watch from Bluefin Bay's Lake Superior shoreline or look for other dark-sky viewing areas nearby.
The best Bluefin Bay accommodation depends on who you're traveling with and the type of North Shore vacation you're planning.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway may prefer a lakefront suite or condo with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and Lake Superior views. The Grand Superior Master Suite is one of Bluefin Bay's most romantic options.
Families and groups may prefer a one-, two-, or three-bedroom condo or a spacious townhome at Surfside or Temperance Landing. Many of these accommodations provide separate bedrooms, living areas, full kitchens, fireplaces, and plenty of room to gather.
Guestrooms are generally the simplest option and work well for shorter stays or guests who don't need a full kitchen. Condos offer more residential-style amenities, while townhomes at Surfside Resort and the log homes at Temperance Landing provide the most space and privacy.
Amenities vary by accommodation type. Many, but not all, accommodations have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, full kitchens, and direct Lake Superior views. Check the individual room description when booking or contact Guest Services for help choosing the best option for your stay.
There's still plenty to do at Bluefin Bay when the weather doesn't cooperate. Guests can swim in the indoor pools, relax in a hot tub or sauna, book a treatment at Waves of Superior Spa, work out in the fitness center, enjoy a leisurely meal, or cozy up by the fireplace and watch the weather roll across Lake Superior.
Bluefin Bay's complimentary activities program also includes indoor activities such as crafts and other seasonal programming. Nearby, guests can explore shops, galleries, cafés, and museums in the Lutsen-Tofte area and Grand Marais.
And don't automatically rule out exploring outdoors! North Shore waterfalls can be especially beautiful during or after a summer rain.
Winter at Bluefin Bay offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cozy Lake Superior relaxation. Guests can cross-country ski, snowshoe, downhill ski at nearby Lutsen Mountains, explore frozen waterfalls, hike along the snowy shoreline, ice skate, or participate in seasonal guided activities.
After a day outside, warm up in a sauna, soak in a hot tub, swim in an indoor pool, book a treatment at Waves of Superior Spa, or relax beside your fireplace.
One of Bluefin Bay's most unique winter experiences is the heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking Lake Superior, which remain open throughout the winter when weather conditions allow.
Summer is one of the best times to experience Lake Superior and Minnesota's North Shore. Bluefin Bay guests can participate in complimentary activities such as Lake Superior kayaking, wilderness canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, guided hikes, biking, crafts, kids' activities, and other seasonal adventures.
Nearby, guests can hike to waterfalls, explore the Superior Hiking Trail, visit Temperance River State Park, golf at Superior National, ride the gondola or Alpine Slide at Lutsen Mountains, or spend a day exploring Grand Marais.
Back at the resort, enjoy the pools and hot tubs, relax along the Lake Superior shoreline, dine outdoors, attend live music, or watch the sunset over the Sawtooth Mountains.
Yes. Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts offers multiple pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
At Bluefin Bay, guests can enjoy both an indoor pool and hot tub and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking Lake Superior. The outdoor pool and hot tub are open year-round, weather permitting. They may close when temperatures, wind chill, or icy conditions make the pool deck unsafe.
Surfside guests can enjoy the heated indoor pool and hot tub located in the Waves of Superior Spa building. Guests staying at Temperance Landing also have access to amenities at Surfside.
See pool hours and additional details here.
Yes. Waves of Superior Spa is located at Surfside on Lake Superior and is available to guests staying at Bluefin Bay, Surfside, and Temperance Landing.
The full-service North Shore spa offers massage therapies, facials, body treatments, and other services inspired by the natural surroundings of Lake Superior. The spa also features private treatment suites, a couples treatment suite, saunas, locker rooms, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and access to the indoor pool and hot tub.
Spa appointments can be made here.
The North Shore is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Guests may see white-tailed deer, foxes, black bears, moose, beavers, otters, snowshoe hares, wolves, and other Northwoods animals during their visit.
Birdwatching is also excellent along Lake Superior. Depending on the season, you may spot bald eagles, loons, hawks, owls, waterfowl, and migratory birds.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Always observe animals from a safe distance and never approach or feed wildlife.
Bluefin Bay guests have access to complimentary recreational equipment, with available equipment varying by season. In the winter, we offer guests complimentary use of ice skates, cross country ski equipment, and snowshoes. In the spring, summer and fall, we provide mountain and road bikes for all ages, burley trailers, tennis and pickleball equipment, hiking packs for kids, and more.
Bluefin Bay's activities program also provides equipment needed for many guided excursions.
For additional outdoor gear and rentals, Sawtooth Outfitters is conveniently located across Highway 61 from Bluefin Bay Guest Services. The local outfitter offers outdoor gear and seasonal rentals, including paddleboards, skis, and snowboards.
Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts offers three distinct dining options: Bluefin Grille, Coho Café & Bakery, and Waves Café.
Bluefin Grille is the resort's full-service restaurant and offers regionally inspired cuisine in a sophisticated but casual setting overlooking Lake Superior. It's the best choice for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or leisurely meal.
Coho Café & Bakery offers a casual North Shore atmosphere with pizza, soups, salads, baked goods, coffee, and other favorites. Waves Café at Surfside is a casual deli-style café that's ideal for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite.
Reservations are recommended for Bluefin Grille during busy periods.
Gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options are available, although selections vary by restaurant. Guests with food allergies or specific dietary needs should speak with restaurant staff when ordering.
Takeout is also available for many menu items and guests staying at Bluefin Bay, Surfside or Temperance Landing may have food delivered after 3 p.m. for a small fee.