Current Trail Conditions

• Hiking trails: Spring in the northland brings lots of May showers and many of the trails reflect this with muddy conditions. We highly recommend good hiking boots, and if you want to keep your pants clean while out hiking, considering using gaiters. Gaiters are heavy duty nylon tubes that attach to your shoes and cover your lower pant legs. They're the perfect addition to any hiker's kit. With this simple addition, you can spend all day exploring the local hiking trails while staying clean. The bonus is that you'll have all the trails to yourself. The waterfalls are flowing!!!
• Bike trails: The Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail is snow free and ready to be ridden, and many of the gravel roads are ready for those wanting to explore the area on mountain bikes. Most of the single track or ski trails are muddy and riding is not recommended or is simply closed because of erosion concerns. But forest service roads are available for mountain bikers looking for more challenging rides.
• Water trails - BWCA: Lutsen Resort is at the door way to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million acre wilderness area with over 1000 lakes and 100s of canoe routes. Our resort offers easy access to entry points on the Sawbill and Caribou Trails. Sawbill Canoe Outfitters offers canoe rentals and daily guided trips.
• Water trails - Lake Superior Water Trail: Lake Superior is the premiere sea kayaking destination in the Midwest. This inland sea offers 1000s of miles of paddling. The Lutsen Resort beach provides direct access to the Lake Superior Water Trail. The lake is currently has water temps hovering between 33°F and 37°F. This is a nice time of the year to paddle as long as you have a drysuit or wetsuit and the skills to handle the fun rough water. To start learning these skills join us on our May Kayaking Adventure Getaway.
• Bird Watching: The birds are returning. We've seen several species of duck just off of our beach and the Grand Marais harbor has been full of birds passing through. We've also noticed several eagles along the Highway.

Winter Trails

Winter lovers love the Lutsen Resort area. Even when the rest of the Midwest is low on snow, you can count on great conditions in the Northland. Use the following resources to help plan your 2008-2009 winter getaway.

• Cross country ski trails: The 2007-2008 was a fantastic season for Nordic skiing. Start your planning for the 2008-2009 season using our resources.
• Downhill skiing: The best ski area in the Midwest. Over 1000 acres of skiing on four mountains. Over 90 runs of all levels, which are enhanced by the average annual snowfall of over 9.5 feet.
• Snowmobile trails: Lutsen Resort and Cook County is a fantastic destination for snowmobile enthusiasts. A snowmobile trail connects Lutsen Resort to the entire Cook County and the North Shore State Trail. We have ample parking lots, so you can drop your trailer and leave it there for your entire stay. Ride your sleds right from your room to the trailhead.