September 2005

Great Lake Hills

by Martina Priadka

The first time I went on the Alpine slide in Lutsen I was terrified. I sat on the chairlift next to my dad and looked at the great sight of Lake Superior’s shoreline spreading out behind me. The greens were changing to oranges, yellows and reds but my face was still the color of the leaves not yet changed. I was remembering my first time on a large slide. It was the big yellow one at the Minnesota State fair (see spotz). But I was luckier this time. I shared a car with my dad and despite that fact that he never used the break once and we caught so much air on one of the big cement embankments that we flew over it and came crashing down on the other side, my fear was completely outweighed by the thrill.

It is a thrill that all Minnesotans should experience. Many of us have taken the trip up the north shore to see the changing colors and inhale the beauty and serenity of our ocean-like great lake but not many have taken the adventure of the ride. This fall, take a few days, your car and someone who makes you laugh and head up to Lutsen.

Of course the lake and the leaves are the draw but so are the little spots along the way. Everyone stops at Toby’s on the way up. It is said to be half way to Duluth and is a perfect place for gassing up the car and getting a quick snack. From there you have a short drive longer and then you hit Duluth. Lunch in Duluth is always a good call. Margheritas the size of your head are available at Angie’s. Everyone but the driver can indulge so make sure you make it up to that person later.

From there you can take the scenic route along the shoreline if you are not in a hurry or take the expressway to save about 30 minutes if you want to get out of the car sooner. Splitrock lighthouse is worth a visit if you have never been there. In the summer a quick dip in the falls will cool you off. At this time of the year a photo op might be the better call. Back on the road, another important stop for scenery and serenity is the Palisades. Be careful at the edge. There are no guardrails here. But the view is amazing and you might catch a glimpse of some rock climbers getting their climb on.

After that, decide if you are camping at one of the great state parks or treating yourself to a cabin or spa and select from the extensive choices in the area. Cobblestone cabins is rustic and quiet with a hand built sauna right on the shore. Nothing feels better than a before bed sauna and lake superior plunge. I promise you will never sleep better than after something like this.

If you want a little more luxury then Bluepoint Lodge would fit your needs. They have jacuzzi’s in many of the rooms with floor to ceiling windows and a restaurant right next door so there is never a need to cook.

Lutsen lodge is great choice for families because there are so many activities. But couples and families alike can enjoy the beach fire each night whether it is for holding hands and stargazing or making s’mores.

A short drive up to Grand Marais is a great ending to a fabulous weekend and if you get an early start you can get in another ride or two on the slide before you head back to the cities.

www.lutsenresort.com
www.cascadelodgemn.com
www.northshorevisitor.com
www.minnesotaresorts.com

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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