Dear Guests of Lutsen Lakehouse,

Welcome to Lutsen Lakehouse on Lake Superior! This is a special place for our family and we hope you enjoy your time here as much as we do.

The following pages contain detailed information on using the property, including area recommendations and EMERGENCY SERVICES (p. 2). To start, here are some important things to help preserve this place for future guests and our family.

MOST IMPORTANT POLICIES:

  • No one outside your approved group is allowed on the property

  • No dogs or pets, no parties, and no behavior that disturbs our neighbors, such as loud voices, music, or trespassing.

  • No smoking, discharging of fireworks or firearms, candles or incense.

CARE:

  • Please remove shoes upon entry and eat in kitchen and dining room only.

  • Take care with the soft white pine floors, which scratch and dent easily.

  • Manage screened windows and doors to avoid rain and bugs coming in.

  • Supervise fire hazards: fireplace, gas stovetop, oven, toaster, grill.

  • For hygienic reasons, please do not sleep on couches.

TOILETS: Connected to septic system, so please flush only human waste and toilet paper. Use trash bins for anything else.

CHECK OUT: Thank you for checking out by 10 AM and leaving the home in excellent condition:

  • Kitchen: wipe surfaces, start dishwasher, kitchen items back in place

  • Furniture and household items in place as when you checked in

  • Recycling and food: take with you (see p. 7)

  • Close windows and shades, turn off lights, lock door

  • Trash: Transfer house trash into bag in bin behind garage and then drop in hardware store dumpster 1/4 mile east of house. Text me whether trash bag is full or half (store charges me based on size). You don’t need to go inside store.

We hope you create many special memories at Lutsen Lakehouse! You are encouraged to write a review on your booking site or in guest book on entry table.

Get in touch if you’d like to visit again. Or, if you need lodging near the Twin Cities, contact us about our other property, Stone House Farm in Jordan (StoneHouse.farm).

David and Brodie Wheaton (owners)
952-412-3100 (David cell) or 952-474-9600 (Brodie cell)
Call/text between 8am - 9pm, unless it’s an emergency

LUTSEN LAKEHOUSE HOME INFORMATION

EMERGENCIES: Dial 911

Hospitals:

  • Cook County North Shore Hospital with ER: 515 5th Ave West, Grand Marais, MN 55604; 218-387-3040 main; 218-387-3286 ER.

  • Duluth Hospitals: St. Luke’s 218-249-5555 and St. Mary’s 218-786-4000. Cook County North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais provides ambulance and helicopter service to Duluth hospitals.

Fire: Lutsen Fire Station: 218-663-7002. Fire extinguishers located on fireplace hearth and on shelf in west entry closet. Two smoke alarms are located in peak of living room. Carbon monoxide detector on fireplace hearth.

Police: Cook County Sheriff: 218-387-3030

Security Camera: Covers outside driveway area.

CHECK IN: 4 PM. CHECK OUT: 10 AM

THINGS TO BRING:

  • Clothes: Weather can fluctuate along the North Shore during any season, so bring a variety of clothes, footwear (including slippers for inside), and gear for warm, cold, wet, windy, buggy, and beautiful.

  • Water: The house is fed by a well. Some prefer to bring their own own drinking water.

  • Chairs: Camp/beach chairs or cushions are nice to use on the ledgerock shoreline around fire ring (deck and inside chairs are not to be taken down to shoreline).

  • Toiletries: Soap is provided but shampoo is not. A hair dryer is in each bathroom. Bring makeup remover wipes, as house towels discolor from makeup/lotions.

  • Other: Kindling paper for starting fires is often available on hearth but gets depleted.

HOUSE ADDRESS: 64 Pedersen Lane, Lutsen, MN 55612

DIRECTIONS: When you get to Duluth, take North Shore Highway 61 to about a 1/4 mile past mile marker 93. Turn right on Pedersen Lane and then left at driveway 64. As you drive up the North Shore, be prepared for deer and other animals crossing Highway 61 and also challenging driving conditions depending on weather.

ARRIVAL / ENTRY: Except when unloading or loading luggage, please park up by the detached garage to save wear and tear on lawn. Also, watch your step on timber steps leading down to house and on all wood decks as they can be slippery when icy or wet. The front door code is in the email or text message you were sent before your check in date. To open door, enter code and turn deadbolt to right. To lock when you are outside, enter code and turn deadbolt to left. Push “Schlage” button to light keypad.

THERMOSTAT: Located on west wall of entry area. Adjust with up/down buttons on right side. Top button lights up screen. Please do not use any other buttons or change settings. There is no AC (rarely needed on Lake Superior). When outside temps are under 55 degrees, it’s helpful to lower all shades at dusk to minimize radiant heat loss.

FURNACE: North Shore furnaces are typically electric or propane and thus are not like urban/suburban models which are fed by an unlimited amount of natural gas. A little knowledge and attention to detail will result in the house staying warm and not depleting the furnace.

The house has an electric storage furnace, where the local power company (Arrowhead Coop in Lutsen) sends electricity at prescribed times to heat the bricks inside the furnace, storing a finite amount of heat each day. When the thermostat calls for heat, the furnace fan blows air over the hot bricks and into the ducts of the home. The system works well and there is plenty of heat available. However, if windows and doors are left open, causing the furnace to run continuously, the stored heat can be used up, leaving the furnace fan to run but no warm air coming out of the ducts.

Here are some tips:

  • Set thermostat to 67-68 degrees. If you need more heat, turn up a degree or two until you find your comfort temp rather than many degrees at a time.

  • Close all shades at dusk when outside temp is under 55 deg. This reduces radiant heat loss through glass. Open shades when sun rises for solar gain.

  • Make sure doors and windows are closed and latched when outside temp is under thermostat set point.

  • Close fireplace doors before going to bed (only when embers remain though).

  • There are space heaters in fireplace closet if you want a warmer bedroom without heating rest of house. Never leave space heaters ON and unattended.

WELL: The water in the house is fed by a well and thus the water supply is not unlimited like city water systems. While there will be plenty of water for normal use of showers, faucets, toilets, and dishwasher, keep in mind that extended use of water sources can drain the well and stop the water. Contact me or Carolyn if this occurs.

SNOW REMOVAL: A local service plows the driveway, typically in a timely manner. If it snows during your stay, please use supplied shovels to clear entry deck and stairway.

INTERNET / PHONE: WiFi code: DWheaton. If WiFi isn’t working, try resetting it by pushing and holding for five seconds red button on upper shelf of west entry closet. As with any Internet service, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. Free WiFi is also available at Arrowhead Co-op or the Lockport Store in Lutsen (1.5 miles west of house). There is no land line phone in the house.

FIRES: There are only two places to have fires on the property:

1.) INSIDE in the fireplace

2.) OUTSIDE in the fire ring on the ledgrerock shoreline (take path to shoreline and fire ring is about fifteen feet to left).

INSIDE FIRES: use split firewood in RIGHT SIDE of woodshed labeled “Inside Firewood” (green lock combo is 34-12-30). This wood is dried and aged to produce less creosote and thus lower risk of chimney fire. Also, this is purchased wood with sometimes limited availability so please keep indoor burning time reasonable so wood isn’t depleted for other guests. There is usually kindling in woodshed or on brush pile to left of woodshed; if not, you can gather dead or downed twigs in the woods to the north side of garage. Do not break or cut live branches.

BEFORE lighting fire in fireplace, open chimney flue by pulling lever on upper right side of firebox toward you. Never leave fire unattended and shut glass doors only when embers remain (i.e. glass doors should not be closed with flaming fire). Do not vacuum ash or remove ash from firebox—cleaning staff will do so.

If a fire occurs, call 911. A fire extinguisher is located on fireplace hearth and in west entry closet. A fire blanket is located on hearth as well. No candles, incense burning, or explosive or flammable materials are allowed in the home, including fireworks, gas containers, etc.

SHORELINE FIRES: use wood in LEFT SIDE of woodshed (blue lock combo is 15-8-32) or in brush pile to left of woodshed or other brush piles on property. Do NOT cut or break branches from trees. Make sure fire is out when leaving. It is Lessee’s responsibility to be aware of any burning restrictions set forth by the DNR and Cook County.

AUDIO/VISUAL SYSTEM: The TV has streaming and other apps delivered through a Roku device. Please do not change anything on the A/V system, as there is no troubleshooting help.

1. To use A/V system, wall switch to left of TV needs to be in up position. Then, make sure you have unhindered line of sight with TV to use remote controls.

2. To watch TV, push red button on top of Roku remote, then push “OK” to select “Roku”. LIVE channels are available in the DirecTV app. Push the down arrow on remote to view channel guide. TV volume is controlled with Roku remote or Samsung remote.

3. To play a DVD, use black Phillips remote to turn on DVD player, open tray, and insert DVD. Then push the home icon in the lower middle of the black Samsung remote, then push left side of circle to select “source” and then “Blu Ray”. Then push play on Phillips remote.

LIGHTS: Almost every light in the house is LED. Adjust dimmer on side of switch if flickering. The inside entry table lamp turns on automatically around dusk and off around midnight. The outside lights on the entry side of the house (north side) are automatically on from dusk to dawn. Yard flood lights are turned on/off by pushing timer button on far left as you face entry door from inside.

KITCHEN SINK: Place scraps and grease in garbage and not down drain, as these can cause problems with septic system.

GARBAGE: Pullout drawer to right of island sink contains trash bin. Extra bags under island sink. Kitchen bin can be emptied into larger garbage can behind garage. Please compress garbage to save space. When you check out, please take bag of garbage to hardware store dumpster 1/4 mile east of house on Hwy 61 and text me whether it was a full 42 gallon bag or half (they charge me based on size). You don’t need to go inside store.

RECYCLING: If you’d like to recycle, sorting bins are located in west entry closet. All recycling must either be taken home with you or to recycling centers in Tofte or Grand Marais. See recycling page below for full details.

OVENS: Upper oven controls on left; lower oven controls on right. Select cooking mode (bake, broil, etc.), input temperature, and push start. To change temp, push cooking mode and input desired temp. Full owner’s manual: http://manuals.frigidaire.com/prodinfo_pdf/Memphis/139900302en.pdf

STOVE (propane): Two all-purpose burners on left side, a fast-boil burner on the front fight and a simmer burner on the back right. NEVER leave burner unattended or without pot/pan over flame. Use exhaust fan when cooking by turning ON switch on backsplash. Adjust fan speed under hood on front right.

DISHWASHER: Please rinse dishes before loading. Load knives and forks downward (otherwise, they catch and tear rubber gasket seal on side of dishwasher when opening/closing lower rack). After loading dishes, add soap packet (located under sink) to receptacle on inside left of door. Push ProWash button on top of door followed by the Start button. Close door. Dishwashing cycle will take a couple hours.

MICROWAVE: Located in kitchen cabinet under stairway. House plates and bowls are microwave safe; plastic cups are not.

WEBER GRILL: Grill is available May-October. Be sure to turn grill off after use, both the top dials and propane tank valve. As a courtesy to other guests, please keep grill as clean as possible and limit the amount of marinades. If propane tank runs out, a second tank is located on deck or inside woodshed. Hardware store nearby does refills. Instructions for operation:

  1. Open grill cover before lighting. Underneath right side of grill, turn valve on top of propane tank one complete rotation counter-clockwise.

  2. On right shelf of grill, push down and turn lower dial to START/HI.

  3. Push ignition switch on right shelf to light burner (it may take a few pushes to light). If grill doesn’t light, turn off dials, get matches or lighter (on fireplace hearth), and repeat steps one though three inserting match/lighter into small hole on front right side of grill.

  4. After front burner lights, push down and turn upper dial on right shelf to light back burner and then set both burners to desired temp.

  5. NEVER leave ignited grill unattended.

  6. Immediately after grilling, clean cooking grate with brush.

  7. Turn both right shelf dials to OFF. Close valve on top of propane tank.

SAUNA: Not in use (burner disconnected). You’re welcome to use as storage closet.

FANS: The switch for the living room ceiling fan is on the wall of the fireplace closet. Bathroom fans are turned on by timer dials in bathrooms. There are also portable fans in the fireplace closet.

LAUNDRY: There is a laundromat one mile to the east in "downtown Lutsen.” The laundry room in the home is not available to guests, as house supplies and personal items are stored in this room. 

WET VAC: If liquid spills on carpet, don’t scrub but rather get the small blue wet vac in the fireplace closet to suck it up. You can add a little water to spill, but again, suck it up rather than wiping or scrubbing. Empty canister and leave it open to dry when finished.

FIRST AID KIT: Located in master bathroom under sink. Contains bandaids, gauze, small scissors, tweezers, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, eye wash, etc.

BEDS: The house has a variety of beds with the intent of meeting guests’ preferences. Main floor queen bed is plush. Upper west bedroom twin beds are medium and upper west bedroom twins are medium.

BEDDING and TOWELS: Five sets of sheets (queen, four twins) and six sets of towels (bath, hand, washcloth) are provided. Warmer blankets or comforters are in closets. House-supplied towels are only to be used for bathroom purposes. You may want to bring a couple utility towels for wiping dew or rain off outside deck chairs or other purposes.

BOOKS: There are area guide books in the home to help plan your adventures. Please leave them in the home. Local stores carry them if you would like your own copy.

GAMES: Scrabble, Taboo, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, chess, checkers, playing cards, puzzles, and more are located in the microwave cupboard in the kitchen. As a courtesy to future guests, please make sure to return all pieces to their respective boxes.

KITCHEN ITEMS:

Sub-zero fridge and freezer
double wall ovens
electric stovetop
microwave (in stairway cabinet)
Weber two-burner grill (with spatula and fork)
coffee maker: Kuerig Duo—makes full pot or K cup
toaster oven
multi-speed blender
popcorn popper
waffle maker
electric griddle
electric hand mixer
dishwasher
2 mixing bowls
measuring cups (from 1/4 cup up to 8 cups)
2 omelette pans (stainless steel)
fry pan (stainless steel)
non-stick ceramic fry pan
stainless steel soup pot (8 quart)
3 stainless steel sauce pans (1 quart, 1.5 quart, 2 quart)
2 bread pans
muffin tin
baking pan (9" x 13")
broil pan
2 cookie sheets
stovetop griddle
pizza pan
wood and plastic cutting boards
ladle
hand can opener
meat mallet 
rolling pin
ice cream scoop
whisk
pizza cutter
vegetable peeler
wine bottle opener
tongs
2 plastic spatulas
2 plastic spoons
plates, bowls, glasses, coffee mugs, silverware, dish soap, sponges, paper towels, dishwashing liquid

For hygienic reasons, no food staples (e.g. butter, cooking oils, flour, etc.) are left in the kitchen. Salt and pepper and baking soda are usually available but you may want to bring your own just to be sure.

GROCERY STORES:

  • Duluth: Cub foods (supermarket)

  • Two Harbors: Super One Foods (supermarket)

  • Tofte: North Shore Market (small grocery store)

  • Lutsen: Clearview Store (very small grocery store)

  • Grand Marais: IGA (full grocery store), Johnson Foods, Whole Foods Coop

AREA INFORMATION and RECOMMENDATIONS

North Shore Information Websites

North Shore Driving Information

Towns and a few key stops along North Shore with approximate mile marker (mm): 

  • Duluth: Aerial Lift Bridge, canal park shops and restaurants

  • Two Harbors: mm 25

  • Gooseberry Falls: mm 39

  • Split Rock Lighthouse: mm 45

  • Beaver Bay: mm 50

  • Silver Bay: mm 54

  • Palisade Head overlook: mm 57

  • Tofte: mm 82

  • Lutsen: mm 90

  • Lutsen Lakehouse is located between mm 93-94 (64 Pedersen Lane, Lutsen, 55612

  • Grand Marais: mm 108

State Parks along North Shore with approximate mile marker (mm)

What to do around Lutsen Lakehouse:

  • Hike anywhere on Superior Hiking Trail (see SHT book in house)

  • Hike up to Mt. Oberg and enjoy the views (about 6 miles west and then up Onion River Road)

  • Visit Grand Marais—walk out on pier or browse the various shops (18 miles east)

  • Hike up/down Temperance River (about 13 miles west) or Cascade River (8 miles east)

  • Sea kayak on Lake Superior or canoe on an inland lake (rent in Grand Marais or Tofte)

  • Golf at Superior National Golf Course or downhill ski at Lutsen Ski Resort (3 miles west)

  • Enjoy campfire and stargaze on shoreline

Rentals:

  • Cross Country Skis and Snowshoes: Solbakken Resort (1/4 mile east) or Cascade Lodge (8 miles east) or Lutsen Ski Resort

  • Canoes and kayaks: rent in Tofte (11 miles west) or Grand Marais (18 miles east) or at lodges up Gunflint Trail (north out of Grand Marais) or Sawbill Trail (north out of Tofte)

  • Snowmobiles: Grand Marais Motors (18 miles east)

Restaurant Recommendations:

Duluth:

Duluth Grill 

Northern Waters Smokehaus (in the DeWitt Seitz Marketplace)

Bellisio's.  Quite good Italian food for dinner

Scenic Cafe.  On scenic drive between Duluth and Two Harbors (mm 13).

Two Harbors: mm 25

Black Woods Grill

Dairy Queen

Beaver Bay: mm 50

Cove Point Lodge. Good food at a nice lodge on Lake Superior

Tofte: mm 82

Blue Fin Bay.  One of the top resorts in MN.  On Lake Superior.

Coho Cafe and Bakery.  Good place for breakfast or lunch on Lake Superior

Lutsen: mm 90

Moguls Grille and Tap Room.  Up the hill by Lutsen Ski Resort

Lutsen Resort.  Historic lodge on Lake Superior.  Food good in dining room.

Lockport Store.  Good for breakfast.

Lutsen Lakehouse: mm 93-94 (64 Pedersen Lane, Lutsen, MN 55612)

Cascade Lodge (mm 100).  On Lake Superior next to Cascade River State Park.

Grand Marais: mm 108

Angry Trout.  Very good food on harbor in Grand Marais.

Sidney's Frozen Custard and Wood-Fired Pizza.  Great homemade custard, pizza, gyros, etc.  Great for lunch.

World's Best Donuts.  

Naniboujou Lodge (14 miles past Grand Marais).  Historic lodge.  Food quite good.


RECYCLING

** There is no recycling pickup, so recyclables need to be taken home or to local recycling center in Grand Marais or Tofte (both free).

Acceptable Items:

  • Glass jars and bottles

  • Steel/Tin Cans

  • Aluminum Beverage Cans

  • Newspaper Magazines and Catalogs

  • Office/Mixed Paper

  • Plastic containers: Only containers with recycling logo and number 1 or 2. Containers must be clean and liquid drained. Remove all caps

  • Cardboard: Includes food and beverage packaging, brown grocery bags, brown and goldenrod envelopes, gift wrap, and phone books. Please flatten boxes

Unacceptable Items:

  • No ceramics, dishware, Pyrex or window glass (including safety glass)

  • No foam meat trays, packing peanuts, ridged Styrofoam, or similar materials

  • No waxed cardboard or oil contaminated cardboard

  • No pizza boxes

Local Recycling Centers:

Cook County Recycling Center Grand Marais

Address: 630 5th Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: (218) 387-3044

Hours:

  • Mon. 11a - 4p

  • Tue. 9a - 4p

  • Wed. 9a - 4p

  • Thu. 9a - 6p

  • Fri.-Sun. closed

Tofte Recycling Center

Address: 1/2 mile up Sawbill Trail on right

Phone: 218-663-7940

Hours:

  • Tue. 9a - 3p all year

  • Thu. 9a - 3p mid-May to mid-Sept only

  • Sat. 8a - 2p all year