Minnesota — Avid Lutsen Mountains skiers and riders were devastated in the summer of 2023, after a fire destroyed the beloved Papa Charlie’s restaurant. However, Lutsen rebuilt the facility starting in the fall of 2024, and the final product is impressive.
Earlier this month, Lutsen Mountains reopened the Papa Charlie’s restaurant. Now officially known as Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, it’s Lutsen Mountains’ first “fine dining” option. However, it’s not too pricey, with menu choices like the Tender Tips (Steak), Bistro Burger, Pasta Primavera, and a Belgian Waffle.
The restaurant has both inside and outside seating, offering impressive views of the adjacent mountains plus Lake Superior. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner daily. There’s also a bar that’s open till 11 pm each night, which offers an extensive beer, wine, and liquor menu. There will also be live acoustic music every week.
The restaurant is named after Charles Skinner III, who bought the Minnesota ski resort in 1980. Also known as “Papa Charlie,” he was the visionary who helped bring the first gondola to a Midwest ski resort and grow Lutsen into what it is today. Skinner passed away in 2021, but Lutsen remains in the family. They also own Granite Peak and Snowriver Mountain Resort, both of which are in the Midwest.
According to the Duluth News Tribune, this is part of an $11 million project to rebuild the building that was lost in the fire. Next to the restaurant are new lodging options for guests who want to make a vacation out of their trip to Lutsen. The Sunset Studios features eight rental units with either king or double queen beds. Some of the amenities include a kitchen, dining area, a fireplace, and a balcony.
Located in northern Minnesota, Lutsen Mountains is the largest ski resort in the Midwest. Describing itself as “the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience,” Lutsen offers access to four lift-serviced peaks, which offer impressive views of Lake Superior. During the summertime, Lutsen Mountains is home to activities like scenic gondola rides, alpine slides, hiking trails, mountain biking, and other nearby activities thanks to its proximity to other natural wonders in the region.
Image/Video Credits: Lutsen Mountains
