1959 Map of Lutsen

About this map

The coastal village of Lutsen sits on the edge of Lake Superior, serving as a gateway to the dense woodlands of the Superior National Forest. This late-1950s survey captures a transition in the local economy from traditional wilderness activities toward the burgeoning winter recreation industry, evidenced by the Skiing Sta at the base of Moose Mountain. The landscape is dominated by a complex network of glacial lakes and rivers, including the expansive Caribou Lake, Barker Lake, and Christine Lake, which feed the Poplar River as it descends toward the Great Lake. High points like Eagle Mountain provide a dramatic backdrop to the drainage basins of Caribou Creek and Tait River. Cultural features like the Lutsen Cem and a small Gravel Pit near Vat Lake reflect the small-scale infrastructure supporting this North Shore community during the mid-century era.