Lutsen (trfnews.i234.me) — The owner of the historic Lutsen Lodge is now charged with the fire that destroyed the North Shore landmark in 2024.
A criminal complaint filed in State District Court in Grand Marais accuses Bryce James Campbell, 41, of setting the fire and seeking an insurance payout.
Campbell was arrested on Tuesday evening, December 2, near Detroit, Michigan.
Jail records from Oakland County, Michigan, list him as being held there after the arrest.
Prosecutors have charged Campbell with three counts of first-degree arson
and one count of insurance fraud.
He is a Canadian citizen and longtime owner and operator of the lodge.
The massive blaze swept through Lutsen Lodge during the early morning hours of February 6, 2024.
No guests were staying at the lodge that night, according to officials.
The structure that burned was built in 1952.
The business itself, known as Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, traces its history back to 1885.
The loss of the main lodge drew wide attention across Minnesota and beyond.
The site sits along Highway 61 on the state’s North Shore.
Investigators from local agencies and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division spent months examining the cause of the fire and reviewing records.
According to the complaint, officials allege Campbell set the fire and then made an insurance claim tied to the loss.
Details of the alleged scheme are expected to be outlined in court.
Campbell has been involved in several business disputes in recent years.
Contractors, cabin owners, and employees have filed lawsuits seeking money they say he failed to pay.
Information about Minnesota arson and fraud laws can be found through the Minnesota Judicial Branch and state criminal code resources.
Tourism groups, including Explore Minnesota, have highlighted the long history of Lutsen Lodge and other North Shore destinations.
Many visitors are watching closely to see what happens at the site.
Bryce James Campbell is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty in court.
Future hearings in Grand Marais will determine his plea and any trial date.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
