LUTSEN, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – One year after a devastating overnight fire reduced the historic Lutsen Lodge to ashes, owner Bryce Campbell remains hopeful about rebuilding, despite financial and legal challenges.
The fire, which occurred in early 2023, left nothing salvageable, according to Lutsen Fire Chief Steve Duclos.
“That was one we were always kind of worried about—if it did go, it was gonna be a hot one, and so we all know there was no saving it,” Duclos said.
Rebuilding Efforts Underway
Despite the slow progress, Campbell says plans are in motion to rebuild the beloved North Shore lodge, preserving as much of the original structure as possible.
“Just knowing it’s already been a year and there’s been not a lot of headway, it’s discouraging, and it’s gonna be a many-year process to get to the finish line,” Campbell said.
Campbell hopes to clean up the site this summer and begin construction before next winter. However, he must wait until the ongoing insurance and State Fire Marshal’s investigations are complete before moving forward.
Financial Scrutiny Surrounds Lodge Owner
Following the fire, questions emerged about Campbell’s financial past, as records show civil lawsuits totaling over $150,000 had been filed against him.
Campbell claims the associations that sued him also owed him money, and he has been working toward financial recovery.
“I’ve made decent headway—I’d say halfway there,” he said. “Obviously, when you lose your business, you lose any income, so it’s been a lot of work to try and get things whole again.”
What’s Next for Lutsen Lodge?
While Campbell remains optimistic, the lodge’s rebuilding timeline depends on the completion of insurance claims and fire investigations.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to TRF News.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me