This post, featuring my review of Bluefin Bay in Tofte, Minnesota, may contain affiliate links. This article was also written after a hosted stay on the property—all thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).
I never tire of waking up on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Especially when I can literally hear the sound of the waves lapping against its shores as I wake up! It’s such a special place to share with family and friends. If you are planning your own upcoming trip, you may be wondering where to stay—and if Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts is right for your travel crew.
Our recent winter stay at Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte checked every box for a memorable Minnesota getaway with kids (even as seasoned family travelers!). Whether you’re chasing spring waterfalls, fall colors, winter skiing, or simply searching for the best kid-friendly hotels in Tofte, Minnesota, this spot deserves your consideration.
Indeed, if you’re wondering where to stay on the North Shore with kids or looking for an honest Bluefin Bay review, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn why I think Bluefin Bay with kids is a win year-round!
About Bluefin Bay in Tofte, Minnesota
Firstly, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know about staying at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
Location: Tofte, Minnesota
Accommodation Type: 3 lakeside resorts are part of the Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
- Bluefin Bay (where we stayed) offers guestrooms, suites, condos, townhomes, and more that sleep up to 8 people.
- Surfside offers suites and 2- to 3-bedroom condos that sleep up to 8 people.
- Temperance Landing offers 3-bedroom log homes that sleep up to 8 people.
Bluefin Bay and Surfside offer pet-friendly units.
Season: All accommodation types are offered year-round.
Best for: Any type of group or traveler! From romantic getaways for two to large family gatherings, there are accommodations perfect for your next getaway at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
Snapshot of Amenities for Bluefin Bay (where we stayed)
- Indoor pool and hot tub
- Indoor sauna and fitness facilities
- Outdoor pool and hot tub (which are only for guests staying at Bluefin Bay Resort)
- Outdoor fire pits (complimentary s’mores kits are available, too!)
- Complimentary activities and guided hikes for all ages (some may require reservations)
- Complimentary recreational equipment available for use during the stay (like kayaks, ice skates, snowshoes, and more)
- Tennis courts
- Winter ice skating rink
- Lakewalk along the shore of Lake Superior
- Multiple on-site restaurants
- Waves of Superior Spa (full spa experience and services)
- Playground for young kids
- Some rooms include amenities like kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, lake views, multiple bedrooms, and more
My Review of Staying at Bluefin Bay with Kids
Honestly, we loved our stay at Bluefin Bay this winter! The property and its family-friendly amenities are truly exceptional. With lakeside accommodations that sleep up to eight, wood-burning fireplaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and complimentary gear for seasonal adventures, Bluefin Bay makes it easy to play, relax, and reconnect with your favorite people all in one spot.
Would we recommend Bluefin Bay Resort for families? Without question, yes!
After checking it out for ourselves, we can honestly say it’s one of our top recommendations for places to stay on the North Shore with kids! This section shares my overall review and impression of Bluefin Bay for families.
More on What We Loved at Bluefin Bay with Kids
During our recent winter stay, our young daughter loved roasting s’mores over the lakeside bonfire and going between the many pools and hot tubs. Meanwhile, as parents, we enjoyed the ease of playing, eating, and staying all in one spot. Not to mention, the unparalleled views of Lake Superior around every corner (including our room!).
Our room type was Two Bedroom Style B. The room configuration offered two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a tub/shower combo, one with a shower), a small kitchen, and a living area with a dining table. The living room and larger bedroom both looked out onto the lake with a private patio area! We drifted off to sleep and woke up to the sound of waves every day. It was so dreamy! We also had a wood-burning fireplace in the living room, which was perfect for late-night chess games and relaxing together at the end of the day. The room was spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed.
Outside the room, there was plenty to do and explore together throughout the weekend! I’ll explain all about the kid-friendly amenities shortly, but our highlights included the craft activities, the outdoor hot tub, and the winter ice skating rink!
We also enjoyed the on-site dining! During our stay, we enjoyed breakfast each morning at Coho Café & Bakery (their pastries are SO good!) and dinner one night at Bluefin Grille. Coho Café & Bakery also offers a lovely lunch menu (I love their Reuben sandwich) and take-and-bake pizzas to bring to your room. Both also have kids’ menus available, and are just minutes from the rooms.
Overall, as you can see from my Bluefin Bay review, we were really impressed by the layout of the room and the property. We had easy access to everything and felt well-taken care of by the friendly staff.
Things of Note
My Bluefin Bay review would be remiss without a few notes of consideration.
Firstly, most stays start around $430 or $450/night, depending on the season and room selected. This could be a sticking point with some family budgets. For those looking for an all-in-one hotel experience on the North Shore (with plenty of kid-friendly amenities to keep everyone busy!), the cost is likely worth it!
Secondly, if you are looking for a remote stay to embrace the quiet solitude of life on the North Shore, this is not the stay for you. Three resort properties with plenty of rooms means you won’t be the only one enjoying the pool, lakeshore, or dining. (Though, you won’t feel too overcrowded either.) Expect it to be lively during high-tourism seasons.
4 Reasons Why Families Will Enjoy Booking Their Next North Shore Getaway at Bluefin Bay
If you’re wondering where to stay on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, you may be considering Bluefin Bay Resort—as well you should! Here are four reasons why I think families will love staying at Bluefin Bay Resort with their kids.
Central Location on the North Shore
Staying at Bluefin Bay with kids puts you smack dab in the middle of the North Shore. It would be hard to find a better location to explore all of the many trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and lakeshore offered from Two Harbors to Grand Portage.
Families looking to get the most out of their upcoming visit to the North Shore will appreciate this central location. In fact, as one of the best hotels in Tofte, Minnesota, Bluefin Bay’s location puts you less than an hour from Two Harbors and about 30 minutes from downtown Grand Marais.
Plus, Bluefin Bay resort is only 40 minutes from Split Rock Lighthouse. And, less than 30 minutes from four more of the North Shore’s best state parks (all with kid-friendly hiking trails). Hikers, experienced and novice alike, will appreciate the easy access to Temperance River State Park, Tettegouche State Park, Cascade River State Park, and George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. Temperance River State Park is only 3 minutes from the resort!
READ NEXT: A Family Guide to the 8 State Parks on the North Shore of Minnesota
Eat, Play, Stay All in One Place
One of the best parts about staying at Bluefin Bay with kids is that everything you need for a fantastic family trip to the North Shore is right on-site. This makes it easy and breezy to focus on the FUN of traveling with your kiddos (and to forget the stress of planning it all!). Here is a quick review of where to play and eat at Bluefin Bay with your family.
Where to Play On-Site
Want to explore the outdoors? Grab complimentary snowshoes for a nearby trail. Or, ice skates for the on-site skating rink. They even have glides/pushers for new skaters. Then, in the warmer months, play tennis together or brave the chilly waters of Lake Superior. You can also hit the trails year-round with a guided family hike (reservations recommended).
Need some downtime? Head to the indoor pool, cozy up by the fire, or enjoy lake views right from your room. The Activities Center also offers movies and games to use freely during your stay. There are also regular arts and craft experiences (check the activities calendar for times during your stay)!
Summer visitors can also explore the exhibits at the North Shore Fishing Museum. Dedicated to the area’s early Scandinavian immigrants and commercial fishing history, this museum is tucked along Highway 61 near Coho Café & Bakery.
Where to Eat On-Site
Ready to eat? There are three on-site dining options, from coffee and yummy breakfast pastries to lakeside dinners. Bluefin Grille, Coho Café & Bakery, and Waves Café all offer kid-friendly bites. In fact, Bluefin Grille and Coho Café & Bakery have kids’ menus for little travelers. We recommend making at least one reservation for dinner at Bluefin Grille.
With a mix of adventure and comfort, Bluefin Bay makes it easy to go at your own pace—whether that’s packing the day with activities or simply watching the waves roll in with a cup of cocoa in hand. If you’re wondering where to stay on the North Shore that works for all interests, ages, and travel styles, this is it!
Tons of Kid-Friendly + Family Activities
I’ve touched on this before in my Bluefin Bay review, but it’s worth mentioning again. The sheer number of kid-friendly and family activities offered year-round is IMPRESSIVE! Whether you’re visiting in snow boots or sandals, there’s always something fun to do together. Here is a rundown of some of our favorites for families.
Seasonal Outdoor Activities for All Ages
- Ice Skating
- Biking & Hiking Tours (including Guided Tours)
- Paddleboarding, wilderness canoeing, sea kayaking, and inland kayaking
- Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
- Nature Scavenger Hunts
- Nature Programs
- Tennis & Pickleball
- Campfires
- Playground
Indoor Activities for All Ages
- Waves & Watercolors Class
- Craft classes
- Dedicated kids’ programs
- Yoga
…and MORE! You can find more information about the year-round programs for guests of all ages at Bluefin Bay here.
Epic Lake Superior Views
Wondering where to stay on Minnesota’s North Shore with epic views of Lake Superior? Bluefin Bay Resort has panoramic views of Lake Superior from almost every angle!
From sunrise to sunset, Lake Superior takes center stage at Bluefin Bay. Begin your morning with a warm cup of coffee in hand, stepping outside to the beachfront (or your private patio/balcony) as the first light stretches across the water. If you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy some of the best sunrises and sunsets the North Shore offers during your stay! Whether you’re sitting on a private balcony wrapped in a blanket or walking the quiet path along the lake, the views here are always changing, always stunning, and always within reach.
As the day unfolds, you’ll find that no matter where you are at the resort—poolside, in your room, or dining at Bluefin Grille—Lake Superior remains your constant, awe-inspiring backdrop. Talk about a postcard-perfect Minnesota getaway with your family!
Top Things to Do + Eat near Bluefin Bay with Kids
Looking for ideas of things to do and places to eat with kids near Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts? My Bluefin Bay review wouldn’t be complete without them! Here are some of our favorites within just a few minutes of the property.
READ NEXT: 12+ Amazing Things to Do in Grand Marais this Winter for Families
A Snapshot of Our Favorite (Off-Site) Things to Do near Bluefin Bay
- Hiking and waterfalls—find kid-friendly trails at Cascade River State Park, Temperance River State Park, Oberg Mountain Trail, and more.
- See the Handmade Cobblestone Well and Bridges in Tofte Park. This is also an excellent spot for a picnic!
- Bike along the Gitchi Gami State Trail together.
- Shop and explore downtown Grand Marais with your family. Don’t miss the Grand Marais Harbor, Artist’s Point, and the Lighthouse (about 30 minutes away)
- Go zip-lining at North Shore Adventure Park (about 30 minutes away).
- Ski at Lutsen Mountains in the winter. It’s about 10 minutes away from Bluefin Bay, plus they offer a complimentary shuttle!
- Check out the trails and cozy indoor exhibits at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center (about 10 minutes away).
READ NEXT: Family Guide to 14+ Exciting Summer Things to Do in Grand Marais with Kids
A Snapshot of Our Favorite Restaurants near Bluefin Bay
- Coho Cafe (on-site at Bluefin Bay)—they also offer take-and-bake pizzas that you can bring back to your accommodations.
- Bluefin Grille (on-site at Bluefin Bay). Dinner reservations recommended!
- Goldie’s Food Truck is currently parked at the entrance to Lutsen Resort (off HWY 61).
- Lockport Marketplace & Deli in nearby Lutsen for breakfast + lunch.
- There are plenty of great restaurants in Grand Marais, too (about 30 min away)—you can read about our favorite eateries near Grand Marais here!
Ready to Book or Explore More?
Has my Bluefin Bay review helped you make your decision? Check pricing, date availability, and book your Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts stay! Check their offers pages to learn more about their current offers, too.
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.