Celebrating a Legacy at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
For four decades, the Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts has served as a cherished destination, fostering unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and friends. Nestled alongside the breathtaking shores of Lake Superior, our resorts have provided the perfect backdrop for countless memories – from romantic getaways and heartwarming family reunions to joyous celebrations and a deep connection with the natural beauty of the North Shore.
As we celebrate this momentous 40th anniversary, let’s take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and revisit some of the key milestones that have shaped our legacy.
• 1983 Closing on Olsen’s Motel and Bluefin Bay construction begins
• 1984 Units 1-9 completed, open for rental
• 1985-1988 Units 10-53, indoor pool and tennis court open
• 1991 First Food & Wine Lovers Weekend
• 1994-1996 Construction of units 55-72, Coho Café, lakewalk, North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, outdoor pool and hot tub
• 1995 First Bluefin Bay Calendar is printed
• 1995 First international employees arrive at Bluefin Bay
• 1997 Named Resort Property of the year by MN Innkeepers Association
• 2000 Full time activities director added, Lake Superior kayaking tours added
• 2003 Charters begin on the Avanti sailboat
• 2005 Bluefin Grille renovated and Breakers bar moved downstairs
• 2006 Bluefin Bay featured in “On the Road with Jason Davis”
• 2006 Temperance Landing opens
• 2007 Again named Resort Property of the year by MN Lodging Association
• 2008 Investment into mindful energy conservation – geo thermal installed
• 2008 Surfside on Lake Superior and Waves of Superior Spa opens
• 2013 Waves of Superior Café opens
• 2015 Construction of units 18-20 at Surfside on Lake Superior
• 2017 Bluefin Bay Food & Beverage teams up with North Shore Winery to create the Bluefin Blend
• 2018 Construction of units 21-23 at Surfside on Lake Superior
• 2019 Bluefin Grille and Bluefin Bay Guest Services are renovated
• 2019 James Taylor becomes new General Manager for Bluefin Bay Resorts
• 2020 Ownership of Bluefin Bay transitions to Joe Swanson and Pipasu Soni
• 2021 37-year owner and Bluefin Bay co-founder, Dennis Rysdahl, retires
• 2022 New Summer Kids' Program is introduced
• 2022 Tablets and Chromecast Streaming Devices are added to all rooms at Bluefin Bay and Surfside on Lake Superior
• 2022 Waves Café and Surfside Guest Services are combined, providing the ability to be open year round
• 2022 Indoor Pool Facility at Bluefin Bay undergoes complete renovation
• 2023 Expansion of the Summer Activities Program with more activities than ever before
• 2023 Tesla Supercharging Station installed at Surfside Resort
• 2023 Named MN’s Favorite Resort by the readers of Minnesota Monthly
• 2023 Named Best Lodging for a Romantic Getaway by the Duluth Reader
Join us in celebrating Bluefin Bay's 40th anniversary on Saturday, September 21st at the Bluefin Bay Beach Patio. The management team will be serving champagne along with appetizers, live music, and bonfires from 4-6 p.m.