C A B I N G U I D E B O O K
We hope you enjoy your stay!
Please be sure to share your thoughts about your visit in our cabin journal, we would love to hear about your stay. Suggestions are always welcome, we strive to provide our guests with all the makings for a memorable stay.
In addition to this document we have left you a few helpful publications to maximize your vacation:
- Cook County Events Calendar is a monthly guide to what’s happening in the area
- Cook County Visitor Guide describes area businesses and things to do and see
- Northern Wilds Magazine is a local publication with area specific articles and info
- Another great option when looking for things to do in Cook County is the North Shore Art Scene newsletter: www.northshoreartscene.info
Please Note:
Although the area around Viewpoint is very picturesque, it can also be dangerous. There is a sheer cliff located between the house and the lake, please stay away from this area, there is plenty of lawn and paved spaces for fun and enjoyment.
// COMMUNICATION //
For any communication prior to your stay, please continue to message within the Airbnb or VRBO apps. Contact and emergency numbers will be available within the guidebook at Viewpoint.
// CHECK-IN //
Check-in is 4:00pm. You will be given a smart lock code for the cabin prior to you visit. There is a smart lock keypad located to the left of the front door. If also renting the Red Cabin, a lockbox code will be provided.
Smart Lock:
- The front door is locked/unlocked using an August Smart Lock.
- A smart lock code will be sent to you prior to your stay.
- The outside keypad is just to the left of the door.
- To open: enter the code provided and push the button at the bottom (with the August Lock logo).
- To lock: when outside, hit the same bottom logo button ( no need to enter the code ).
- To lock from the inside: turn the lock right to lock/left to open.
- Please do not lock the lower doorknob lock.
// CHECK-OUT //
Check-out is 10:00am. We request that you leave the cabin tidy when you check out, and that you do the following prior to departure:
Remove the kitchen garbage/recycling bags and place them outside in the cans to the right of the garage (trash and blue recycling cans).
Run the dishwasher and wash all extra dirty dishes. Please do not empty the dishwasher. ***Care takers will charge more if dishwasher is not run or if there are additional dirty dishes***
Be sure to turn off all lights, fans, as well as the coffee maker. Please make sure the outside entry light is off, as well as the lake-side flood light.
Please unplug coffee maker, toaster and any other kitchen counter devices.
Return all device remotes to their homes (remotes are in left stereo cabinet drawer).
Logout of streaming accounts (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.). Note: if you forget to logout, you can do so remotely (Google search “remote logout Netflix”, etc.).
(Cold weather season) Please be sure to check the thermostats and set them to 50 before you depart (there are a total of 9 thermostats). If also renting the Red Cabin, please turn off the heat.
Check to be sure all windows are closed and locked.
Lock all exterior doors (master bedroom and kitchen) and lock the front door smart lock (using the code or the exterior keypad’s bottom logo button). Please confirm door is locked.
Lastly, please report any maintenance related problems that you experienced – we want to know about them!
Thank you for choosing Viewpoint! We hope your stay was special, and that you visit us again~
// AMENITIES //
KITCHEN
Our kitchen is fully equipped with everything you should need including soaps and supplies which are located under the sink. You will need to bring your own food and pantry items.
Silverware is located in the pullout cabinet to the left of the range.
Additional pans are located in the bottom range drawer.
Note: The refrigerator opens from the top right (pull open from the top right).
Additional kitchen amenities are located in the lower corner cabinet (blender, toaster, hot-water pot, French press…)
LINEN & SUPPLIES
You will find a supply of towels in the bathrooms along with facial tissue and toilet tissues. There are also eco-friendly bath products to use if you wish, such as shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, lotion and hand soap. Please do not take these items with you when you depart.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
There are extra outdoor chairs, outside under the master porch.
SLEEPER SOFA
Please let us know if you would like the queen sleeper sofa made up as a bed prior to your arrival. Otherwise, there will be bedding available for you.
To turn the sofa into a bed, pull the front up and pull outwards towards you. See the setup diagram:
https://www.stevesutherland.info/sofasleepersetup
GARBAGE/RECYCLING
Extra bags are in the bottom of each waste basket, as well as under the kitchen sink. You will find the garbage bins for trash and recycling outside located to the right of the garage. Blue bags are provided for your recyclables. Please put garbage and recycling bags in their appropriate can at the end of your stay.
HEAT
Viewpoint uses both electric heat (primary) and a wall-mounted propane heat when needed for back-up - see, “Dual Fuel Load Management” (below). Use the thermostats within each room to control for comfort.
DUAL FUEL LOAD MANAGEMENT (Winter only)
Viewpoint is part of Arrowhead Electric’s “Dual Fuel Load Management” program. While somewhat rare, during peak regional power usage (typically occurring on the coldest winter evenings), Arrowhead Electric may remotely turn off the electric heat (other cabin electric is not affected). Dual Fuel Load Management typically lasts for a duration of 1-3 hours to prevent having to buy additional regional power at an elevated cost, “reducing the overall cost of power for the co-op, while also shrinking our carbon footprint”.
- While the cabin’s electric baseboards/thermostats will not operate during this time, the brown wall-mounted propane heater is available to retain a comfortable room temperature. To increase the room temperature, turn the dial up on the right side of the heater. The efficient fireplace is also a great source of heat to use anytime!
- When the electric heat is turned back on (typically 1-3 hours later), please turn the wall heater back down (to the black line on the heater’s temperature dial).
- For more information see: "Understanding Arrowhead Cooperative’s Load Management System / http://www.aecimn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arrow-01-17.pdf
- Let us know if you have any questions regarding cabin heat or the dual fuel system.
FIREPLACE
Viewpoint has a wood-burning fireplace that you are welcome to use with care during your stay. There is a supply of wood located outside in the wood rack on the deck, with additional located behind the garage (where there is also a Kindling Cracker that can produce perfect…kindling. Please ALWAYS either shut the glass windows or use the screen.
OUTDOOR
The is a fire pit outside by the Red Cabin. Please use caution and extinguish fire when finished.
WIRELESS / WIFI
Network: WirelessWonderNorth
Password: doglouie (one word, all lowercase)
TELEVISION
The cabin has a television with an Apple TV streaming device attached (Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, etc.). Note that there is no cable, satellite or local/air TV stations available. Remotes are in the left stereo cabinet drawer. Reminder to logout of streaming accounts upon your departure (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.). Note: If you forget to logout, you can do so remotely (Google search “remote logout Netflix”, etc.).
STEREO/RECEIVER
Our guests love playing the plentiful records and CD’s at Viewpoint. Albums are under the turntable, as well as in the Game Room, CD’s are in the console’s drawers. For FM radio, check out the great WTIP / 90.7 FM out of Grand Marais (www.wtip.org) and KUMD / 103.3 FM from Duluth (www.kumd.org). Here's a StarTribune story on WTIP:
http://m.startribune.com/wtip-in-grand-marais-a-deep-woods-dose-of-radio-charm/489428061
Note: On the receiver, the speakers are connected to the “A” side, the “A” button should be pushed In (depressed). The “B” speaker button on the receiver must be in the Out (non-depressed) state for the system to work. If there is no sound, check these buttons, also make sure the Tape Monitor switches are not engaged.
OUTDOOR GRILL
Please feel free to use our outdoor Weber grill (gas). In the off chance you run out of gas, there is a second spare tank either next to the grill or behind the garage to the left. Just exchange them and please make a note for care takers regarding the empty tank. Thank you.
LAUNDRY
There is a washer and dryer on site for your use. Please respect that we have a sensitive septic system, and only wash what you need for your vacation. Note: the hot setting on the dryer is very hot.
SMOKE FREE
We are a smoke free environment. Please no smoking in the cabin, on the decks, or near the cabin. If you feel you must smoke, please do so away from the cabin and be sure to clean up after yourself and thoroughly extinguish.
PETS
We love pets, but not at Viewpoint. NO pets at Viewpoint.
// BASIC PROVISIONS AND SERVICES //
Please keep in mind that based on the day of the week and season, some businesses may have limited hours. It is always best to call ahead of time.
GROCERY STORES
Clearview General Store
5323 Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612 / 218-663-7478
Lockport Marketplace & Deli
5364 Highway 61, Lutsen, MN 55612 / 218-663-7548
Tofte General Store
7125 West Highway 61, Tofte / 218-663-7288
Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op
20 1st Street, Grand Marais / 218-387-2503 (Best fresh produce in the area & great granola)
Johnson’s Foods
5 East Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-3872480
Gene’s Foods
431 East Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-1212
LIQUOR STORES / WINERY
North Shore Winery
202 Ski Hill Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612, Lutsen / 218-481-9280
Lutsen Liquor
5339 West Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-7370
Temperance Liquors Inc.
7759 West Highway 61, Schroeder / 218-663-0111
Tofte Bottle Shop
7125 West Highway 61 Tofte / 218-663-7288
Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store
10 1st St. Grand Marais / 218-387-1630
RESTAURANTS
Lutsen Resort Lakeside Dining Room / Poplar River Pub
5700 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-7212
Fika Coffee
5325 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-9055
North Shore Winery
202 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen / 218-481-9280
Moguls Grille & Tap Room
371 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen / 218-663-3020
Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains
467 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen / 218-663-7281
Lockport Market Place & Grill
5362 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-7548
BlueFin Grille
7192 W. Highway 61, Tofte / 218-663-6200
Waves of Superior Café & Spa
20 Surfside Drive, Tofte / 218-663-6877
Coho Café Bakery & Deli
7126 W. Highway 61, Tofte / 218-663-8032
Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub
3719 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-387-1112 ext. 102
Wunder Bar Eatery & Glampground
1615 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 612-558-1194
Dockside Fish Market
418 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-2906
Angry Trout Café
408 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-1265
Harbor House Grille
411 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-1889
Java Moose Espresso Café
218 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais / 218-387-9400
Voyageur Brewing Co.
233 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais / 218-387-3163
Gunflint Tavern
111W. Wisconsin Street, Grand Marais / 218-387-1563
Hughie’s Taco House
15 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-3382
Blue Water Café
20 W. Wisconsin St. Grand Marais / 218-387-1597
Crooked Spoon Café
17 W. Wisconsin St. Grand Marais / 218-387-2779
World’s Best Donuts
10 Wisconsin St. Grand Marais / 218-387-1345
LAUNDROMAT
Lutsen Laundromat
5339 West Hwy. 61 Lutsen 55612 (On the hillside)
Grand Marais Laundromat
421 3rd Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604
EMERGENCY CONTACTS / LOCAL
Cook County Sheriff
911
or
218-387-3030
Grand Marais Hospital
218-387-3040
// NOTE OF CAUTION //
Although the area around Viewpoint is very picturesque, it can also be very dangerous. There is a sheer cliff located in a portion between the house and the lake. Please stay away from this area. Do not lean over the edge of the cliff along the vegetation line to get a better view as the ground is unstable. Never let children play or go near the lake shore without being accompanied by an adult.
Also, when venturing along the shoreline, exercise extreme caution. ROCKS ARE VERY SLIPPERY, PARTICULARLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN WET OR ICY. Extreme caution should be exercised when walking around the property. Especially during winter months, do not attempt to go beyond the vegetation line to the lake shore, the rocks can be covered with ice and are extremely slippery and dangerous.
// HISTORY //
Viewpoint was built in 1973 by Dr. Lyman B. and Valleen R. Clay of Minneapolis as their retirement home. The property was originally purchased in 1960. Dr. Clay was a surgeon in Minneapolis. His love of the North Shore was hereditary ever since his father arrived on Isle Royale soon after immigrating from Norway. The Red Cabin was originally located at the far left end of the property next to what is now the Norwood Shores town homes. The cabin was purchased from Lockport Market and moved to its present location in 1963 and served as the family meeting spot until the completion of the main house and garage in 1973.
This location has a very interesting past. Prior to the development of the North Shore Drive, this site was the location of a logging and railroad camp, called Lockport, which was established around the turn of the last century. The railroad ran up to where the current Lutsen ski hill is located and was used to transport timber down to the boat dock located directly in front of the current Norwood Shores town homes. The dock cribs are still visible from the lake shore and the railroad bed and ramp to the dock can still be made out where it cut through the woods to the East, next to the shore. There is also a picture of the dock in the Lockport Market. The operation lasted less than one year. Check out the story in the “A History of Lutsen” book (by Robert McDowell), available in the cabin.
As the Clays developed the property, they found many railroad spikes and ties, saws, axes and other equipment used during those days. We also suspect that this area was used by Native Americans as a stone ax head and several arrowheads have been found on the property. As you proceed up the driveway toward the highway, you will notice what appears to be a trail through the woods, this is the original North Shore Drive which was built in the early 1920s.
One other point of interest are the newspaper articles within the folder in the game room. Dr. Lyman and Valleen Clay’s twin sons, Lyman and Leland, were on board the ship American when it sank at Isle Royale. They were en route to open the original Clay summer cabin located at Belle Isle. That cabin was built in 1919 by Dr. Frank Clay (Lyman’s father) of St Charles, Minnesota. The Clay island was sold to the government when Isle Royale became a national park.
One of Lyman and Valleen's hobbies was rock collecting, you’ll find rocks that were collected surrounding the property. The fireplace hearth was made by Lyman from rocks he collected (from around the world), cut and polished.
THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITH US, ENJOY!
-Beth and Steve Sutherland