We’re soooo close to officially diving in to our long-awaited Minnesota summer season complete with sun rays, cool shades, outdoor games, lush hiking trails, extended daylight, bonfire nightlife, family fun, BFF adventures, lounge-chair olympics, poolside sippers, picnic fare, s’mores, and most of all … more time to make those MN memories!
With summer a day away, pull up a lawn chair, pour a cup of coffee and let’s dip our toe into chatting about the many things we love about summertime moments here in Minnesota. There are many, close to 10,000!
We’ve featured Lake Superior adventures time and again here on the blog – and most certainly have much more to chat about with regards to the Greatest Lake. But, today’s feature highlights another body of water that we love a whole lot. Let me introduce you to the coolest outdoor pool you’ll find along Minnesota’s North Shore, and it just so happens to reside at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen! Fun surrounds this Lutsen oasis all summer long…
Caribou Highlands has both an outdoor pool, open late Spring through early Fall, and an indoor pool with a spacious hot tub. The outdoor is my favorite given the well-kept surrounding patio area, summer blooms, occasional hummingbird sighting, reclining lounge chairs, Lutsen Mountain views, sun sparkles, comped towels — and best of all, the pool temps lean toward the warmer side.
Another perk for guests staying at Caribou Highlands condos, like 142C, is you can keep an eye on your vacation crew while heading up to refresh the iced beverages. Or, one parent can get a start on dinner — or take a nap — while the rest of the family suns and swims.
Side note: full props on this refreshing photo go out to my brother Joe and SIL Katie – I think they have a second career opp waiting for them in food styling!
There really are so many things that make this pool extra cool! The shallow end is about 3-feet in depth, the deep end measures around 6-feet. Steps into the shallows make for a perfect gradual-entry-type set-up for kiddos who just need a little more time to adjust.
Caribou Highlands also knows how to top-off the fun factor. For example, periodically they offer free Sundaes and toppers for kiddos. The tether ball zone, inside the fenced-in pool area, is one of our favorite past times. And, the resort hosts a complementary S’more campfire area, just a few steps from the pool.
The outdoor pool is conveniently situated near to Moguls Grille and Tap Room, in case you’re in need of family fuel. Or, let’s just say the grownups need a chilled beverage! We opt for the walleye cakes and their Southwest chicken salad is fresh & tasty.
One last note…the pool setting is perfect for kids of all ages and at all stages. We’ve had a blast with the boys and their buddies over the years. And, now they’re old enough to visit 142C on their own, making their very own memories with their besties.
Are there other North Shore pools you’ve enjoyed? Please share! Hope you can get into the water and drift on a floatie, dive into a good book and sneak in a midday snooze in coming months.
Most of all, happy Summer! xo
This recap and photos first appeared on From Lutsen with Love in June 2019. All reflections and images are my own.
Superior adventures await year round in Lutsen, MN! 