VIEWPOINT CABIN GUIDEBOOK
We hope you enjoy your stay!
Please be sure to share thoughts about your visit in our cabin journal, we love to hear about your activities and adventures. Suggestions are always welcome, we want you to have a most memorable and enjoyable stay.
In addition to the suggestions below, the North Shore Art Scene newsletter and Visit Cook County are great resources when looking for things to do in Cook County: www.northshoreartscene.info / www.visitcookcounty.com/events
Please Note:
Although the area around Viewpoint is very private and 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 everyone's fun and enjoyment.
// COMMUNICATION //
For any general communication prior to and during your stay, please continue to message Beth within the Airbnb or VRBO apps. In emergency (only), Beth and Steve Sutherland may be contacted at: Beth / 612-462-3011 or Steve / 720-272-0080. If Beth and Steve are unavailable, please text or call Patrick Reeves / 218-370-2527 (emergency only please).
// CHECK-IN //
Check-in is 4:00pm. You will be given a cabin smart lock door code prior to your visit, there is an outside 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 a August smart lock code.
- The smart lock code will be sent to you prior to your stay.
- The outside keypad is just to the left of the front door.
- To open: enter the code provided and push the button at the bottom (the August lock logo).
- To lock when outside: push the same bottom (logo) button (no need to enter the code).
- To lock from the inside: turn the large grey lock to the 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 checking out, and that you please do the following prior to departure:
- Remove all bed sheets, pillow cases and towels and place in the provided drawstring linen bags.
- Remove the kitchen garbage/recycling bags and place them outside in the cans to the right of the garage (left = trash, right = recycling).
- Run the dishwasher and wash all extra dirty dishes. Please do not empty the dishwasher. ***Our cleaners will charge us/you more if the dishwasher is not run, or if there are additional dirty dishes***
- Be sure to turn off all lights, fans and please confirm 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.
- Please put vinyl records and CD's back into their specific sleeves/cases, and return to record storage bins/CD drawer.
- Return all device remotes to their homes (remotes are in the left stereo CD 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 60 degrees before you depart (there are a total of 9 thermostats). If also renting the Red Cabin, please turn OFF (both) the wall heater, and turn the thermostat all the way down/off.
- Check to be sure all windows are closed and locked.
- Lock all exterior doors (master bedroom and kitchen), place wooden stop back in sliding door track
- Lock the front door smart lock on exit (using the code, or the exterior keypad’s bottom (logo) button). *Please confirm that the door is locked.
- Lastly, please report any maintenance related problems that you may have experienced – we want to know about them! Thank you.
// 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/cookie sheets may be located in the bottom range drawer.
- Additional kitchen amenities are located in the lower corner cabinet (blender, toaster, hot-water pot, French press…)
DISHWASHER
Note that once you touch Start, there is a countdown timer on the right, the door must be closed during this time or the dishwasher will not start.
LINEN & SUPPLIES
You will find a supply of towels in the bathrooms along with facial tissue and toilet tissue. There are eco-friendly bath products to use, 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 outdoor chairs on the deck, grab blankets from the front closet (only) if needed to stay cozy.
SLEEPER SOFA
The queen sleeper sofa will be prepared sheets prior to your arrival. Additional bedding is available by the washer/dryer.
GARBAGE / RECYCLING
Extra bags are at the bottom of each waste basket, as well as under the kitchen sink (garbage=white bags, recycle=blue bags). You will find the (animal-proof) garbage bins for trash and recycling outside located to the right of the garage (left=trash, right=recycling). Please put garbage and recycling bags in their appropriate can at the end of your stay.
HEAT
Viewpoint uses both electric heat (primary). Use the thermostats within each room to control for comfort. A white wall-mounted backup propane heater is available during Dual Fuel events. See, “Dual Fuel Load Management” below for additional information. Please only use the white wall-mounted propane heater during Dual Fuel events.
DUAL FUEL LOAD MANAGEMENT
Viewpoint is part of Arrowhead Electric’s “Dual Fuel Load Management” program. While somewhat rare, during peak regional power usage 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 white wall-mounted propane heater is available to retain a comfortable room temperature.
- To increase the room temperature, turn the power ON, and adjust the left SET temperature arrow appropriately.
- When the electric heat is turned back on (typically 1-3 hours later), please turn the wall heater OFF.
- Please only use the white wall heater during Dual Fuel events, only when the electric heat is not available.
- The efficient fireplace is also a great source of heat to use anytime!
- Let us know if you have any questions regarding the 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 rack on the deck, with additional wood located to the right of 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. Please always shut the glass doors when the fire is unattended (or when leaving or retiring for the night).
OUTDOOR
The is a fire pit outside by the Red Cabin. Please use caution and extinguish fire when finished. Feel free to use the cabin's fireplace wood supply.
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 CD 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 vinyl and CD collection at Viewpoint. Albums are under the turntable, as well as in the Game Room, CD’s are in the console’s two drawers.
Receiver inputs:
Tape 1 = TV (1/8" plug)
Tape 2 = Phono / turntable
Aux = CD player
For FM radio, check out:
- WTIP / 90.7 FM out of Grand Marais: www.wtip.org
- KUMD / 103.3 FM from Duluth www.thenorth1033.org
Here's a StarTribune story on the great WTIP:
https://www.startribune.com/wtip-in-grand-marais-a-deep-woods-dose-of-radio-charm/489428061
OUTDOOR GRILL
Please feel free to use the 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 by the wood pile.
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, please use "Timed Dry" only (see note on dryer).
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.
// LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS //
Cook County Sheriff
911 or 218-387-3030
Grand Marais Hospital
218-387-3040
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 //
Tofte General Store
7125 West Highway 61, Tofte / 218-663-7288
Clearview General Store
5323 West Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-7478
Gene’s Foods
431 East Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-1212
Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op
20 East 1st Street, Grand Marais / 218-387-2503
// LIQUOR STORES //
Temperance Liquor
7759 West Highway 61, Schroeder / 218-663-9933
Tofte Bottle Shop
7125 West Highway 61 Tofte / 218-663-7288
Lutsen Liquor
5339 West Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-7370
Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store
Grand Marais / 218-387-1630
// LAUNDROMAT //
Lutsen Laundromat
5339 West Hwy. 61 Lutsen 55612
Grand Marais Laundromat
421 3rd Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604
North Shore Car Wash & Laundromat
Next to Napa Auto in Grand Marais (218)387-2304
// RESTAURANTS //
TOFTE TO GRAND PORTAGE)
Waves of Superior Café
20 Surfside Drive, Tofte / 218-663-6877
Bluefin Grille
7192 W. Highway 61, Tofte / 218-663-6200
Coho Café Bakery & Deli
7126 W. Highway 61, Tofte / 218-663-8032
North Shore Winery
202 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen / 218-481-9280
Moguls Grille & Tap Room
371 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen / 218-663-3020
Lockport Market Place & Grill
5362 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-7548
Fika Coffee
5325 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-663-9055
Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub
3719 W. Highway 61, Lutsen / 218-387-1112 ext 102
The Fisherman’s Daughter
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
Hungry Hippie Tacos
15 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-3382
Sydney’s Frozen Custard
14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais / 218-387-2632
Sven & Ole’s Pizza
9 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais / 218-387-1713
Blue Water Café
20 W. Wisconsin St. Grand Marais / 218-387-1597
Crooked Spoon Food Truck
17 W. Wisconsin St. Grand Marais / 218-387-2779
World’s Best Donuts
10 Wisconsin St. Grand Marais / 218-387-1345
South of the Border Cafe
4 Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-1505
My Sister’s Place
401 E. Highway 61, Grand Marais / 218-387-1915
Raven Rock Grille
205 Fireweed Lane, Grand Marais / 218-387-9414
Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant
20 Naniboujou Trail, Hovland / 218-387-2688
// SHOPPING //
Schroeder:
Temperance Traders 218-370-9595
Tofte:
Sawtooth Outfitters 218-663-7643
Bayside Gifts at Bluefin Bay 218-663-7296
Tall Tale Yarn Shop 218-663-7557
WatersEdge Trading Co. 218-663-7021
Lutsen:
Caribou Crossing Gift Shop at Caribou Highlands 218-663-7241
Lutsen Mountain Shop 218-663-7842
Lockport Marketplace and Deli 218-663-7548
Solbakken Gift and Bookshop 218-663-7566
Thomsonite Beach Gem Museum and Gift Shop 218-387-1532
Grand Marais:
Bear Track Outfitting Co. 218-387-1162
Beth’s Fudge and Gifts 218-387-2081
Betsy Bowen Gallery 218-387-1992
Drury Lane Books 218-387-3370
Eight Broadway Gallery 763-486-8072
Great Gifts 218-370-2365
Lake Superior Trading Post 218-387-2020
Moose Tracks 218-387-9125
Oddz & Ends 218-370-0615
Sivertson Gallery 218-387-2491
Superior Design Jewelry 218-387-1752
Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply 218-387-3136
That Little Red House 218-387-1094
The Attic Gift Shop 218-387-1323
The Big Lake Art gallery and gift shop- 12-1st Ave W
The Blue Moose (seasonal)218-387
The Garage 218-387-1004
The Market 218-387-2118
The Shirt Outfitters 218-387-239
Threads 218-387-1004
TLC Antiques (seasonal) 218-387-1943
Upstate MN 218-877-7802
// GOLFING //
Superior National Golf Course (Lutsen) 218-663-7195 27 hole course open mid-May to mid-October
Grand Marais Putt N’ Pets Mini Golf (Grand Marais) 218-387 3570 18 hole miniature golf course
// FITNESS //
YMCA (Grand Marais) 218-387-3386 Pool, hot tub, sauna, weight room, fitness equipment, gymnasium, game room, fitness classes
// EDUCATION //
North House Folk School (Grand Marais) 218-387-9762 Offers a variety of classes (knitting, woodworking, baking, photography and more)
Grand Marais Art Colony 218-387-2737 Child and adult workshops (painting, glass work, ceramic and more).
// MAPLE SYRUP //
We have some great maple trees in this area, and that means maple syrup! Check both places out!
Caribou Cream 218-663-7841 – Highway 61 to the Caribou Trail (Lutsen).
Wild Country Maple Products 218-663-8010 – Highway 61 to the Caribou Trail, 191 Barker Lake Road
// MASSAGE THERAPY //
Ancient Traditions (Grand Marais) 218-370-0150 Offering massage therapy, body treatments, reiki, herbal consultations, yoga, workshops, and more.
LutZen Reflections (Grand Marais and Lutsen) 612-327-9405
Book online at www.lutzenreflections.com
Superior Massage Therapists (Tofte) 218-370-8267
Waves of Superior Spa at Surfside (Tofte) 218-663-6888 Many choices for massages and spa experience
// 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 next to what is now the Norwood Shores town homes, behind Lockport Market. 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 a 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 used to 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), also available in the Viewpoint bookshelf.
As the Clays developed the property, they found many railroad spikes and ties, saws, axes and other equipment used during those days. A stone ax head and several arrowheads have also been found on the property, indicative of the rich Native American history of the area. 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 (or front closet). 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 on April 3, 1940.
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 that he cut and polished.
THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITH US. ENJOY!
-Beth and Steve Sutherland