You must buy a combo pass Tram- Alpine Slide. Your kids will have a blast. Very Family friendly, great views, the observation deck on the Moose Mountain is cool. take deep breaths and enjoy the nature. Have lunch at the top.
When going through Lutsen (or staying in Lutsen), our family loves to take a ride up the gondola. The ride is a good length (not too short, not too long) and the view of the Lake and terrain is wonderful. And, ice cream at the top of the mountain!
We traveled to the area in June and took the tram up to the top. There is a very nice restaurant at the top of the summit and beautiful views of Moose Mountain.
Our group of five, including one 9-year old, enjoyed our ride up to the top and loved the view. We couldn't all share a gondola, so we were split up 3 & 2. It was a beautiful, clear day and we could see forever across the low-ish mountain, and Lake Superior. There's a large seating area at the top in addition to a snack bar/grill & the requisite gift shop. It was a little over-priced, but when you're on vacation, who's counting. :) The attendants were very friendly, and our visit to Lutsen was made more enjoyable by the tram ride. Recommended.
The fall colors on the top of the mountain were peak perfection. We dined at the chalet and really enjoyed our meal. The Lake Superior was deep purple in contrast with the azure blue sky. Glorious! Be prepared for pit toilets at the top. Bathrooms sparkled, but there is no running water in them.
I never miss taking the tram to the top. Beautiful views all the way up of both the forest and the lake! Moose mountain has some nice trails to hike, as well as an observation deck. The Summit Chalet also has food and drinks if you want to dine at the top. Highly recommended!
Visited lutsen in 2nd week of October, when fall colors were at it's peak. It was a wonderful trip down hill lutsen, at tree height level and uphill moose mountain alongside maples etc. It was an awesome 10mins scenic drive on way with your loved ones and then return. You can drop off at scenic moose mountain, have breathtaking view of the great lake superior and valley on your onward trip. They even have a restaurant.To take care:Note the timings on their websiteTake warm cloths if not winter. It was chilling at 4deg F, on top due to wind in the evening.The tram queue was crowded and it took time for your turn, this is since the staffs weren't doing a full house tram cars fitting in strangers, which is good. But the staff were doing their best.
We were there on Labor Day so it wasn't busy, but the ride up the mountain, over a rocky river, was smooth and definitely worth the price (Sr. rate). View of Lake Superior was just spectacular--like looking at a blue, blue ocean. We were allowed to take our 2 dogs with us free in the small gondola which made it even more fun (maybe not for the dogs, but they couldn't see out!) Must be an amazing view in the fall when the leaves are colorful.
This is an annual tradition for us, ever since our honeymoon in 2003. We especially like to go in the fall to see the colors, which are breathtaking from the top of Moose Mountain. Also, bring your hiking shoes for challenging trails along the mountain.
The 10 minute ride to the top of the mountain is fun. But the view once you are there is fantastic. There are also hiking trails at the top of the mountain along the ridge. The lodge at the top has decent offerings.