Lutsen Lodge owner arrested, charged with arson, insurance fraud

The owner of the historic Lutsen Lodge has been arrested and charged with the fire that destroyed the North Shore landmark in February 2024.

Bryce James Campbell, 41, was taken into custody near Detroit on Tuesday evening, according to Oakland County, Michigan, jail records.

A criminal complaint had been filed the same day in State District Court in Grand Marais, charging him with three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud.

The massive blaze swept through the historic building in the early morning hours of Feb. 6, 2024. No guests were at the lodge that night. The structure had stood since 1952, and the iconic business itself dates back to 1885.

Campbell, a Canadian citizen, has been involved in numerous business-related controversies over the years. He has subsequently faced several lawsuits from contractors, cabin owners and employees seeking money they claim he has failed to pay.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, State Fire Marshal and Cook County Attorney’s Office are expected to hold a news conference late Thursday afternoon.

— This is a developing story and will be updated.