Situated within the Superior National Forest, Tofte is one of three organized townships in Cook County, in northeastern Minnesota.
The township is bordered by Lake Superior to the south, to the west by Schroeder Township, to the east by Lutsen Township, and to the north by the West Cook Unorganized township. Following the shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota State Highway 61 is the main route through the township.
There are no cities in Tofte Township, and the only settlement in the township is the census-designated town of Tofte, on the northern shore of Lake Superior. The census-designated places of Schroeder (3.9 miles southwest} and Lutsen (9.3 miles northeast) are also located along State Highway 61. The nearest cities are Finland (24.5 miles southwest) and Grand Marais (26.6 miles northeast).
Situated within the township are the Carlton Peak Lookout, Ray Berglund State Wayside Park, and Temperance River State Park. The Gichi-Gami State Trail and the Superior Hiking Trail both run through the township.
Founded in 1898, Tofte Township was named for two brothers, John and Andrew Tofte who, along with another set of brothers, Torger and Hans O. Englsen, came in 1893, or for the hometown of both sets of brothers, who came from Tofte, in the Halsnoy district of Norway. Originally, they chose the name Carlton for the settlement, after Carlton Peak, but that name was already in use. The Toftes and the Englsens fished Lake Superior commercially, and the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum on the east side of Bluefin Bay is a replica of the twin fish houses the brothers built after an autumn storm wiped out their first fish house in 1905. A post office was opened there in 1897, with Hans Englsen as the first postmaster. In 1899, Edward Toftey came, opening a sawmill that employed twenty-five men. The mill and most of the town were lost in a 1910 forest fire. Descendants of all three of these families have shared artifacts, photos, and other relics which are on display at the museum.
Each July 4, the Tofte 4th of July celebrations include a wilderness run/walk event, live music, a parade, fireworks, and other activities, including food and drinks.
The focus of this category is on Tofte Township or the unincorporated town of Tofte. Appropriate topics include, of course, the official township government site, as well as those of any businesses, churches, schools, organizations, attractions, events, or individuals within the township.
Recommended Resources
The tuition-free, public charter school serves students from its Saplings (PK) program through the fifth grade. Located near the north shore of Lake Superior in Tofte, Minnesota, the school offers low student-teacher ratios and a strong curriculum, which are discussed here, along with the school’s awards and achievements, school schedules, a calendar of events, and an overview of its governing structure, summer programs, camp programs, and volunteer opportunities.
http://www.birchgroveschool.com/
Including Bluefin Bay, Surfside, and Temperance Landing, the first two of which include pet-friendly options, the resorts are along Lake Superior in or near the town of Tofte, Minnesota. Each of these resorts is highlighted, with photographs, descriptions, a list of features and amenities, and accommodation options, including the option to purchase a log home along the lake. Rental rates, special offers, and group rates are featured, and information on ownership is included.
https://www.bluefinbay.com/
North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum
Located in Tofte, Minnesota, and governed by the Tofte Historical Society, the museum operates as a non-profit charged with the collection, preservation, and dissemination of historical artifacts, documents, and photographs commemorating the commercial fishing traditions and the relationship of the community to the shore and waters of Lake Superior. Its location, exhibits, collections, hours, and events are highlighted, along with membership information.
http://www.commercialfishingmuseum.org/
The all-season outfitting shop is located in Tofte, about one mile past the ranger station and an eighth of a mile from the Sawbill Trail. Outfitting rental packages, partial outfitting, trip planning, local accommodations, and the primary entry points to BWCA are posted, along with a full list of the available equipment rentals, for the winter and summer seasons, guided tour packages, and biking, sea kayaking, canoeing, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing adventures, and products are featured.
https://sawtoothoutfitters.com/
Situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior, in the town of Tofte, the Sugar Beach resort offers a selection of log cabins and lodges, with photographs, amenities, capacity, rates, and a description of each, along with a map showing the location of the resort, year-long rental options, policy information, and contacts for additional information or bookings. A history of the resort and area is presented, along with historical photographs, and a review of area attractions.
https://www.toftesugarbeach.com/
The official town government site for Tofte Township, Minnesota features a brief history and profile of the township, and posts town board meeting schedules, agendas, meeting minutes, audit reports, and other documents, as well as announcements and special notices, an overview of its policies for the rental of the town’s park and hall, including a rental agreement. Other information includes a calendar of events, photo gallery, and links to other online resources.
https://toftemn.com/
Meeting at its facilities along Minnesota State Highway 61 in Tofte, Minnesota, the church’s Sunday worship schedules and other weekly events are posted to the site, along with the pastor’s hours and contacts, the current lectionary and sermon series, an audio sermon archives. Congregational programs and ministries are discussed, with schedules and contacts, supported missions are acknowledged, and a church newsletter and reports are featured.
https://zoarchurch.org/
