Minnesota's oldest resort Lutsen Lodge is obliterated by huge blaze: 140 year-old wooden structure is seen being consumed by flames in disturbing video

A 140-year-old historic Minnesota Lodge is a charred shell of its former self after being completely burned down in a devastating fire. 

The Lutsen Lodge was established in 1885 claims to be Minnesota´s oldest resort, with the lodge as its centerpiece and was mostly built with exposed wood. 

According to manager Edward Vanegas, the only staffer on duty spotted smoke coming from electrical outlets in the floor in the lobby and called 911 at around 12.30am on February 6.  

Crews from eight different departments including police and firefighters responded to the scene. 

Footage shared by Vanegas on Facebook shows a massive bright blaze engulfing the entire Lodge as firefighters try to contain the fire with streams of water. 

The 140-year-old historic Lutsen Lodge in Minnesota was completely burned to the ground after a devastating fire on February 6

Footage shared BY Vanegas on Facebook shows a massive bright blaze engulfing the entire Lodge as firefighters try to contain the fire with streams of water

A picture of the devastation was also shared on the resort's Facebook page with caption: 'The amazing memories made here are in our hearts as we begin the heavy weighted process to rebuilt back better'

The Lutsen Lodge was established in 1885 claims to be Minnesota´s oldest resort, with the lodge as its centerpiece and was mostly built with exposed wood

According to the manager, the employee did not sustain any injuries and no guests were present at the property. 

The state fire marshal's office has begun an investigation into the cause of fire. 

A picture of the devastation was also shared on the resort's Facebook page with caption: 'The amazing memories made here are in our hearts as we begin the heavy weighted process to rebuilt back better.'  

The structure has been designed by noted St. Paul architect Edwin Lundie, who drew on Norwegian and Swedish architectural influences.

Dick Nelson, whose great-grandfather was the founder told The Star Tribune: 'It's devastating to the community. It was a fantastic lodge, solid wood. But you don´t build things like that anymore.'

The state fire marshal's office has begun an investigation into the cause of fire

In 1885, Swedish immigrant Charles Axel Nelson paid $12 for 160 acres of land near the Poplar River and went on to build a wood-frame house there for his family there

Over the years, the house was expanded into a purpose-built hotel to accommodate a continuously increasing number of travelers in the area

The structure first burned down in 1949 and another time in 1951. It had been completely rebuilt with the original structure's plans in 1952. 

Vanegas said lodge officials still have those original plans and intend to rebuild once again using the same design, updated for current building codes.

In 1885, Swedish immigrant Charles Axel Nelson paid $12 for 160 acres of land near the Poplar River and went on to build a wood-frame house there for his family there. 

Over the years, the house was expanded into a purpose-built hotel to accommodate a continuously increasing number of travelers in the area. 

The Nelsons’ decided to name their hotel in commemoration of the 1632 battle of Lützen in the Thirty Years War, fought in Saxony between Sweden and Austria.

Over the years, it has been a popular destination for hikers, skiers and other visitors from the Midwest and beyond

The structure has been designed by noted St. Paul architect Edwin Lundie, who drew on Norwegian and Swedish architectural influences

The structure first burned down in 1949 and another time in 1951. It had been completely rebuilt with the original structure's plans in 1952

By 1895, newspaper accounts of activities at the resort were spelling the name Lutsen, which stuck. 

One of the most popular members of the Nelson family was Cindy Nelson, who won the bronze medal in downhill skiing at the 1976 Winter Olympics. 

The hotel expanded during the 1920s with the addition of a lobby, dining room, and more guest rooms. 

The Lodge had 40 guest units and restaurants that served guests from several nearby lodgings.

Over the years, it has been a popular destination for hikers, skiers and other visitors from the Midwest and beyond.