There are many hidden gems scattered along the North Shore of Lake Superior but Sugarloaf Cove stands out as a favorite. Sugarloaf Cove is a 34-acre site located about 10 miles south of Bluefin Bay. Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association was created in 1992 to inspire the preservation and restoration or the North Shore’s unique environment. For a $5 parking fee, you can enjoy lively hiking trails, access to educational programs and breathtaking views of the cozy Lake Superior cove.
Sugarloaf Cove has a fascinating history. From 1943-1971 the area was used by Consolidated Papers, Inc. as a site to store pulpwood logs during the winter. In the summer months, tugboats hauled the logs across Lake Superior to Ashland, Wisconsin. The paper company utilized at least 14 buildings on the site and a root cellar, metal mooring rings and boom logs can all be seen today as remaining reminders of the logging history at Sugarloaf Cove.
Bird banding demonstrations have long been a beloved activity of many Bluefin guests. Occurring every Thursday morning, a Sugarloaf naturalist will band birds in order to monitor the populations of song birds that nest and travel through the area. The demonstration begins early and you can stop by any time to learn more about the banding process and its important in understand the lifespan, movement and productivity of song birds. This program, among others, is a way for Sugarloaf Cove to educate the public about the local environment.
To learn more about the programming, hiking trails and offerings at Sugarloaf Cove, click here.