Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center open to the public

On Highway 61, at mile marker 73, the Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center first opened its doors to the public in 2003. The grounds are open dawn to dusk, but the Nature Center, which was closed for Covid, has once again reopened to the public. The Center offers exhibits on geology and surface fresh water supply. Maybe you heard Lake Superior was the largest lake in the world? Not by volume. Not by a longshot.

Sugarloaf Cove has gone through many iterations. For thousands of years, the land was home to indigenous people, then the Ojibwe. In 1854, a treaty opened the land up to White settlers. A paper company moved in and used the land to send harvested wood from one side of Lake Superior to the other. In 1971, when they started sending wood on trains, this busy industrial site then began its transformation into what it is today: a nature preserve.

One mission at Sugarloaf is to teach people about the natural world. Margie Menzies, the naturalist in charge of programming at Sugarloaf Cove, says it like this, “I teach people about the natural world – how to recognize what they see, appreciate what they see, and teach them a way to remember those kinds of things.” The interpretive signage on the trails gives a bit of history and context to where you are. For example, Sugarloaf Cove is home to a lot of rocks, making it a destination for geology groups from all over. “Sugarloaf is probably the best place on the North Shore for diversity of rocks and for igneous rock lava flow formations.” Menzie boasts. The lava helped create one of two points – a tombolo – on all of the North Shore. (The other is Artist Point in Grand Marais). And the woodland is a classic Lake Superior Forest – paper birch, red pine, balsam fir, white spruce, and currently has mountain ash in bloom.

Now in its tenth year, Bird Banding is once again open to the public. So, on Thursdays from dawn until 11a.m., you can watch and help measure wings, tails, beaks, sex and age the birds. These studies help monitor populations and overall health. You might learn all about the Alder Flycatcher, including its song that sure sounds like “Free Beer!” and trace its flight path from Sugarloaf to South America. Bring your phone/camera. You might want a pic.

Sundays at 10 a.m., they offer a geology hike, where small groups make their way to the shore to learn about the many different rocks – including lava – on the beach. Fridays you can drop by from 1-3 to get your questions answered by Margie. Where did all the birds go? (Sitting on nests) What kind of worm is on my shirt? (spudworm) Are there really more warblers here than anywhere in the world? (Yes indeed) Check the website sugarloafnorthshore.org/ and head to the calendar for even more programing coming your way.

Better yet, head to Sugarloaf Cove. Nature calls.