Sugarloaf Cove on Minnesota’s North Shore

If you're traveling Minnesota's North Shore along Lake Superior, there are so many beautiful places to stop that it's hard to choose which ones to explore. Sugarloaf Cove is one of those places that is easy to miss if you're simply driving along Highway 61, but it's definitely worth pulling over for.

Sugarloaf Cove is a 34-acre natural area located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, about 4 miles southwest of Schroeder, Minnesota. It's a beautiful place to get out, stretch your legs, walk through the woods, and spend some time along the lake.

The entrance to the trail is right near the parking area, making it an easy stop while exploring the North Shore.

The main attraction is an easy, approximately one-mile interpretive trail that winds through the forest and along some incredibly old rock formations. The rocks here are estimated to be more than 1.1 billion years old, which is pretty amazing to think about as you're walking through the area.

The trail takes you through the trees, past wildflowers and other native plants, and eventually out toward Lake Superior and scenic Sugarloaf Point.

There is also a small interpretive center in a simple log building. Inside, you'll find exhibits about the history and natural environment of Sugarloaf Cove and the surrounding area.

But for me, one of the highlights of Sugarloaf Cove was the beach.

The North Shore is known for its rocky shoreline, but I was still surprised by some of the rocks I found here. There were so many interesting shapes, sizes and colors that I could have spent quite a while just walking along the beach looking at them.

I especially loved these round rocks. Some of them were just slightly smaller than a bowling ball!

If you enjoy exploring shorelines, this is a fun place to take your time and see what you can find. Lake Superior's rocky beaches are so different from the sandy beaches I'm used to, and that's part of what makes the North Shore so special.

There are also some great opportunities to explore and hike around the shoreline. Just keep in mind that this isn't the kind of beach where you can necessarily stroll along in flip-flops. The rocks can be uneven, and some areas require climbing over rocks to get around.

Good walking shoes are definitely a good idea when you're exploring the North Shore of Minnesota!

Sugarloaf Cove is a relatively short stop, but it's one that gives you a little bit of everything that makes the North Shore so beautiful — forest, fascinating geology, Lake Superior views and a rocky shoreline that's fun to explore.

If you're driving Highway 61 between Duluth and the northern towns along the North Shore, I think Sugarloaf Cove is a great place to add to your list of stops.

How to Get There

Sugarloaf Cove is located at milepost 73 on Minnesota Highway 61, about 70 miles north of Duluth and 6 miles south of Schroeder.

If you're traveling north from Duluth along Highway 61, watch for mile marker 73 and the brown Sugarloaf Cove sign on the right. Turn into the driveway and park in the lot. The interpretive trail begins near the parking area.

Address:
9096 Hwy 61
Schroeder, MN 55613
(Not a mailing address)

Phone: (218) 663-7679