Driveway from parking lot to Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center Building. All photos by Dominique Menard.

From Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center - June 21, 2024


Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center experienced flood damage during the severe storms this week. Staff are all unharmed, and the Nature Center building is undamaged and has power.  

 

The driveway that connects the parking to the building is completely impassable.  A large gully has formed which measures 32' across and 10-15' deep. Unfortunately, the car that can be seen in the picture (above) where the gully is being measured belongs to a seasonal staff member and is trapped on the "wrong" side. 

The water that formed the gully also washed out a section of the trail before entering Lake Superior, and other sections were also flooded.  Dominique Menard, Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist said "With waterproof boots and an adventurous spirit, I found the trail to be passable, but guests should expect rugged conditions and exercise caution if choosing to proceed."

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center will continue to be open from 10:00-5:00 seven days a week (including for programs) unless otherwise noted. The parking lot is accessible and the trail to the Center and Sugarloaf Point SNA are both relatively undamaged. "We are still welcoming and encouraging visitors!  For those who have been to Sugarloaf Cove before, this is an incredible time to see the dramatic change in places like the mouth of Sugarloaf Creek and to gain an appreciation for the power of moving water.  Memberships, donations, and parking lot fees are going to be even more important as we need to start repairs," Menard added.

Updates will be posted to the website and social media accounts.  Specific questions can be directed to (218) 663-7679 or emailed to [email protected].