Temperance River State Park - Minnesota

Continuing on our scenic journey on Highway 61, we arrive at Temperance River State Park (Mile 80.5).  This 9,346 acre park contains lakes, waterfalls, a beach on Lake Superior, and lots of hiking trails. 

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Minnesota

One of the things we did while exploring Minnesota’s scenic North Shore was to stop at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center (Mile 73.3). It was founded in 1993 to protect and restore Sugarloaf Cove.  We cross the metal footbridge to the Nature Center.  It is after hours and the building is closed.  But we have been here before so we know about the one mile Interpretive Nature Trail.

 Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center

We hike the trail in reverse and stroll along the cascading Temperance River.

Temperance River

We arrive at my favorite section of the trail (Sugarloaf Point) at just the right time of day. The late afternoon sun is casting a warm glow on the scenery and the Lake Superior waves are gently lapping the rocky shoreline in this u-shaped cove.

 Sugarloaf Point

The trail continues through quiet forests …Do you hear birds singing? A squirrel rustling in the leaves?   This is a nice interpretive trail – take the time to enjoy it.  

Interpretive Trail

We finish hiking the trail just after sunset.  It is getting late and we need to find a place to eat and a place to stay for the night.  At the Bluefin Grille (Tofte, MN), we have dinner (burgers and fries - water to drink for $31 + tip).  The wall of windows offers a great view but it gets dark before we can enjoy it too much.  It is still a nice place to relax.  We get a room ($79 + tax) at the AmericInn (Tofte, MN).

For information on the Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, click on the following link:

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center