Notes from the host
Sugar Shore
:::: Set back on a small private road, a cozy and newly remodeled German style cottage, west facing on one of Minnesota's most beautiful lakes, Sugar Lake. Immerse yourself in the Up North Paradise you have been looking for without sacrificing the comforts of home. ::::
2 bdrm, 1 bath, sleeps 6. The cottage has been thoughtfully updated for modern life with top of the line kitchen appliances, hand scraped hardwood floors, brand new pillow-top mattresses, vaulted log ceilings, 40 inch flat screen with Satellite TV and lightning fast internet. With a huge front deck and comfortable patio furniture, grilling and sunsets are a must every evening.
Less than a mile from Sugar Hills (cross country skiing, biking, hiking) and some of the worlds best fishing right out your the front door. You will have your own private dock to sunbathe or take a dip at your leisure.
The Shore boasts 153' of lake frontage. With virtually no weeds, and a gradual drop off it is a great place for swimming, floating, and SUPing (SUP board provided).
Host to record size walleye, Northern, Large mouth bass, small mouth bass, crappie, sunfish, bluegill; there is a little bit of something for every angler.
The sunsets you will view from the Sugar Shores will rival the best you have seen anywhere on the planet.
This is the perfect place for you to host your family or friends for an extended stay surrounded by Minnesota's finest. We can't wait to host you!
Sugar Shore is extremely private, and is only steps away from the water. The big bonfire pit comes stocked with firewood, so all you need to bring is your roasting sticks.
Ask us about using the boat or pontoon for the week!
Welcome to SUGAR SHORE!
We hope you find as much beauty in this place as do we!
About Siseebakwet (Sugar) Lake
Quick Facts
• Siseebakwet Lake has 1,306 acres of some of the clearest water in Itasca County. The lake, which is commonly referred to as Sugar Lake, received its lengthy name from its early inhabitants, the Ojibway tribe, who called it "Ziinzibaakwad." This term means "sugar." It has a maximum depth of 105 feet and contains 5.8 miles of shoreline. There are two inlets, Sugar Brook from the west connecting Little Siseebakwet and Spring Lake(s) and a channel connecting South Sugar Lake from the southwest. The outlet, Sugar Brook, ultimately connects to Pokegama Lake to the east. However, a low head dam at the outlet of Siseebakwet likely limits fish immigration. Siseebakwet Lake is connected to its much smaller sister lake to the south, called South Sugar Lake. This 82-acre lake can be accessed through a narrow canal, which only small boats can pass through. There is also a small public access to land a small boat. Both of these lakes are great fisheries (See Fishing in “Activities” section below). The entire west end of Sugar lake was willed to the Department of Natural Resources, and is forever protected from development. This is a great place to view wildlife, as it is host to Bald Eagle, duck, and loon nests. It is also very common to see whitetail deer, beaver, fisher, fox and occasionally a grey wolf or black bear.
Northern MN Tropics?
• In the summer months, namely July and August, it is common to see turquoise waters of Sugar Lake light up like the Caribbean. There are only a handful of lakes in the state that experience this rare phenomenon. The combination of water clarity and mineral composition cause the lake to sparkle like the Mediterranean on a sunny day. So if you haven’t experienced Sugar Lake in the summer months, it is a must do for the bucket list!
What to do?
Summer
• Boating – The 6 miles of Shoreline make it a perfect afternoon activity to putts around the lake in the pontoon or your boat (ask about renting a boat, pontoon, or jetski during your stay). Pack up your cooler and grab some apps and explore the lake. The ‘tour’ will take you anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on how you push the throttle. Ask how to get into South Sugar Lake. Accessible by jet ski, Kayak, Canoe, or Small boat (16’ or less). South Sugar Lake is a much different experience and worth the little extra effort.
• SUPing and Canoeing – The Crystal Turquoise waters are perfect for the Stand Up Paddle board experience. There is also a Canoe available to skirt the waters like the Ojibwa used to.
• Fishing – Sugar lake is spectacular fishery. Home to Walleye, Northern Pike, Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, Whitefish, Eel Pout, crappie and Sucker; you are bound to put something in the live well. Fishing is best on Sugar early morning and evening, but with the right lure and bait Fish can be caught throughout the day. With adequate structure, feed, weed beds, and depths, Sugar will keep you interested. If you are looking for that trophy 30” walleye or, that Pig Pike, Sugar is your place. For an entire different fishing experience, try South Sugar. South Sugar is an action packed lake full of Bass and Pan fish. This a great place to bring the kids if you are looking for a lot of action. Talk to Lewie if your are interested in spending the day with a local fishing guide.
• Golfing – There are 3 great golf options all within 15 short minutes away. Sugar Brooke Golf course is just across the bay at Sugar Lake Lodge. Sugar Brooke is both challenging and affordable, and the best part is that you can boat to your tee-time. http://www.sugarlakelodge.com/the-resort/golf
Other great options close by are Pokegama Golf Course and Eagle’s Ridge.
http://golfeagleridge.com/ http://www.pokegamagolf.com/
• Mountain Biking and Hiking – Please reference the trail guide for awesome opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in the area. Sugar Hills, A former ski resort, is just steps away from the cabin. There are enough trails here to keep you busy for days, and there is adequate elevation for good down hill action as well. The rolling hardwoods and great vistas make the sugar hills a hidden gem.
Winter
• Snowmobiling – “The Shore” is a very centralized location for a mecca of groomed trail systems and lake riding. See the trail map for loops and options locally, or consult us for a ‘custom’ route; guided trips and Sled rentals available. Ask for further details.
• X-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing – The Sugar Hills are locally maintained for both classic and skate skiing alike. This gem of a trail system is just steps from the comfort of the cabin, and has loops to appeal to all skill levels. Another great option is to skirt the entire perimeter of Sugar Lake. This 5.8 mile loop is great exercise and great fun. The “shingle mill” logging road system also offers hundreds of miles of pristine, wild trails to get lost in. Ask about how to get here.
• Ice Fishing – Sugar is a great lake for ice-fishing, but is usually one of the last in the area to freeze over. Consult with us to determine if the conditions are safe before venturing out.
• Snow biking - Once again, the Sugar hills offer great opportunities for this growing recreation. Shingle Mill roads, also offer up miles of terrain to explore.
• Sledding – The sugar hills are a great place to get some speed behind that saucer or toboggan.
• Spend the evening in the Tee-Pee – If you want to get a real idea of how the Ojibwa used to do it (minus the convenient propane heater) Set up a little picnic in the Tee-Pee. Light the lantern, play a board game, and let your imagination wander to centuries past.
A couple things to note (summer AND winter)
• Bon-Fire – Please enjoy the bonfire. We chose the location as it is great vantage for sunsets , as well as nice breeze to keep the bugs away. However, be aware of the proximity to the bank as it would be one hellova tumble. Also, you are welcome to use some split wood to get the fire going, but please try to use the ‘bonfire wood’ - the un-split logs to keep your fire cranking.
• Toilet and Water Usage – The cabin is on a very fragile septic system, so keep that in mind when using the plumbing. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, as anything else would damage the system. The Tap water comes from a shallow well, about 25’ deep. The tap water is just fine to drink. From the well, the water goes through a whole house filter, and then goes through a water softening system before it makes it to the faucet. There is a little more iron in the water than conventional city water, but many people prefer the taste. If it isn’t for you, please enjoy the filtered water form the fridge. The water here has been through yet another filtration process. There is a PVC pipe petruding through the East side of the cabin. This comes from the sump pump and is the excess water from when the softener system recharges itself.
• Shoreline – The Sugar Shore’s beachfront is 150’ of beautiful hard sand beach. The drop-off is very gradual, which makes it great for kids. We do our best to pick rocks, but every winter the ice carves and digs them back up again. We recommend bringing Teva’s or water shoes to keep feet from getting sore.
• Trash - Please put trash bags in the exterior canisters, and remember the cover. Raccoons will help themselves otherwise.
• Grill – The igniter switch sometimes doesn’t work, so please use the igniter wand provided. Please turn Propane tank off and cover when done.
• Fireplace – The damper should be open, and the fireplace drafts naturally. Please Keep Grate over fireplace when a fire is burning. The hardwoods will snap and kick embers otherwise.
Around the Shore
• Lake and Company – a socially conscious magazine and shop, carefully curated with a give-back message that supports adventure, innovation, conservation, and community built around lake culture. Pick up your complimentary copy included in your stay. Check out the website/blog to see what is going on when you are in the area.
www.thelakeandcompany.com
Shop located in Downtown Grand Rapids
