Schroeder

The Cross River Heritage Center (7932 Hwy. 61 W., 218/663-7706, www.crossriverheritage.org [1], 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tues.–Sat., noon–4 p.m. Sun. June–Oct., free admission) is a surprising gem of a history museum. Learn about Olympic skier Cindy Nelson and the Miracle on Ice and visit period rooms. This is a good place for classier souvenirs, like photographs, knitwear, and Swedish fabric.

Just over the river—and its long, lovely cascade—is Father Baraga’s Cross, a granite monument replacing the original wooden marker the missionary placed here in 1846.

Six miles north of Schroeder on Highway 61 is the Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center (218/525-0001, www.sugarloafnorthshore.org [2]). Once home to a logging operation, the 34 acres surrounding the cove are now dedicated to preserving the area’s natural beauty. The small interpretive center—with hours that vary—has nature and history exhibits and hosts free programs throughout the summer.

Signs along the mile-long trail share information about the geology, wildlife, and history of the museum. It winds past a logging camp, a rare wetland, and a stony beach.