"Sugarbush" island in the middle of Kabetogama is part of the Watson heritage. My aunt and uncle (Tim & Char Watson) owned an island cabin on Sugarbush. The name comes from the Native American's reference to maple trees and the sweet sap tapped in the late winter/early spring. I assume Sugarbush island had a lot of maple trees when it was named. I'll need to talk with Tim, or if you ever meet him, he is a great historian of the area.
Remember, Voyageurs National Park is relatively young- designated in 1974, and many families owned and lived on these islands prior to the park's establishment.
Sugarbush- 2nd largest island on Kabetogama. One small group campsite and one houseboat site exist on the island. Bit of a guess, but I think Sugarbush is about 3/4 of a mile, maybe a mile long. East end has some deeper water, while the south side is a large long bay with lots of rocks that can be hazardous. West side you will find numerous rocks and rock markers so BE Careful! Along the northside is one of the lakes nicest beaches located on the houseboat site. A bay we call "Watson's Bay" is mostly protected and offers a variety of shoreline structures, open water rock piles, and vegetation to find fish.
History of Voyageurs National Park- MN Poll
National Park Version area history- National Park Service
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