Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie
The Soo Locks are located in Michigan’s oldest city, Sault Ste. Marie, the third oldest city in the United States. It is both a beautiful and an educational vacation for anyone! A Little Michigan HistoryThese Locks were built on the one and only waterway that connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron, the St. Mary’s River. The reason that the Locks were built was because there is a twenty-one foot drop between the two lakes. The only way for any water craft to get from one lake to the other was to transport the craft over land as the Indians and first settlers had to do. There were several attempts to forge a water passage in the early days. But it was not until 1855 that the Locks you see today were constructed. Planning Your VisitVisiting the Sault Ste. Marie Michigan is a great educational vacation for both children and adults. You can watch ships pass through the Locks, sightsee, browse distinctive shops, visit historical attractions, and casinos, as well as enjoy many outdoor activities.Some of the Sault Ste. Marie area attractions are: • The Soo Locks: The Locks are operational from mid-March to mid-January. The Locks are under maintenance during the closed months. Watch from the Upper viewing area as ships lock through, or stand close enough that you can almost reach out and touch them. • The Soo Locks Visitor Center: Get schedule information on when ships will arrive, information on the ships that are arriving, watch videos on how the Locks work, get historical information, see exhibits, and artifacts. • Relax in the park and watch the lighted fountain or the ships. • Locks Train Tour: A fabulous way to view the sights and learn the history of Sault Ste. Marie. • The Valley Camp Maritime Museum: An actual 1917 freighter that used to travel the great lakes. You get the opportunity to walk through the pilot house, the engine room, and see many artifacts of maritime history. The bookstore has a great selection of nautical books and gifts. • The Locks Boat Tour: Actually ride a boat as it goes from Lake Huron to the elevated Lake Superior. Maybe even take a sunset, lighthouse, or dinner cruise. • Take an hour drive over to see the historic Mackinac Bridge. • Stay a while and relax at one of the great hotels nearby! • Visit the Alberta House Arts Center. • Enjoy some time at the Kewadin Casino. • Spend some time fishing the St. Mary’s River. • Have fun at one of the areas Golf Courses. There are numerous other activities to enjoy on a Sault Ste Marie vacation to the Soo Locks! Do not forget to stop in one of the fabulous shops and sample some of the most awesome fudge you will ever taste. What if the Locks are Closed?Even though the Locks are closed during part of the winter, winter sports enthusiasts can rent a snowmobile and spend time cruising over 1,600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Or if you would rather cross-country ski, try the Algonquin Pathway. There are nine miles of groomed trails and a portion of the trails are lighted to enjoy skiing at night.The Sault Ste. Marie is a great place to visit any time of year. For family fun or a romantic getaway, why not make the Soo Locks part of your next vacation.
Where Would You Like to Go Next?Would you like to see our Favorite Hotels and Accommodations in Michigan? ... or our visitors' favorite Michigan Bed and Breakfast locations? ....or our top ten Michigan State Park Campgrounds? ...check out other great destinations in our Michigan Destination Guide? ...or see more insider tips to great Michigan destinations?
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