Sault St. Marie
Eastern Upper Peninsula - Michigan
Our visits: So far 1 visit in October 2024
Soo Locks
Description: The Soo Locks are a series of parallel locks operated and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. They are located on the St. Marys River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, between the Upper Peninsula of the US state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario. They bypass the rapids of the river, where the water drops 21feet. The locks are passed by an average of 10,000 ships per year, although they are closed in winter from January to March. During this time, shipping on the Great Lakes comes to a standstill due to the ice. The winter closure is used to inspect and maintain the locks. The first locks were opened in 1855. The Soo Locks were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Daily 9-22h
For the GPS: 312 W Portage Ave, Sault St. Marie, MI
Our rating: There is a multi-storey viewing platform right next to the locks from which you can watch the activity at the waterways. We found it interesting to see up close how huge ocean liners are moved up and down. The very informative visitor center was also great. It provides information on the times when the next ships are expected in the locks.
Tower of History
Description: The Tower of History is a 210feet high observation tower. When it was completed in 1968, it was the tallest observation tower in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Soo Locks, the St. Mary's River and Lake Superior.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 8.50$/person
- Varies seasonally between May and October
Our rating: The Tower of History is a way to see the city and the locks from above. We didn't find the whole thing very spectacular. Certainly not a must, especially as you can tell that the whole complex is a bit dated.
For the GPS: 501 E Water Str, Sault St. Marie, MI
