Exploring
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest city in Michigan and the third oldest city in the United States, is located on the shores of the St Mary's River connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron and is only 52 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Visit the Soo Locks and watch ships from all over the world as they pass through the locks, enjoy sightseeing, fine dining, unique shops, historical attractions, casinos, and outdoor recreation.

BARBEAU,, MI. Riverview Resort and Marina on the St. Mary's River. 4 two-bedroom housekeeping cabins with full kitchens and free Wi-Fi. All cabins look out on the St. Mary's River with an excellent view of passing freighters. Located halfway between Sault Ste. Marie and DeTour Village at the north end of Munuscong Bay. Excellent fishing. Deepwater Marina with rental dock space, launch, and a variety of services. Pet friendly. 17999 S Scenic Drive, Barbeau, Michigan 49710. Phone 906-647-3033

The Markell Company: Roofing: Commercial & Residential; Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication; Commercial Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning; Commercial Kitchen Hoods; Dust and Fume Exhaust Systems; and Brick Restoration & Waterproofing for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin at The Markell Company, 1227 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Iron Mountain, MI. Phone (906) 774-0240 or Toll Free: 1-888-799-0240.

Bayliss Public Library, 541 Library Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Phone: (906) 632-9331

Lake Superior State University, located on the site of the former Fort Brady.621 W. Easterday Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Phone: 906-635-2110

War Memorial Hospital, 500 Osborn Blvd. Sault. Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Phone: 906-635-4460. 24 hour emergency service.

SOO LOCKS: Watch the mighty "Lakers" and "Salties" as they pass through the busiest locks in the world There is an upper viewing area so you are able to look down on the vessels as they lock through or stand almost close enough to touch them. Stop at the Visitor Center in Locks Park for the schedule of arrivals, information on the ships as they arrive, a video presentation, a model of how the locks work, historical information, and other exhibits and artifacts. The locks are open from mid-March through mid-January. The east side of the park has a lighted fountain, a nice spot to sit and relax and watch all the ships. For a recording of Vessel passages for the day, phone (906) 635-3224 or (906) 253-9290. Soo Locks Live Web Cam

THE SOO LOCKS VISITOR CENTER is open daily from Mid-May through Mid-October. Phone: (906) 632-7020 or (906) 632-3366.

International Bridge to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario	Fountain in Locks Park

The SOO LOCKS BOAT TOUR takes you on a narrated trip through the locks where you are lifted 21' to the level of Lake Superior. Tour goes through the American Locks and returns through the Canadian Locks. . . (no passport needed). They also offer sunset, lighthouse, and dinner cruises. Located on the St. Mary's River, east of the Soo Locks, by the Valley Camp Freighter Museum.

The TOWER of HISTORY on Portage Avenue was begun as a Catholic Church memorial to the early missionaries to the area. This 200-foot-tall tower has an express elevator and observation decks for a fantastic view of the St. Mary's River, the Soo Locks, as well as Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and the Canadian Wilderness. Museum with historical and Native American Exhibits.

The VALLEY CAMP MARITIME MUSEUM, a 1917 ore freighter that once traveled the great lakes, is just a few blocks east of the Locks. Explore from the pilot house to the engine room and see many artifacts of maritime history including mementos of the famed Edmund Fitzgerald wreck. Stop by the bookstore by the Valley Camp for a wide selection of nautical books and gifts.

Tower of History	Tug-Barge entering the locks from Lake Superior

  Across the street from Locks Park you will find historic buildings, restaurants, fudge shops,
hand dipped ice cream cones, and a variety of unique shops with unusual nautical gifts.

Frying Pan Island Lighthouse	Valley Camp Freighter Museum

Make the Soo your home base while you enjoy the interesting things the area has to offer. Visit historic buildings, museums, the Alberta House Arts Center one block south of the Locks, or try your luck at the Kewadin casino. Fishing is great in the St. Mary's River and golfers will enjoy the area golf courses.

Enjoy a day trip over the International Bridge to Canada for a drive along the lakeshore, or take one of the wilderness one-day train tours to Agawa Canyon. Fall color tours and the Winter Snow train take you on an exciting adventure through the Canadian Wilderness.

Another interesting day trip is a drive to the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, the Whitefish Point Light Station, and beautiful Tahquamenon Falls near Paradise Michigan.

WINTER:
Sault Ste. Marie has lots of snow and snowmobilers have access to over 1.600 miles of groomed trails. The new tunnel under I-75 gives easy access to trails leading west that connect with the trail system that covers the entire Upper Peninsula. Snowmobile rentals in town.

Cross-country skiers will enjoy the Algonquin Pathway with over 9 miles of groomed trails and a lighted segment for night skiing. The Minneapolis Woods Outdoor Winter Recreation Facility offers snowboarding, tubing, and skiing. Rope tow and heated chalet.

Upper Peninsula Towns and Cities
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 Photos by Sharon O'Kane Schmeltzer