Sault Ste. Marie is known for the world-famous Soo Locks, but the it also offers a range of other exciting attractions that you won’t want to miss while visiting the Soo. Whether it’s taking a tour boat through the Soo Locks, capturing a bird’s eye view of the downtown area, or taking a stroll through time, Sault Ste. Marie has it all. Here are six attractions everyone should visit in Sault Ste. Marie.
Attractions Opening Days
- Museum Ship Valley Camp – May 10
- Tower of History – May 10
- Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours – May 10
- Original Soo Locks Boat Tours – May 16
- River of History Museum – May 24
- Historic Water Street – TBA
Museum Ship Valley Camp
Step aboard the Museum Ship Valley Camp to explore a retired Great Lakes freighter and experience how life was on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century. The ship features a museum with over 100 exhibits located in its cargo hold, including an Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial with two lifeboats from the vessel itself. The ship also has aquariums displaying four 1,200 gallon tanks and crew quarters to give you a sense of what it was like to be one of the 29 men on board.
Tower of History
Standing high above every other building in Sault Ste. Marie, the Tower of History is one of the most distinguishable landmarks in Michigan’s first city. Perched 210 feet in the air, the Tower of History offers unbeatable breathtaking views. An extensive museum exhibit is available on the ground floor along with a video presentation on the lower level. Visitors can either brave the 292 stairs or ride the elevator up the 25-plus story building. Once on the top observation deck, up to 1,200 square miles are visible, ranging from the Soo Locks to Sugar Island to downtown Sault Ste. Marie, to the Canadian waterfront and northern wilderness, and more.
Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours
The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have been a popular attraction for decades, and they continue to offer a unique experience for visitors. The 90-minute tours take you through the Soo Locks and along the St. Marys River waterfront, offering stunning views and plenty of entertainment. Visitors should bring a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, and sunscreen if they plan to sit on the top deck during mid-summer tours. The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours are located at Dock #2 at 515 E. Portage Ave.
Original Soo Locks Boat Tours
The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours have been in operation since 1934, and they continue to provide visitors with an authentic experience of going through the Soo Locks. The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours and the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours are two different companies, but offer similar experiences that will leave you wanting to take another Soo Locks Boat Tour. The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours are located at Dock #1 at 1157 E. Portage Ave.
River of History Museum
The River of History Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of the St. Marys River. The museum takes visitors on a chronological journey from the formation of the river up until the 20th century, offering a glimpse into life in the early days of Sault Ste. Marie. The galleries and exhibits are explained through a self-monitored audio presentation.
Historic Water Street
The Water Street Historic Homes offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of early fur traders and settlers. The homes of John Johnston and Henry Rowe Schoolcraft are on display, showcasing historically accurate artifacts from the collections of the Chippewa County Historical Society. The Kemp Coal Dock Office, the second oldest house in Michigan, serves as a museum dedicated to the industrial history of Sault Ste. Marie and is located adjacent to Kemp Marina and the Valley Camp.
Now that attractions are opening in the Soo, we can’t wait for you to visit. If you’re just as excited as we are, share your Sault Ste. Marie adventures with us with #ilovethesoo on your social media. We would love to see what your favorite adventures are! For more Sault Ste. Marie fun, follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.