Let’s get outside all year long! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the rich history and riverfront charm of Sault Ste. Marie, this self-guided walking tour is the perfect way to soak up the sights. Get ready to spend a fun day outside in the Sault taking in the sights and sounds of Michigan’s first city.

We start our walk at the Sault’s main attraction. The Soo Locks Park. This federally operated park is free to enter and open year-round. It offers plenty to see detailing the history of the facility and shipping on the Great Lakes. Here are a few key areas to explore inside the Soo Locks Park to begin your walk.

Start your tour with a look into the dramatic maritime history of the Great Lakes. The Shipwreck Museum’s satellite exhibit at the Soo Locks Park gives you a glimpse of the mysteries beneath the waves perfect for anyone who loves a good shipwreck story. Spoiler alert: there’s more than just the Edmund Fitzgerald. This building is open to the public on weekdays during summer months.

Next, walk over to the Soo Locks Visitor Center located near the entrance of the park. This is where history and engineering collide. Watch massive freighters pass through the locks just feet away and explore the center’s fascinating exhibits about how this feat of engineering shaped the region. Just outside the visitor center you can find the Soo Locks Observation Deck. It’s a must-see vantage point to catch the MacArthur and Poe Lock in action.

A few blocks east of the Soo Locks you’ll find the Chippewa County Historical Society off the corner of Portage and Ashmun. It’s small but packed with fascinating community stories and artifacts. Stop in to learn about fur trading, early settlers, and even some quirky local lore. The CCHS is open Monday and Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Now, keep heading east and turn towards Water Street. This stretch is pure Sault charm with historic homes, leafy trees, and peaceful views of the river. Take your time, breathe in that fresh Upper Peninsula air, and enjoy one of the most scenic walking paths in town. As you stroll, you’ll notice plenty of historic placards recounting the stories that make this place unique.

Midway through your walk, you’ll find Brady Park. It’s a great spot to rest, snap a photo, or watch boats pass by. This park also allows you to see freighters moored waiting to enter the Soo Locks.

As you continue walking eastward, you’ll pass by the stately Sault Ste. Marie City Hall and the local Coast Guard station—both landmarks. It’s a reminder that Sault Ste. Marie is not just a beautiful riverside town, but a working, bustling community with deep ties to the water with a strong military presence.

You’re now entering one of the most picturesque parts of the tour as you approach the Museum Ship Valley Camp. These lovingly preserved homes reflect Sault Ste. Marie’s architectural heritage. Walk slowly, admire the detail, and imagine what life was like in the late 17^th century and early 18^th century for European settlers and Native Americans. The historic homes include the John Johnston House and Henry Rowe Schoolcraft House on the Water Street Historic Homes block, which reflect early settler and fur trade life. Other notable sites include the Bishop Baraga House, now under restoration, and the Kemp Coal Dock Office, a museum showcasing the city’s industrial heritage.

Next up: the Valley Camp. This retired freighter-turned-museum lets you walk through massive cargo holds and sailor cabins. It’s a hands-on dive into the life of Great Lakes mariners. Kids and adults alike will love it. The Valley Camp is a lake freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years and is now a museum ship.

Ready for a view? Head to the Tower of History and ride the elevator up to one of the best panoramic overlooks in the region. You’ll see the Soo Locks, the St. Mary’s River, and even into Ontario, Canada. Don’t forget your camera! The Tower of History is open May until October.

Just a short walk away is the CFRE, where you can learn about the ecosystems that make the Great Lakes so special. The interactive exhibits and aquarium displays are especially fun—and a great place to cool off on a warm summer day. While CFRE is open to the public just once a week on Fridays, the area it is located also includes the newly renovated Alford Park and Carbide Dock where you could see a cruise ship docked.

End your history loop at the River of History Museum. This hidden gem takes you through the story of the St. Mary’s River and the indigenous cultures, missionaries, and voyageurs who navigated its waters long before freighters came through the Locks.

Loop your way back toward your starting point, reflecting on all the stories, sights, and scenic moments you just experienced. If your legs are tired (or your curiosity is sparked), you’ve earned a rest.

Whether you’re walking to relax or to take in the sights what are your favorite things to see in Sault Ste. Marie? Tag us on social media with #SaultSteMarie and be sure to follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest for more tips on making the most of your time in #SaultSteMarie!