WHAT TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN SAULT STE. MARIE?
The great outdoors shine bright during the summer in Sault Ste. Marie. There are so many opportunities to explore all the Upper Peninsula has to offer. Enjoy a day at the beach, kayak down the St. Marys River, hike the many trails, explore the historic downtown and so much more. You never know what exciting adventure awaits you during summer in the Soo.
WHEN IT’S WARM
If you’re looking to kick back in an area with soft, warm sand and glittering blue water, Sault Ste. Marie has you covered. Only a 10-minute drive from downtown, Sherman Park offers an easily accessible stretch of sandy shoreline along the upper St. Marys River. The park also features plenty of amenities including a playground, bathroom, beach volleyball net, basketball hoop, pavilion, and charcoal grills for cooking out. Brimley State Park, another gem near Sault Ste. Marie, boasts a tranquil beachfront on the iconic Whitefish Bay. Enjoy panoramic views of the bay and its crystal-clear waters in this pristine natural setting just 15 minutes outside of town. For a more secluded beach experience, venture out to the Big Pine Picnic Area. Surrounded by towering pine trees, this spot is ideal for a peaceful day by the water whether you’re enjoying a family picnic or simply soaking up the sun.
EXPLORING
If maritime exploration is what you crave from your next vacation, carve out several days for your Sault-based adventures. With the beautiful Soo Locks Park, Visitor Center, and observation platform overlooking 1,000-foot freighters, take in the engineering marvels of the Great Lakes. Don’t just view the Soo Locks, experience them aboard a Soo Locks Boat Tour!
Continue the exploration of Sault Ste. Marie in the retired freighter Museum Ship Valley Camp, soar to the top of the 210 foot tall Tower of History, or investigate these other attractions HERE.
HIKING & BIKING
Sault Ste. Marie isn’t just known for its stunning waterways; we also boast great hiking trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something here for everyone. During the warmer months, these scenic paths are easily accessible at your leisure. Just lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the natural beauty that the Soo trails have to offer!
Sault Ste. Marie also offers several scenic bike-friendly paths that wind through our historic downtown and along the St. Marys River. With six must-ride bike routes, come discover the natural beauty that awaits you in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
ON THE WATER
Being located right on the mighty St. Marys River between two Great Lakes offers many advantages. One of the best is the boating our waters provide. Residents and visitors can sail, motor, row or paddle throughout most of the year on their choice of lakes, rivers and our neighboring freshwater seas, the Great Lakes. Explore the Upper Peninsula Water Trails Map HERE.
BIRDING
The EUP provides a haven for an abundance of bird species. Enthusiasts will fall in love with the serene backdrops of the area. The Northern temperatures create the perfect place to find many unique species, such as the Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl and Hawk Owl.
The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory offers a delightful birding experience in Paradise, Michigan, a picturesque town located approximately 70 miles west of the Sault. Flocks of songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey and owls migrate here every spring and fall. Follow the link to Whitefish Point Bird Observatory for more information.
Birdwatchers will also enjoy the Cedarville Waterfront Park located in Cedarville, Michigan about 30 miles south of the Sault. This is one of the best places in the region to observe black terns, red-winged blackbirds, American bittern, common snipe, American coot, ring-billed gulls and blue winged teal. Bald Eagles and osprey are occasionally seen in this area as well.
