Located near the St. Marys River in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior State University offers students and visitors a one-of-a-kind campus experience shaped by the Soo Locks, Great Lakes research, nationally recognized hockey traditions, and the spirit of the Upper Peninsula.

Whether you’re visiting for a campus tour, cheering on the Lakers, attending an event, or exploring the Soo with family and friends, Lake State remains a history-rich and important part of both the local community and visitor experience.

From longtime rivalries and lively student sections to exciting competitions across campus, Laker athletics are a major part of the energy and tradition that define Lake Superior State University. In addition to nationally recognized NCAA Division I hockey, Lake State is home to competitive basketball, volleyball, swimming, track & field, and cross country programs, along with growing ACHA hockey teams that continue to build school spirit and community support.

Throughout the year, athletic events bring students, alumni, families, and fans to Sault Ste. Marie, creating a lively atmosphere both on campus and throughout downtown. Whether you’re attending your first Lakers game, cheering on student-athletes during tournament weekends, or reconnecting with the university as an alum, LSSU athletics offer a memorable way to experience the spirit of Lake State and the Soo community.

For more information and game schedules, visit the Laker Athletic Website

Planning a Weekend Trip? Explore nearby lodging, dining, shopping, and activities to make the most of your visit to Sault Ste. Marie.

Lake Superior State University is home to some of the Upper Peninsula’s most unique and beloved traditions, many of which have gained national attention over the years. Each spring, students, alumni, and community members gather for the annual Snowman Burning, a longtime Lake State tradition dating back to 1971. Held on the first day of spring, the event features the burning of a massive handcrafted snowman as a symbolic farewell to winter and welcome to warmer days ahead.

Inspired by a German festival tradition and celebrated with true Yooper spirit, the Snowman Burning has become one of the Soo’s most recognizable seasonal events and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

LSSU is also internationally known for its annual List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness — better known simply as the Banished Words List. First released on New Year’s Day in 1976, the list has evolved into a worldwide media tradition, drawing nominations from around the globe and generating coverage from major news outlets each year.

Along with annual celebrations like Great Lake State Weekend, athletic events, and campus-community programming, these traditions showcase the creativity, personality, and close-knit culture that make Lake State such a memorable part of the Sault Ste. Marie experience.

Lake Superior State University is known for hands-on learning, innovation, and research deeply connected to the Great Lakes region and the future of northern communities. From freshwater science, fisheries and wildlife studies, and environmental sustainability to robotics, engineering, nursing, and advanced technology programs, Lake State gives students opportunities to learn through real-world experience both inside and outside the classroom.

The university’s connection to surrounding waterways, natural resources, and the international border region helps create a learning environment unlike anywhere else in the Midwest.

As industries continue to evolve across the Great Lakes region, LSSU remains focused on preparing students for careers that make an impact both locally and globally. Visitors are often surprised to discover the level of research, innovation, and workforce development happening in Sault Ste. Marie, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a place where natural beauty, higher education, and forward-thinking ideas come together.

Lake Superior State University’s campus blends student life, athletics, history, and Great Lakes learning into a uniquely Northern Michigan experience. Key campus spaces like the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library, Cisler Center, and Norris Center serve as gathering places for students, visitors, and the surrounding community.

From the Superior Cafe’s campus location to athletic facilities, event spaces, and Taffy Abel Arena, the home of Laker Hockey, the campus reflects the energy and traditions that make Lake State special. Named after legendary hockey player and U.S. Olympic flag bearer Taffy Abel, the arena honors both the university’s athletic legacy and its deep roots within the Soo hockey community.

LSSU is also home to the Center for Freshwater Research and Education, a leading facility dedicated to Great Lakes science, sustainability, and hands-on environmental research. The university’s on-campus hatchery and freshwater research initiatives provide students with opportunities to study fisheries, aquatic ecosystems, and water quality while supporting conservation efforts throughout the region.

Together, these facilities continue to strengthen Lake State’s role as an important center for Great Lakes education, innovation, and stewardship in the Upper Peninsula.

Whether you’re visiting for a campus tour, athletic event, conference, or family weekend, Lake Superior State University is conveniently located near many of Sault Ste. Marie’s top attractions, restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Visitors can explore nearby hotels, local coffee shops and dining, downtown shopping, Soo Locks boat tours, museums, parks, and seasonal events just minutes from campus. The Soo also offers easy access to winter activities, hiking trails, scenic drives, and cross-border experiences connecting Michigan and Ontario.

A visit to Lake State is more than a campus stop; it’s an opportunity to experience the welcoming community, natural beauty, and adventure that make Sault Ste. Marie one of the Upper Peninsula’s most distinctive destinations.