Are you looking to plan your next trip to Michigan? Start by visiting the beautiful city of Sault Ste. Marie.
Situated on the St. Mary’s River, between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the Soo Locks provide an integral channel to bridge the 21-foot water level difference between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
The Soo Locks are an affordable travel destination that’s brimming with history.
Print Collector/The Print Collector/Heritage ImaThe History
Located at the northeastern edge of the Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie received its first European settlers around 1668 which makes it the oldest city in Michigan. Being the oldest city in the state, Sault Ste. Marie is full of historical attractions and landmarks. However, one of the city’s most interesting and magnificent landmarks is the Soo Locks.
The area was settled by the Ojibway who due to the difference in water levels, portaged their canoes around the rapids in order to reach Lake Superior from the St. Mary’s River.
However, in the late 1700s, locks were built on the Canadian side of the river but were destroyed in the war of 1812. Early more primitive Locks were built and used until the mid to late 1800s when they built newer locks. The MacArthur Lock was constructed in 1943 and the Poe Lock was rebuilt in 1968, both of which are still in use today. Construction on an even newer lock has already started and is slated to be completed by 2030.
The Soo Locks are an affordable travel destination that’s brimming with history.
Edward Parker/Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Soo Locks are an affordable travel destination that’s brimming with history.
Westhoff/Getty Images
The Soo Locks are an affordable travel destination that’s brimming with history.
Edward Parker/Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Soo Locks are an affordable travel destination that’s brimming with history.
Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty
The Soo Locks
The Function
The Soo Locks are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If you visit the Locks make sure you stop by the Soo Locks Visitor Center where you can learn more about the Engineers and the history of the construction of the locks. The Soo Locks area is a very family-friendly place. After you learn about the history of the locks you can head on over to the Soo Locks Park where you can view informative displays, take a walk through the beautiful park or enjoy the lighted fountain. In the evening the fountain even dances in rhythm to the music.
The elevated viewing platform next to the locks allows visitors an excellent view of the ships entering the locks. The locks aren’t just for big freighters, you can also see unique vessels such as sailboats, military crafts and cruise ships. Every year an estimated 500,000 people visit these locks and roughly 7,000 vessels pass through the locks hauling almost 86 million tons of cargo. No pumps are used at the Soo Locks instead the operation strictly depends on gravity to lift and lower vessels the 21-foot difference between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The locks, visitor center and the park are free of charge to the public which makes it the perfect family destination for a weekend or day trip that won’t break the bank.
The Visit
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The Soo Locks are an affordable travel destination that’s brimming with history.
Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty
If you are still hungry for more excitement, located on the grounds is also the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. It is in the historic 1899 US Weather Bureau Building and the society is open year-round. Inside you will find a public exhibit, a museum store and a collection of the Society’s renowned Great Lakes images and papers.
The Soo Locks area has a lot to offer. So, if you are looking for a fun and educational day trip or extended trip to the city of Sault Ste. Marie, check out the Soo Locks. You won’t regret it.