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Soo Locks |
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| Come discover the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie and marvel at the sight of 1000 ft freighters being raised and lowered by the magnificent waterway system constructed in 1850. Located in Sault. Ste. Marie just an hour north of Mackinaw on I-75, the Soo Locks feature the largest waterway traffic system in the world! From your position on the upper viewing level you can watch ocean-going vessels as they rise or drop the 21 feet between the levels of the St. Mary's River, allowing you to stand close enough to almost reach out and touch these massive vessels. |
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| Inside the
visitor’s center you will find a variety of historical and fun
information portrayed by artifacts, photographs, a film presentation and
an actual working model of the locks. The visitor’s center featuring
exhibits detailing the history and heritage of the Soo Locks system is
open from 7am to 11pm. mid May to November. Don’t let your fun with the
locks stop at the viewing docks and visitor center, climb aboard a
touring ship and make your own voyage through the locks standing
alongside each passing ship. Soo Locks Boat Tours is one of Michigan’s
top attractions, featuring a 2 hour narrated trip where you will learn
about the history of the Locks and Michigan’s oldest city, Sault Ste.
Marie. There are many departure times and reservations are not required.
If you need a change of pace after a long day at the Locks, the Sault is
also located near four casino gaming facilities: Kewadin Casino in the
Sault; King’s Club Casino and Bay Mills Resort and Casino in Brimley;
and the Casino Sault Ste. Marie in Canada. Why not put a relaxing finish
to your night by enjoying a dinner cruise on the St. Mary’s River,
sightseeing in Sugar Island’s Old North Channel and ride through the Soo
Locks while enjoying a delicious buffet style dinner with dessert. First established in 1688 as a European colony, Sault Ste. Marie is the third oldest permanent settlement in the United States. Before the Europeans arrived North American Indians inhabited the area for nearly 2,000 years. A small native community was established along the shores of the St. Mary and quickly became an important gathering place for food and council meetings. The first European settlement involved French Fur Traders who eventually named the area Sault St. Marie in honor of the Virgin Mary. Others debate the naming of Sault Ste. Marie including some French speakers who claim that Sault means to “jump”, so Sault. Ste. Marie is where you come to “jump” the St. Mary River. For more information on Sault Ste. Marie or the locks, feel free to visit them on their website at www.soolocks.com. MISSPELLINGS of this attraction include: SAULT LOCKS, SOO SAINTE MARIE, SUE SAINT MARIE, SUE LOCKS, SAULT ST. MARY, SAULT ST. MARIE |
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