The charming town of Sault Ste. Marie, located between Lake Huron and Lake Superior in Michigan Upper Peninsula, seamlessly blends history and culture with the area’s stunning natural surroundings. Sault (pronounced “Soo”) Ste. Marie has a tonne of water activities and lovely parks to discover for anyone who loves the outdoors, from photographers to families to adventurous trekkers. You’ll understand why Sault Ste. Marie is one of the hidden beauties of Michigan after you add a dash of centuries’ worth of history.
Tours of Soo Locks, Michigan
The Soo Locks, sophisticated machinery that raise and lower vessels to safely negotiate fluctuating water levels, are famous for being in Sault Ste. Marie. A boat trip is a requirement when visiting the Soo Locks, the largest system of its sort in the world. Watching enormous freighters pass by in contrast to the tranquil scenery of the St. Marys River is an amazing sight where the wonders of human engineering meet the beauty of nature. Take a stroll around the nearby Soo Locks Park’s natural paths and learn a little history by visiting the Weather Bureau Building, built about 1899. Try a made-to-order crepe and some of the best coffee in town at Oh Crêpe, located nearby, before or after your tour.
Iroquois Point Lighthouse, Michigan
Since the mid-1800s, Lake Superior has been guarded by the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the modest history museum at the bottom, then ascend the 20-meter lighthouse’s spiral staircase to the top for views over Whitefish Bay, the lake, and Canada on the other side of the water. Walk the boardwalk walkways that lead to the sandy beach after your climb. You’ll feel a million miles away from everything as the wind blows through your hair.
Park at Tahquamenon Falls
A half-drive hour’s west of Sault Ste. Marie is Tahquamenon Falls State Park Michigan, so lace up your hiking boots and pack your sense of adventure. The 15-meter-tall Upper Tahquamenon Falls have a 60-meter-wide waterfall with water that is tan in colour. When the leaves change colour in the fall, the lower falls’ lush treeline is especially stunning. In the summer, this place is fantastic for fishing and having fun in the water. For unmatched access to the nearby falls, rent a rowboat from the park concession booth and paddle out to a small island. Tahquamenon transforms into a winter wonderland that is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Insider tip: Visit the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery a short distance downriver.
Arriving Here
Discover Sault Ste. Marie while driving across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Or, take a flight to Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) from Detroit or Minneapolis, where you can rent a vehicle to go around Sault Ste. Marie.