Historic Sault Ste. Marie has a lot to offer visitors

By Kelly Hillman, GLCC Port Captain

Sault Ste. Marie (S-230) is Michigan’s oldest city (1668), blending French, Indigenous, and maritime history with tourism and outdoor recreation.

(In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced Soo Saint Marie.)

Tour the Canadian and U.S. locks and check out the US lock museum. Next to the marina are several historic residences (e.g., Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, Bishop Baraga), the Museum Ship Valley Camp, Fort Brady, and the Cloverland Electric Hydro Plant.

“The Soo” is famous for its hospitality: bars, restaurants, fudge shops and the extraordinary Locks operation -- a third lock is currently under construction -- plus the panoramic Tower of History, Sault Ste. Marie Museum and the River of History Museum.

Across the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, (S-1) is the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Centre, more shopping, more nightlife and another place to dock, the Bondar Marina. (Yes, there’s a Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and a Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Same name, different countries, close proximity.)

Whether you are attending the Rendezvous in Superior-Duluth or want to make the Soo a cruising destination, join your GLCC friends for the Rally at the Soo in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, June 26-29. 

While waiting for all the information on rally activities, check out the GLCCSchool’s Recording Library for The History and Future of the Soo Locks by Rick Mixter or sign up for Bill Rohde’s upcoming webinar scheduled for Feb. 11, Navigating the Locks.  Remember, the GLCCSchool webinar and recordings are free to members!

Kemp Marina has slips available for that time period. Reach out to the Harbor Master at (906) 635-7670 to reserve.