Locked Up In Sault Ste. Marie

Sunset along the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Kathy & I had talked for several years about getting to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to see the Soo Locks. We finally had a chance to visit in July on our swing through Michigan.

Sunset along the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Sunset along the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

There is a really nice visitor center along the canal with a two story observation platform to watch the ship traffic – everything from small pleasure boats to huge freighters. The highlight of our visit was a boat cruise on the St. Mary’s River which took us through the locks and back.

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Transiting the Soo Locks during our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

The Canadian side of the river on the west side of the locks is home to a number of industrial plants that process various ores used in the production of steel. It was interesting to see the contrast with the cityscape on the east side.

Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Piles of Taconite, a form of iron ore pellets used in the production of steel. Seen at the Algoma Steel Company plant located on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada
Piles of Taconite, a form of iron ore pellets used in the production of steel. Seen at the Algoma Steel Company plant located on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada

There wasn’t a lot to see in the city itself, but we stayed in a little motel right across the street from the canal. There was a decent little restaurant for breakfast and dinner, so we had everything we needed within walking distance. It was a nice visit and we’re glad we took the time to go!

Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Freighter entering the Soo Locks
Hanging On. Feather stuck on the side of one of the locks. Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Scenery along the St. Marys River on our cruise with Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
I offered to take Kathy to visit but for some reason she declined. 🙂
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Old sign at the Lockview Motel in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan