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There are various different things to do in Sault Ste Marie. Sault Ste Marie is an authentic city in Michigan. Sault Ste Marie is one of the most popular places to visit in Michigan. The city is packed with various historic sites open, museums, different architectures, breweries, historic lighthouses, cultural sites, and many other things. Sault Ste Marie is also famous for the best ski slopes in Michigan. No matter how much time you have to visit this place, you’ll be finding various mind-blowing attractions. So, without wasting any time, let’s dig into the “Things to do in Sault Ste Marie.”
1. The Soo Locks
If someone asks what is one of the most popular attractions in Sault Ste Marie? Then The Soo Locks comes in the first place. According to a survey it came to know that around 500,00 people come to take visit the Soo Locks. There is one Visitor center that explains the history of Soo locks and the way it was built.
The Soo Locks were constructed in the mid-1800s and were later updated over the decades. Lake Huron and Lake Superior are connected, allowing freighters to travel freely from St. Mary’s river to the Atlantic Ocean.
Over 80 million tons of cargo is passed through 7000 vessels through the locks. This location plays an important part in their economy. This is not a place to hang out or party with friends. This place is just for educational purposes. But this place is popular so this needs to be added to the list of things to do in Sault Ste Marie.
2. Sault Ste Marie International Bridge
Sault Ste Marie city is close to the Canadian border, because of which you’ll find an international bridge. The Sault Ste Marie international bridge connects Sault Ste Marie city with another city in Ontario, Canada. The bridge is one of the busiest crossings which connects Canada to the US.
This bridge is called the busiest one because it has a land crossing for 700 miles. The bridge length is 3 miles and a portion of the bridge also crosses the Soo Locks. The bridge’s drawback is that most of the traffic is because of cars.
However, if you want to beat up the time, then you can cross the bridge with the help of a bike. But make sure that there is no dedicated bike lane so you have to take precautions.
If you are not comfortable with a bike then there is a bus that runs from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and takes you across the Canadian bridge and back to Michigan. It doesn’t matter in which season you visit this place it is still one of the things to do in Sault Ste Marie.
3. Rotatory Island Park
You’ll find Rotatory Island park about 3 miles away from the Soo Locks. This park is one of the best parks in Sault Ste Marie. Even the locals also say that this park is best for taking a break from the rush of the city. You can walk on the walking trails which are built along the waterfront.
You can do various fun activities to keep you engaged in the park. The park has a playground and benches where you can sit, relax, and enjoy nature. One of the fun activities in the park is kayaking.
You can also bring your kayak or rent one if you don’t have one and enjoy the kayak on a nice day. Freighters can also be spotted coming crossing through the Soo Locks. This place is worth visiting with your family and is one of the things to do in Sault Ste Marie.
4. Mary Catholic Church
The Mary Catholic Church is a sacred place in Sault Ste Marie. Looking at the church’s architecture is one of the things to do in Sault Ste Marie. Mary Catholic Church was the first cathedral in the Diocese of Marquette and was formerly a cathedral church.
The parish is the oldest Parish in Michigan and the third oldest Parish in all of the U.S. Parish started it back in 1668 but the church was built in 1881. A Canadian architect designed the edifice of today’s church in the Gothic revival architectural style.
The tourists can tour the church and attend the services within a week. While touring the church, you will find an exhibit that explains the past of the Parish and the infrastructure of the church building.
This place is one of the things to do in Sault Ste Marie if you want to discover the Parish more deeply.
5. Iroquois Lighthouse(Lake Superior)
Wanna see one of the coolest lighthouses in Michigan? Iroquois Lighthouse got your back and is one of the things to do in Sault Ste Marie. From Sault Ste Marie, it is a short drive away in the same country. Along the coast of Lake Superior, you need to take a 30 minutes drive. If you haven’t seen a lighthouse before, this is the place.
Even though the lighthouse is not in the city, it is still one of the popular tourist attractions in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The Iroquois Lighthouse marks the entry of the St. Mary’s River at Lake Superior. Both water bodies play an important role in the past history of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.
The hidden thing about the lighthouse is that there is a small museum at the bottom section of the lighthouse. You can even climb up the observation deck to get a beautiful view of the surrounding area, including the Soo Locks. This place is worth visiting with children for educational purposes.
6. Water Street
There are quite a few historic sites and attractions in Sault Ste Marie, making it a historic waterfront town. Historic street on the water district is one of the most popular places to visit. But now, many of them have turned into house museums and museums dedicated to the history of Sault Ste Marie.
On Water Street, you can tour the Johnston House, the Kemp Coal Dock Office, or the Henry Rowe Schoolcraft Office. All the buildings in Water street have been restored to their originality the way they were in their own time.
Some of the buildings have been opened for business purposes. This place is best to explore with family and friends. Some people add this place to the list of things to do in Sault Ste Marie,, and others don’t. So if you are a person who loves and explores historic sites, then this place is it.
7. Pow Wow
Have you ever experienced a festival of the country’s people? Pow Wow is one of them. It is a cultural gathering about indigenous culture, reviving the spirits and enjoying every part. You won’t be able to understand the pow-wow festival all on your own.
You need a special guided tour and educational experience with thrive tour. This can only be the best way to experience the pow-wow festival. This is the best experience for travellers and locals, indigenous and non-indigenous, to learn how to pow wow.
Attending a pow-wow is more fun rather than just standing there and watching. The moment you become part of the festival, you’ll also gain a much better appreciation of their culture and history.
Your mind and spirit will be touched by the beating of the drum, reverberating song, and skilled dancing. The event begins with a tradition called smudging, honouring the sacred fire with tobacco offerings, participating in inter-tribal dances, eating locally made food, chatting with members of First Nations, and celebrating the winners of the competitions.
Whenever you plan to visit Sault Ste Marie, add pow wow festival to the list of things to do in Sault Ste Marie. Your children will love this place.
8. Ship Valley Camp
Ship Valley Camp is famous for the retired Great Lake Freighter ship. But now, this massive cardholder has been transformed into a museum. The ship was originally built back in 1917. It was retired in the year 1966. It served for almost 50 years of service.
But now this place is turned into a museum and is now on the National Register of Historic Places (National historic site), which eager visitors can fully explore.
Some of the great highlights here are the two portions of the lifeboat recovered from Edmund Fitzgerald. Several large aquariums showcase great lake fish species and restored crew quarters.
9. History Museum of Sault Ste Marie
Sault Ste Marie is a very small city in Michigan, yet it has a great history of its own time. To fill the gap in history, history museums are opened. The River of History museum is one the most popular museum in Sault Ste Marie. This place is a must-add to the things to do in Sault Ste Marie.
The museum is popular because it has gained its popularity because of the diverse history of St. Mary’s river. This museum is located in the city’s downtown district at the river shores. The museum stores the river’s history from around 8,000 years which is special.
The museum is open 6 days a week. Since a non-profit organization runs the museum, all the amount collected from the fee goes into the continuation of the museum. Going to a museum that stores history from around 8,000 years is a special thing and a must-visiting place.
10. Kewadin Casino
After visiting so many educational and historical places, now it’s time to do some gambling. The Kewadin casino will quench your thirst in terms of gambling. In the upper peninsula of Michigan, one of the most amazing things to do in Sault Ste Marie is going to the Kewadin casino.
There are many Kewadin casinos in the Upper peninsula. One lies in the Sault Ste Marie itself. The casinos not only offer to gamble but they’ve also got hotels and various popular events lined up. This place is not worth going to with children if you are visiting the casino. Hanging out with friends in this place is worth more.
The Kewadin Casino is an authentic experience as it offers great hotels, cuisines, live events, and the most popular gambling.
If you are a night owl, this place is worth visiting in Sault Ste Marie.
Last Updated on by ayeshayusuf
