The main importance of the American-Canadian double town of Sault Ste Marie (known locally as the Soo) lies in the 1 1/4 mile long canals on the St Mary River (navigable from mid April to mid December) linking Lakes Huron and Superior - the world's most important waterway, on which 100 million tons of goods are transported annually. The ships pass through two mighty locks (the Soo Locks), one on the Canadian and the other on the American side, which can be seen on boat trips. Historic vessels are on display in the Maritime Museum on the waterfront.
Visitors can explore Museum Ship Valley Camp, the lake freighter and see how the crew lived, slept, and worked. The steam engine, dining rooms, crew's quarters, and pilot house are all available.
Address: Le Sault de Sainte Marie Historical Sites, 501 East Water Street, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783-2038, United States
Phone: 1 (906) 632-3658, Fax: 1 (906) 632-9344
Hours:
May 15 to June 30: 10am-4pm; Sun:11am-4pm
July 1 to August 31: 10am-5pm
September 1 to October 15: 10am-4pm; Sun:11am-4pm
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The River of History Museum is housed in the old post office Federal Building, which was constructed in 1909-1910 out of limestone from a quarry in Bedford, Indiana. The galleries exhibit over 8,000 years of St Mary's River history beginning with the Anishnabeg or Ojibway, who were the original settlers.
Address: River of History Museum, Box 627, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783-0627, United States
Phone: 1 (906) 632-1999, Fax: 1 (906) 635-6678
Hours:
May 15 to October 15: 11am-5pm; Closed: Sun
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Live narration during the Soo Locks Boat Tours explain the history and operation of the locks, St Mary's Rapids, Algoma Steel Plant and water fronts of the two Saults as well as other sights.
Address: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Box 739, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783-0739, United States
Phone: 1 (906) 632-6301, Fax: 1 (906) 632-1811
The 21-story Tower of History in Sault Ste. Marie offers a panoramic view of the locks, the St. Mary's River and rapids, and the city's historical sites. Artifacts and a videotaped show depicting the history of the Great Lakes and Sault Ste. Marie are on display.
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Sault Ste Marie
