Start your journey with the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, where you'll experience the thrill of navigating through the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie's #1 attraction. We are approximately 62 miles away from the Mackinac Bridge, which is about a 1-hour drive via I-75. Our tours offer an unforgettable journey through these engineering marvels, providing a unique perspective on the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.

But the adventure doesn't end there—Sault Ste. Marie is just the beginning of your Upper Peninsula exploration. Begin with us here in the Sault and then venture west to discover the Iroquois Point Lighthouse, the Whitefish Point Lighthouse Shipwreck Museum, the breathtaking Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls, and the serene Crisp Point Lighthouse.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Eastern Upper Peninsula boasts fantastic camping options. Brimley State Park offers picturesque lakeside camping along Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Tahquamenon Falls State Park provides an exceptional camping experience near the majestic falls, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. Additionally, the region is dotted with numerous smaller federal and state campgrounds, offering a variety of rustic and modern camping experiences. These campgrounds serve as ideal bases for exploring the natural beauty and attractions of the area. For a more secluded experience, consider the Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth Campgrounds, which offer beautiful views and access to the Tahquamenon River.

 

Set Sail with Original Soo Locks Boat Tours

Kick off your journey with the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, where you'll navigate the historic Soo Locks and learn about the fascinating history of the Great Lakes. Our knowledgeable guides will share stories of the brave sailors who navigated these waters and the engineering marvels that make the Soo Locks a vital part of maritime history. You'll also have the chance to see Great Lakes freighters up close, adding an extra layer of excitement to your tour. We love interacting with kids, making the experience enjoyable and fun for the whole family. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun family outing, our tours offer something for everyone. Taking our boat tour is one of the best ways to see all the amazing sites here in Sault Michigan! Make sure you check out our Theme Cruises for even more family fun! From pirate adventures to other exciting themes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.  We also provide easy handicap access with a short distance to the dock, ensuring everyone can comfortably enjoy the tour. Additionally, we have a large parking lot that accommodates buses, RVs, and trailers at no extra cost. We are conveniently located just down from downtown, nestled between two campgrounds on the St. Mary's River: Aune Osborn Campground and Soo Locks Campground. This prime location offers perfect views of freighters going up and down the river, making your visit even more memorable. Clyde's Drive-In and Rotary Park are right down on the corner, another great place to view freighters!

 

Sault Ste. Marie: Where History Meets Adventure

After your boat tour, explore more of what Sault Ste. Marie has to offer. Visit the Valley Camp Museum, where you can step aboard a retired Great Lakes freighter and discover exhibits on maritime history and shipwrecks. Don't miss the Tower of History, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding waterways. Be sure to also visit the Soo Locks Visitors Center, and explore the Soo Locks an engineering marvel that allows ships to navigate the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. These attractions provide a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and are perfect additions to your family adventure.  Don't forget to enjoy shopping across the locks, where you can find unique local shops and restaurants along Portage Avenue offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to delicious local treats. It's a great way to end your day with a bit of retail therapy and take home a piece of Sault Ste. Marie. Here are some of the popular Places to Eat and some favorite Places to Shop while you are downtown. 

 

Discover the Iroquois Point Lighthouse

Next head west, take 6 mile to Brimley then continue on the Curley Lewis Memorial Highway (MAP), aslo known as "Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway" a beautiful stretch of road that winds along the Lake Superior shoreline. Head west to the Iroquois Point Lighthouse, just a 39-minute drive from our dock. Built in 1855, this lighthouse has been a beacon of safety for ships navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. Its fourth-order Fresnel lens first illuminated the way on September 20, 1857, guiding vessels through the narrow channel at the entrance to St. Mary's River. Enjoy a walk along the beach or climb the tower for an amazing view over Whitefish Bay. There is a chance you may see a freighter or two heading in or out of the entrance of the St. Mary's River. Continue down this highway to find some amazing remote places on the lakeshore, with sandy beaches and beautiful scenery.

 

Explore the Whitefish Point Lighthouse Shipwreck Museum

Visit the Whitefish Point Lighthouse Shipwreck Museum, located a short drive from Iroquois Point. This historic lighthouse, established in 1849, is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. The museum offers a glimpse into the perilous world of maritime navigation and the many shipwrecks that have occurred in the area, including the famous SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the exhibits and the stories of the brave sailors who faced the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. On your way up and back you will pass through Paradise, Michigan. It's a small town but truely is a Paradise for people who love the outdoors! Every third weekend in August they hold a three day Wild Blueberry Festival  Arts & Crafts Fair, with lots of Entertainment, and Delicious Wild Blueberry Baked Goods! For a little town this is a huge event drawing in over 6000 people from all over.  It is an awesome event in a very beautiful place! 

 

Discover the Beauty of Lower Tahquamenon Falls

Continue on M-123 to Lower Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home to the magnificent Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The Lower Falls consists of a series of smaller cascades surrounding an island, creating a picturesque and serene setting. Visitors can rent rowboats to explore the falls up close or enjoy the view from the boardwalk. The board is handicap accessible. The area also offers picnic spots and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing family. Camping at the Lower Taquamenon Falls is a very unqiue experience. Reservations for Lower Tahquamenon Falls State Park. 

 

Discover the Beauty of Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls

The Upper Tahquamenon Falls, also located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. With a drop of over 50 feet and a width of more than 200 feet, the Upper Falls is a breathtaking sight. The park provides several viewing platforms and hiking trails that offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest. This area is ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to capture the beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You're now in Luce County, Tahquamenon Country If you take county road 407 you can visit the Oswald's Bear Ranch from there there are several State Forest Compgrounds and here are some of our favorites, Pretty Lake, Lake Superior State Forest Campground, Perch Lake State Forest Campgound, & Muskallonge Lake State Park. Lake Superior shorelines are endless up here! 

 

Visit the Historic Crisp Point Lighthouse

Continue your journey to the Crisp Point Lighthouse, one of the most remote and beautiful lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula. Built in 1904, this lighthouse served as a crucial navigational aid for ships traveling along the coast of Lake Superior. Today, visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness. The lighthouse grounds are perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll along the beach. The serene rock shoreline of Lake Superior is amazing here!  Perfect for those rock hunters! If you like the wildness and the pure beauty of Michgan's Upper Peninsula you will love this place! Please do not go here by GPS alone, follow the signs off of M-123, here is a Crisp Point Map to follow. There are a few great State Forest Camp Grounds here like Bodi Lake Campground, Culhane Lake Campground, and Pike Lake Campground. If you are up for another adventure there is the Two Hearted River Campground, located on Lake Superior at the mouth of the Two Hearted River. The campground offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking on the National North Country Trail, and paddling for the kayakers. When planning a visit to Crisp Point Lighthouse in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, be prepared for limited cell signal in the area, and note that while it's a bit of a drive on county roads, County Road 500 can be rough at times and chattery, and County Road 412 is recommended for vehicles only, as it is mostly a two-track with sharp sandy turns that can become more challenging when it rains, so bring provisions like water and snacks for the journey. ;-)

Explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Go a little further west! It's around a 2 1/2 hour ride across U.P. to Munising and visit the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This stunning area features colorful sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and lush forests. Climb aboard Pictured Rocks Cruises. Will say it again "A boat tour is one of the best ways to take in all the sites!" Whether you choose to hike the trails, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, Pictured Rocks offers a breathtaking experience that showcases the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

 

Plan Your Adventure Today!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the Eastern Upper Peninsula with the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours. Our easy online ticket purchase makes planning your trip a breeze. Start your adventure with us and then continue exploring the region's incredible landmarks. From the historic lighthouses to the stunning waterfalls, there's something for everyone to enjoy here in the Eastern side of the U.P.! 

Plan your tour today and embark on a journey through some amazing history, nature, and adventure here on the St.Mary's River. Let's navigate the waters together!  

 

Introducing the Family Four Pack!

For the entire month of April, we're offering an amazing deal for families looking to explore the historic Soo Locks. Our Family Four Pack includes tickets for 2 adults and 2 children at a discounted price of $72 (regularly $80). Additional discounted children's tickets can be purchased with this special offer at our ticket booth upon arriving. It is a great way for families to save a little and enjoy a little family fun on a boat ride!

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