Kids Ride Free at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours!

Calling all aspiring Little Sailors! It’s time to report for duty and discover what it’s like to work aboard a Great Lakes vessel—while learning the all‑important basics of water safety. Join us at Original Soo Locks Boat Tours on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for a full day of hands‑on activities designed especially for kids ages 5 and up.

Children up to 17 years old enjoy FREE lock tours (two children per paying adult), making this one of the most affordable and exciting family events in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

This popular community celebration grows bigger every year—don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!

 

Friday, June 26th  Sault CVB  Engineers Day 2026

The celebration kicks off the day before with Engineers Day, an annual tradition honoring the men and women who built, operate, and maintain the world‑famous Soo Locks. On this special day, the public is invited inside the Soo Locks facility for rare behind‑the‑scenes access, including the chance to walk across the MacArthur Lock and watch both the MacArthur and Poe Locks in action. Visitors can also tour the historic Administration Building and enjoy a variety of educational and family activities.

Downtown Sault Ste. Marie comes alive as Portage Avenue is partially closed to make room for local merchants, food vendors, and the popular Family Fun Fair Arts & Crafts event on the City Hall grounds—creating a full day of excitement leading right into Little Sailors Day.

On Saturday, June 27th,  the excitement continues with the annual International Bridge Walk a relaxed, family‑friendly event offering some of the most spectacular views in the region. Participants of all ages and fitness levels enjoy the easy pace as they take in breathtaking sights of the twin Saults, the St. Marys River rapids, and the world‑famous Soo Locks. It’s a tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike—creating unforgettable memories and photos that last a lifetime.

After the walk, the fun continues with LITTLE SAILORS DAY, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and running until 4:30 p.m. at Dock #1 with the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours here in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This family-centered, hands‑on event is a highlight of the entire weekend and one of the region’s most popular summer traditions. Together, the International Bridge Walk and Little Sailors Day help create a true ENGINEERS WEEKEND  experience here in the Sault!

What to Expect at Little Sailors Day

Fun—lots of fun! Last year, young sailors from all around joined us in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for a full day of learning, laughter, and hands‑on maritime adventures. Kids practiced real deckhand skills like tossing life rings, handling lines, and designing their very own fleet flags. The photo gallery from last year shows the excitement, smiles, and unforgettable memories created during this special community event.

This year, Little Sailors Day is growing even bigger! We’ve expanded our activities, strengthened our community partnerships, and added even more ways for kids and families to experience Great Lakes maritime life up close. We can’t wait to welcome you to Dock #1 at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours for an amazing adventure on the water.

Below is the full list of activities planned for this year—
and don’t forget to check out Little Sailors Day Photo Gallery to see all the fun in action!

 

Activities at Little Sailors Day:

Little Sailors Day continues to grow every year, and 2026 is already shaping up to be our best event yet. Last year’s celebration drew over 1,000 visitors to Dock #1 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, making it one of the largest and most successful family-focused maritime events in the Upper Peninsula. A huge thank‑you to our community, volunteers, partners, and local businesses for helping make this unforgettable day possible—and for supporting an event created just for the kids!

This year, families can look forward to another full day of hands‑on activities, demonstrations, and maritime learning. Children ages 0–17 can enjoy FREE boat rides aboard our green‑and‑white tour boats (two children per paying adult, first-come, first-served). In recent years, we’ve also welcomed special guests like the Western Great Lakes Pilot Association and the National Guard, who offered free boat rides and on‑the‑water demonstrations that families loved.

Past Little Sailors Days have featured an exciting mix of vessels to explore, including the Sheriff Department airboat, the Sault Tribe Law Enforcement boat, and sailboats from the Algoma Sailing Club, where kids learned basic knot-tying and sailing skills. As we finalize our 2026 lineup, we’ll share which groups will be returning along with any new partners joining us.

We’ve also welcomed a fantastic group of special guests from the Great Lakes maritime community. These have included Chrissy Kadleck of Interlake Steamship with cargo displays and freighter gifts, Roger LeLievre with his Know Your Ships books and signings, and Andrea Guerriero of DRE Designs, whose Great Lakes merchandise helps support the ISMA Scholarship Fund. And of course, our mascot Decky is always a hit with young sailors.

Families can participate in interactive stations throughout the dock—real deckhand skills like line handling and knot tying, coloring stations, face painting, watershed demonstrations, invasive‑species education, kids’ STEM activities, boating safety demos by the Auxiliary Coast Guard, and fun challenges from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers. These activities may vary from year to year, but the goal is always the same: a day full of hands‑on learning, creativity, and Great Lakes adventure.

Food and treats are part of the tradition too. In past years, families enjoyed sweet treats from Zac & Mac’s Sundae Bar, delicious favorites from Bob’s Food Trailer, and meal‑coupon giveaways from many of Sault Ste. Marie’s most loved restaurants — including West Pier Drive‑In, Clyde’s Drive‑In, Lockview Restaurant, Frank’s Place, Antlers, Pure Country, Moloney’s Alley, Domino’s Pizza, Applebee’s, and more. We greatly appreciate the continued support of our local businesses and look forward to announcing the 2026 food partners soon.

With last year’s record attendance and growing community involvement, we’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable Little Sailors Day — bigger, better, and packed with even more maritime excitement here at Dock #1.

 

National Guard Participation

Free Rides with the National Guard!
We’re excited to welcome the National Guard 1437th MRBC back to Little Sailors Day! Each year, their team brings a crowd‑favorite combination of heavy equipment displays and free boat rides for kids and families, giving young sailors a rare chance to experience real military watercraft up close.

In past events, the National Guard has showcased several types of working vessels used for transportation, logistics, and support operations. These rugged boats are designed to move equipment, handle cargo, and operate in challenging conditions—making them an essential part of military missions. Kids love seeing how these boats work, meeting the soldiers who operate them, and climbing aboard for an unforgettable ride on the water.

We’re looking forward to another exciting year with the National Guard as they help make Little Sailors Day a hands‑on, educational adventure for the whole family.

Join Us for a Day of Fun and Learning

Don’t miss this free, family‑friendly event that brings the community together for a full day of adventure, discovery, and hands‑on maritime fun. Whether your child dreams of becoming a sailor, loves boats, enjoys STEM activities, or simply wants an exciting day on the water, Little Sailors Day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is the perfect way to celebrate summer in Sault Ste. Marie.

Bring the family, explore the docks, meet real captains and crew, enjoy free boat rides, and experience the magic of life on the Great Lakes.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Dock #1 on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 for Little Sailors Day — a day created especially for the kids and made possible by our incredible community.

Buy your tickets online now for the easiest and fastest way to enjoy Little Sailors Day! Kids Ride Free (two children ages 0–17 per paying adult), and all tickets purchased online are valid anytime throughout the 2026 season—giving families complete flexibility.

Please note that all seating during this special event is offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Our two 150‑passenger vessels will each offer three dedicated departure times throughout the day, giving families multiple opportunities to enjoy a real Soo Locks tour as part of Little Sailors Day.

Skip the ticket line and secure your adult tickets in advance:
Tickets Sold Here:   Buy Tickets  

Location: #1 Dock, 1157 E. Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Phone: (906) 632-6301

We love watching our little sailors having fun! 

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