Kids Ride Free at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours!
Calling all aspiring Little Sailors! It's time to report for duty and learn the ropes of working on a Great Lakes vessel and the all-important keys to water safety. Join us at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours on Saturday, June 28th, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a day filled with fun and educational activities perfect for kids ages 5 and older. Children up to 17 years of age enjoy free lock tours (2 children per adult) This is a large community event that keeps on growing!
Fun Filled Weekend in Sault Michigan!
Friday, June 27th US Army Corps of Engineers Day, celebrating those who have built and maintained the Soo Locks. The public can tour the Soo Locks facility, walk across the MacArthur Lock, and see the MacArthur and Poe Locks in action. Visitors can also explore the historic Administration Building and enjoy various activities. Portage Avenue will be partially closed for downtown merchants and vendors, along with a Family Fun Fair Arts & Crafts at City Hall grounds.
On Saturday, June 28th, International Bridge Walk takes an easy pace and provides spectacular views of the twin Saults, the St. Mary’s River rapids, and the Soo Locks. Young and old, physically fit and fitness challenged, all enjoy the fantastic views and the resulting pictures that will last a lifetime. Next is LITTLE SAILORS DAY, starting at 10:00 am and running until 4:30 pm at the #1 Dock here at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours here in Sault Michigan.
HERE IS A COMPLETE LIST AND TIMES OF EVERTHING GOING ON DURING ENGINEERS WEEKEND SAULT MICHIGAN
What to Expect at Little Sailors Day
Fun, lots of fun! Last year, young sailors joined us in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for a day of fun and learning. Kids enjoyed activities like throwing life rings, handling lines, and designing fleet flags. Check out the photo gallery to see the smiles and excitement from this memorable event! This year we have grown, reaching out to the community and making this family fun event even bigger! Come join us for an amazing maritime adventure. Here is a list of activities we have now. I hope to see you down here at the #1 dock in Sault Michigan. Check out the photo gallery from last year's event 2024 Little Sailors Day Photo Album.
Activities at Little Sailors Day:
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Boat Rides:
• Free Boat Rides on our Tour Boats for Kids: During Scheduled Hours, 2 kids (0-17) per adult. No reservations, first come first serve.
• Western Great Lakes Pilot Association: Win a chance to ride a Pilot Boat out to a freighter. 1 adult and 1 child space limited.
• National Guard: Free Boat rides for kids and family while showcasing their heavy machinery.
Come meet our crew! This maritime adventure also includes opportunities to meet our captains and crew members and take home some cute Little Sailor souvenirs (while supplies last).
Boats On Display:
• Sheriff Department with their Air Boat
• Sault Tribe with their Law Enforcement Boat and demonstrations
• Algoma Sailing Club: Sailboats and demonstrations on the fundamentals on sailing, learn the lines and knot tying.
Special Guests:
• Chrissy Kadleck of Interlake Steamship: Great Lakes cargo and gifts from freighters.
• Roger LeLievre: Know Your Ships books & signing
• Andrea Guerriero DRE Designs - Great Lakes Marine Products: Merchandise with proceeds going to ISMA Scholarship Fund
• Special appearance from our mascot Decky!
Activities:
• Original Soo Locks Boat Tours: Line Handling, Line throwing, Color the Boat, Prizes, Give-A-Ways, & More
• Soo Locks Children Museum: Face painting, dress up, ring toss, beanbag toss, & ring toss.
• CLMCD Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District: a fun interactive hands-on model demonstration of watershed pollution, using Play-Doh for management practices.
• CISMA Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area: Talking about Invasive Species and handing out seed bombs.
• Auxiliary Coast Guard: Interactive displays, Life Ring & Life Jacket Demonstrations, Boating Safety, & More.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers: Flat Flag, Cold Hand Luke, Rescue the Teddy Bear, Etc.
• Bayliss Library: Nautical Time, with maritime stories to thrill not only the kids but their parents too!
Food Vendors:
• Zac & Mac’s: Sundae bar where kids can select their own toppings
• Bob's Food Trailer: Keeping everyone energized and happy
From Our Local Establishments:
• Win Coupons for a Little Sailors Day Meal from these popular dining establishments: West Pier Drive Inn, Clydes Drive Inn, Lock View, Frank's Place, Antlers, Pure Country, Moloney's Alley, Domino's Pizza, Applebee's, & More. A BIG THANK TO ALL OF THEM! :-)
National Guard Participation
Free Rides with the National Guard! We are excited to have the National Guard 14th 37th 1437MRBC joining us for Little Sailors Day. They will be showcasing their heavy equipment and offering free boat rides for kids. The National Guard uses various types of boats, including the Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM-8) and the newer Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) (MSV(L)). These boats are designed for cargo operations and can carry significant loads, making them essential for military logistics. Kids will have the unique opportunity to experience these boats firsthand.
Join Us for a Day of Fun and Learning
Don't miss this free event, which promises fun for the whole family! Whether your child dreams of becoming a sailor or just loves the water, Little Sailors Day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is the perfect way to spend a summer day.
Buy tickets now online for your convenience—Kids Ride Free (2 kids per adult)! Please note that seating during this event is on a first-come, first-served basis. Our two 150-passenger vessels each have three departure times throughout the day during this special event! Tickets are valid anytime throughout the season. 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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