If you’re planning a charter bus itinerary, motorcoach tour, travel club outing, or school field trip in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you want one thing above all: a memorable experience that runs smoothly and stays on schedule. A cruise through the Soo Locks delivers exactly that. Your guests get close‑up views of Great Lakes freighters, rich local history, and one of America’s most impressive engineering sites—while planners enjoy easy boarding, group‑friendly service, and flexible options that can include simple box lunches, local pizza partners, or even a relaxing evening Dinner Cruise. It’s the kind of stop that fits naturally into a full‑day itinerary and keeps guests talking long after the trip ends.

Your guests aren’t just watching history—
they’re watching the St. Marys River at work.

This includes Great Lakes freighters, international vessels, riverside scenery, and the world‑renowned Soo Locks, all from the best vantage point: on the water.

For many visitors, this becomes the highlight of their Upper Peninsula trip.

Tour planners appreciate how simple and efficient our dock is for groups. We offer:

• Convenient motorcoach drop‑off right at the boarding area
• Bus‑friendly parking
• Organized, fast boarding
• Clear communication with planners before arrival

Plan your visit: https://originalsoolocksboattours.com/groups-charters/

For school field trips, this is hands‑on learning at its best—engaging, memorable, and exciting for students of all ages. Kids don’t just hear about the Soo Locks; they experience the real thing in action:

• How vessels safely move between Lake Huron and Lake Superior
• The engineering that makes bypassing the St. Marys Rapids possible
• Why Great Lakes shipping is essential to everyday life in North America
• Live narration with real‑time lock operations and ship traffic

Our crew is here to help with any special needs, ensuring every student has a smooth, safe, and accessible trip. Narration can also be tailored to the age group—from fun and story‑driven for younger students to more detailed, engineering‑focused explanations for older grades.

It’s an upbeat, immersive way to learn about the Great Lakes, shipping, and local history—the kind of field trip students remember long after the bus ride home.

Tour directors often look for a relaxing, signature evening activity that feels special after a day on the road.

A Dinner Cruise in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is one of the most popular choices for motorcoach groups—and one of the few true on‑the‑water dining experiences in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Your guests will enjoy:

• Beautiful views of the St. Marys River
• A relaxed onboard dining atmosphere
• A chance to experience the Soo Locks in the evening
• Group‑friendly menu options
• Flexible scheduling to fit your itinerary
• A unique “only‑in‑Sault‑Ste‑Marie” experience
• Reservations by phone required.
• Call 906‑632‑6301 to book your Dinner Cruise.

Dinner Cruises give groups a memorable evening without needing to search for large‑group restaurants or seating.
Explore upcoming offerings: https://originalsoolocksboattours.com/events/

Original Soo Locks Boat Tours was founded in 1934 by Captain Milo “Beechgood” Welch, who pioneered the idea of bringing visitors through the Locks by boat so they could see them the same way mariners do.

Our legacy includes:

• The wooden yacht Bide‑A‑Wee (1934)
• Our classic steel vessels launched in the 1950s
  • Bide‑A‑Wee (1955)
  • Holiday (1957)
  • Hiawatha (1959)
• Several vessels delivered via the Hudson River, Erie Canal, and Great Lakes—a historic voyage in itself

Today, Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is proudly part of the Interlake Steamship Family.
Learn more: https://originalsoolocksboattours.com/history/

Have these details ready for the smoothest booking experience:

• Estimated headcount (adults / students / chaperones)
• Preferred date window or season
• Arrival & departure time
• Accessibility needs
• Interest in Dinner Cruises, boxed lunches, or custom meal options

Whether you're coordinating a motorcoach tour, senior travel club, band trip, or school field trip, our team makes planning easy, organized, and stress‑free.  

Charters / Groups Page / Inquiry Form
https://originalsoolocksboattours.com/groups-charters/