Spring Boatnerd Cruise - Sunset Cruise

Saturday, May 23, 2026   

Departure Time 4:30 PM   Adults $28, Kids $8 

Set sail on a 2½–3 hour Spring Boatnerd Cruise, scheduled in the evening for the perfect chance to enjoy calm river views and, when the weather allows, an amazing sunset on the St. Mary’s River. Our carefully planned routes bring you up close to Great Lakes freighters—a perfect experience for photographers, families, Boatnerds, and Ship Junkies alike. Whether we catch one freighter or several, there’s no better place for thrilling entertainment and a little Freighter Chasing than while cruising through the Soo Locks and along the St. Marys River.

Enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere featuring:

• Prime freighter viewing just yards away
• Light appetizers, pizza, and soft drinks courtesy of our generous sponsors
• Special guests sharing maritime stories and ship facts
• Games, local prizes, and giveaways
• A nicely heated main cabin for those cool spring evenings
• Topside viewing available—just bring an extra layer to stay comfortable
• Fun for the whole family, with something for every age

Freighter traffic can vary, and while it’s rare not to see a ship, being on the water with fellow Boatnerds is half the fun. After all — we’re in the same boat! 

Our Boatnerd Cruises fill up quickly, so we recommend reserving your tickets early. Bring a friend, bring your camera, fun for all ages! — the more Boatnerds on board, the better!

  Reserve Your Spot

TROPICAL CRUISE

June 20, 2026, All-Day Event

Join us for a Tropical Summer Kickoff Cruise in your best Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, sarongs, and floral hats! Let's have some fun and kick off the summer together! 

 

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ENGINEERS WEEKEND - FRIDAY JUNE 26th - SUNDAY JUNE 28th 

Engineers Weekend at the Soo Locks – Three Days of Family Fun here in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan!

 

     

Friday June 26th - Engineer Day

ADULTS  TICKETS $26.00         CHILDREN TICKETS $8.00  

Use prome code ENGINEERSDAY

Tickets are good throughout Engineers Weekend

Departure Times  10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, & 4:30pm

This is an all day event, no reservation needed first come first serve. 

Kick off your weekend with our Engineers Day Appreciation Special—our way of saying thank you to our customers and to this historic community event. To help keep the tradition strong, we’re extending this special all weekend long. What begins as Engineers Day becomes a full maritime celebration for the whole family. It’s not just a great day… it’s a great weekend. Join us!  Promo code ENGINEERSDAY is valid for Engineers Weekend only. Don’t miss this amazing offer!

Engineers Day with one of Sault Ste. Marie’s most anticipated annual celebrations! From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown springs to life with:

• Street closures and 30+ vendor booths, showcasing local crafts, food, and maritime exhibits
• U.S. Coast Guard open house and vessel tours
• Army Corps of Engineers displays highlighting the Soo Locks and the new lock project
• Exclusive access to the Soo Locks: visitors can walk across the MacArthur Lock see freighters up close and tour the Admidstration Building.
• Historic Visitor Center tours, featuring exhibits on the locks’ engineering, including gravity-operated gate systems, and displays in the 312 W Portage Ave administration building, [saultstemarie.com]

 

 

Saturday June 27th - Little Sailors Day     

 

KIDS RIDE FREE!

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

All day event, no reservation needed first come first serve.  

Calling all aspiring Little Sailors! Join us for a full day of hands‑on fun at Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, where kids ages 5–17 ride FREE (two kids per adult). This family‑favorite event transforms the waterfront into a lively maritime playground filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable adventures.

This event brings families and the local community together for one big day of maritime discovery, giving kids and young adults a chance to explore our region’s rich maritime industry and history in a fun, interactive way.

Some of our main features include:

• Kids Ride FREE on the Soo Locks Boat Tours (two kids per adult)
• Tour the Soo Marine Supply Boat Ojibway
• Michigan National Guard with boat rides & live demonstrations
• A chance to win a ride out to a freighter on the Western Great Lakes Pilot Boat
• Many more interactive stations, partners, and surprises throughout the day

Kids can enjoy a full lineup of sailor‑for‑a‑day activities:

• Throwing life rings
• Handling lines like a crew member
• Learning water safety
• Designing fleet flags
• Meeting our captains and crew
• Winning prizes and taking home souvenirs

Special Guests & Community Partners May Include:

• Interlake Steamship Company
• Western Great Lakes Pilot Association
• Soo Locks Children’s Museum
• Michigan National Guard
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Sault Tribe Law Enforcement
• Many other local organizations and community partners

Additional fun throughout the day includes:

• Face painting
• Build‑your‑own sundae bar
• Games, demonstrations, and interactive displays

Held during Engineers Weekend, this event adds even more excitement to a perfect time to visit Sault Ste. Marie. Last year, over 1,000 visitors joined us — and this year promises to be even bigger and better!

Don’t miss this unforgettable family event! Little Sailors Day is the perfect chance for kids to explore the water, learn new skills, and enjoy a fun‑filled maritime adventure.

For more info:  Little Sailors Day

   

Cruise With a Cause

Soo Locks Children’s Museum Charity Cruise 

 

Sunday June 28th 

Join us for a family fun-filled Fund Raising Event! Let's make this special!

Departure Time 4:30  

Join us for a heartwarming, family-friendly fundraising cruise as we come together to support the Soo Locks Children’s Museum—a brand‑new space dedicated to creativity, hands‑on learning, and inspiring young minds right here in Sault Ste. Marie.

As we sail the St. Marys River, you’ll enjoy prime views of Great Lakes freighters, beautiful waterfront scenery, and the one‑of‑a‑kind experience of being in the Soo Locks. It’s the perfect way to wrap up Engineers Weekend with your family, your friends, and your community.

Best of all?
This event is by donation, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Soo Locks Children’s Museum to help spark curiosity and imagination for generations of young explorers.

Check back soon for more details and exciting plans for this event!

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TWIN SAULTS - FIREWORKS CRUISES — JULY 1st & 4th

Celebrate two incredible nights on the St. Marys River as Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario light up the sky with their annual Canada Day and 4th of July fireworks shows. These back‑to‑back evenings are some of the most exciting events in the Twin Saults, and there’s no better way to experience them than on the water.

Our special discounted fireworks cruises make it easy for families to enjoy the celebration from the best vantage point — right on the river, where the fireworks reflect across the water and the views stretch across both cities. Whether you join us for July 1st, July 4th, or both, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable night of music, glow‑sticks, summertime fun, and the best views of the fireworks in Sault Ste. Marie.

Canada Day - July 1st

Departs At 9:15 PM   $15 Adult, $10 Kids

Celebrate Canada Day with a DYNAMITE night on the water!
Enjoy an approximately 1½‑hour cruise as we take in a gorgeous summer sunset, watch the river come alive with excitement, and then settle into the middle of the action for Canada’s spectacular fireworks show over the St. Marys River.

Come celebrate with our Canadian friends — Sault, Ontario really puts on quite a show! You’ll have unbeatable views as we position along the Southwest Pier of the Soo Locks, giving you the best sightlines on the water.

Enjoy great music, glow sticks, light‑up accessories, and a fun, festive atmosphere. Dress up with anything bright and celebratory — light‑up hats, glow necklaces, fun glasses, flashing stickers — and enjoy an unforgettable night on the river!

Key Notes

• Approx. 1½‑hour tour with fireworks viewing
• Music, glow accessories, and a fun Canada Day atmosphere
• Snacks & drinks available onboard
• Limited seating — reserve early for the best views
• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the event for a refund

 Reserve Your Spot

 

 Independence Day - July 4th 

 Departs At 9:15 PM   $15 Adult, $10 Kids

Get ready to HAVE A BLAST with our smoking‑hot 4th of July offer!
Enjoy an approximately 1½‑hour cruise as you take in the beautiful summer sunset, watch the river come alive with holiday excitement, and maybe even catch a freighter passing by before the fireworks begin. We’ll settle right into the middle of the action for an unforgettable fireworks show over the St. Marys River.

Celebrate Soo Locks style with great music and festive red, white & blue touches. Dress up with light‑up hats, glow necklaces, fun glasses, stickers — anything spirited and bright — as we park alongside the Southwest Pier of the Soo Locks to enjoy the fireworks with the best view on the water!

Key Notes

• Approx. 1½‑hour tour with fireworks viewing
• Music, glow accessories, festive 4th of July atmosphere, best views on the water
• Snacks & drinks available onboard
• Limited seating — reserve early for the best experience
• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the event for a refund

 Reserve Your Spot

SUPERHERO DAY

July 11, 2026  All-Day Event 

Calling all superheroes! Suit up, set sail, and save the day! Unleash your inner avenger for an epic adventure on the St. Mary's River.  Unite with family and friends for a bold journey through the incredible Soo Locks and experience a day of heroism, bravery, and super-sized fun! 

July Boatnerd Cruise - Sunset Cruise

Friday July 17, 2026   

Departure Time 7:30 PM   Adults $28, Kids $8 

Set sail on a 2½–3 hour July Boatnerd Cruise, timed for the warm summer evenings when the St. Marys River is alive with activity. With comfortable temperatures and long daylight hours, this cruise is perfect for Freighter Chasing, photography, and enjoying the Soo Locks in peak-season style.

Our carefully planned summer route brings you up close to Great Lakes freighters, giving Boatnerds, Ship Junkies, families, and first-time visitors unforgettable views and photo opportunities. Whether we see one ship or several, there’s no better place for warm-weather maritime fun than out on the water.

Enjoy a lively, summer atmosphere featuring:

• Prime freighter viewing just yards away
• Light appetizers, pizza, and soft drinks courtesy of our generous sponsors
• Special guests with ship stories, maritime history, and Q&A
• Games, local prizes, and giveaways
• Topside viewing at its best in the warm summer breeze
• Fun for the whole family, with something for every age

Freighter traffic can vary, and while it’s rare not to see a ship, being on the water with fellow Boatnerds is half the fun. After all — we’re in the same boat! 

Our Boatnerd Cruises fill up quickly, so we recommend reserving your tickets early. Bring a friend, bring your camera, fun for all ages! — the more Boatnerds on board, the better!

 Reserve Your Spot

WESTERN CRUISE

July 18, 2026  All-Day Event

Yeehaw! Saddle up and mosey on down to the hoedown cruise. Don’t forget your hat and boots, and be ready to say 'Howdy' to the crew. Step aboard for a rootin'-tootin' adventure filled with Western tunes played between our engaging narrations. Perfect for all ages, this cruise promises a delightful journey through time. Put on your cowboy hat and prairie dress, and do the sidestep with us on a rootin'-tootin' adventure, celebrating the iconic sounds and styles of the Wild West.

PIRATE DAY

JULY 25, 2026  All-Day Event   

Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a swashbucklin’ adventure like no other! Join us for a day of pirate fun as we sail down the river and hunt for hidden treasures. Dress up in your finest pirate attire and dive into the action! Prizes and riches to be had! Yo-ho-ho! Don’t miss out on the fun! So gather your crew and join us for an unforgettable pirate adventure on the river.

GROOVY 1960s

AUGUST 1, 2026  All-Day Event

Peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll! Dig up your psychedelic patterns, bell-bottoms, mini skirts, and go-go boots for a swinging good time. Step aboard our lock tour and be transported back to the colorful 60s era, where every moment is filled with lively music played between our engaging narrations. Perfect for all ages, this tour promises a delightful journey through time, celebrating the iconic sounds and styles that defined the 60s. Who wouldn't want to dress up like the 60s?  

THE 70'S FLASHBACK

AUGUST 8, 2026  All-Day Event

Channel your inner dancing queen and groove through the Soo Locks! Go full 70's in your disco sequins, oversize sunglasses, flowing sleeves and high-waistes flares. Come glammed up and glitter ready for a far-out cruise on the St. Mary's River!

BACK TO THE 80'S

AUGUST 15, 2026  All-Day Event

Sail back in time for the ultimate 1980s costume cruise!  Let that retro big hair reach sky high! Dig out your neon, leg warmers and scrunchies!   Take a chill pill and do some maxin' and relaxin' to some rad 80's tunes. You'll have a totally bodacious time as the Soo Locks meets the boom box!

COSTUME DAY

AUGUST 22, 2026 All-Day Event   

Dress up in whatever sparks joy for you! Spooky, silly, glamorous, cozy, classic, or out of this world!  This is a theme cruise like no other-no categories, no pressure.  Just show up in whatever feels the most fun! Choose your look, claim your vibe, and ride it through the Soo Locks.

 

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Celebrate the NFL Season Kickoff!

September 10, 2026  All-Day Event

Show off your love for your NFL team by wearing your team's colors. Participants will receive discounted tickets. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate the start of the season in style!  

 

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906 Day

Sept 6, 2026 All-Day Event

Welcome to da UP, Eh! Dress like a Yooper on our honorary day of the year. Join us in celebrating the unique spirit of the Upper Peninsula! 

 

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Fall Boatnerd Cruise - Sunset Cruise

Saturday September 26, 2026 

Departure Time 5:00 PM   Adults $28, Kids $8

Join us for the Fall Boatnerd Cruise, our last Boatnerd adventure of the season! This special 2½–3 hour evening cruise combines freighter excitement with the beauty of autumn on the St. Marys River. As the leaves begin to change, the shoreline comes alive with color — creating an unforgettable backdrop for freighter photography and evening ship‑spotting.

Our carefully planned fall route brings you up close to Great Lakes freighters, offering incredible views during one of the most scenic times of year. Whether we spot one ship or several, the mix of freighters, fall colors, and crisp fresh air makes this cruise a guest favorite.

Enjoy a cozy, autumn atmosphere featuring:

• Prime freighter viewing with colorful fall scenery
• Light appetizers, pizza, and soft drinks courtesy of our generous sponsors
• Special guests sharing maritime stories, facts, and Q&A
• Games, local prizes, and giveaways
• A nicely heated main cabin to keep you comfortable on cool fall evenings
• Topside viewing available—just bring a warm layer for the fresh autumn air
• Fun for the whole family during one of the most beautiful times on the river

Plus, fall is your last chance to enjoy many downtown Sault Ste. Marie shops before they wind down for the season—perfect for making a full day of your visit.

Freighter traffic can vary, and while it’s rare not to see a ship, being on the water with fellow Boatnerds is half the fun. After all — we’re in the same boat! 

Our Boatnerd Cruises fill up quickly, so we recommend reserving your tickets early. Bring a friend, bring your camera, fun for all ages! — the more Boatnerds on board, the better!

   Reserve Your Spot