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City in Michigan, United States
Photo: US Army Corps of Engineers, Richard McDonald, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Sault Ste Marie (pronounced Soo-Saint-Marie) or (the Soo as called by the locals) is a city of 14,000 people (2010) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, across the river from the twin city of Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario in Canada.
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The world's longest canal-powered electric plant and dominates the shoreline east of the downtown area. Alford Park overlooks the St Mary's River, where you can relax for a picnic lunch to watch the big ships go by. Brady Park, established on the site of the original Ft. Brady, includes a tourist information center, a Japanese torii arch, the famous "musical fountain," and a comfortable atmosphere from which the big ships can be seen going through the locks. In the winter, the world’s biggest snowmobile racing event is held at the I-500 Snowmobile Track.
The world’s largest system of locks, including the largest lock in the Western Hemisphere: it has been a major feature of Sault Ste. Marie since the first major lock was built in the mid-19th century.
It's in the former Federal Building on the waterfront, and has exhibits that will guide you through the fascinating history of the area from the most ancient times to the present. It includes the “Ship’s Store” souvenir shop.
Housed in a huge retired "laker" - an actual ore-carrying ship. The museum contains many artifacts of maritime history on the Great Lakes, including mementos of the famed Edmund Fitzgerald wreck.
The oldest church still in use in Sault Ste Marie, built in 1881. Next door to it is the Tower of History was built as a Catholic Church memorial to the early missionaries to the area. This 200-foot-tall tower is a terrific place to view the St. Mary’s River and the countryside for many miles around. It also includes museum displays.
It's on the former grounds of the second Fort Brady and has a great hockey team. The campus is pretty and well worth a walk through, as it overlooks the wide St Mary's valley and has a view of the International Bridge over to Canada. Some beautiful views are at night, as the campus is elevated and you can see the distant lights of the Canadian side.
A 210-foot (64-m) tower explaining the history of the city and its famous locks, as well as an observation deck to see them and other nearby landmarks and attractions.
Amidst the kitschy tourist shops is this restaurant with a large plate-glass front offering views of the passing street traffic. Its Lake Superior whitefish is fresh and excellent! On those hot and muggy days, it is well air conditioned too.
This 1950s-style "hamburger stand" has good burgers and fries. It has a large parking area where you eat in your car, and can park facing the beautiful St. Mary's River and watch the lake freighters pass by up close. Closed in winter.
It's an old-school classic. Steaks and fish. Tons of amazing taxidermy items and arcana hanging everywhere. Numerous steam whistles are mounted to the ceiling and are blown when a local dignitary enters (or whenever they feel the need). The whistles are painfully loud.
Offers Americanized Mexican food.
Known for their large number of beers on tap and decent bar food, including a variety of burgers and appetizers.
Open seasonally, best burger in town, huge portions, a little hard to find.
Open every day but Sunday, with music and dancing.
Full menu of Italian and American foods, plus a buffet and soup and salad bar. Family owned and operated, huge portion sizes, reasonable prices and many homemade items.
Indoor pool and hot tub open till midnight. Free wireless access throughout. Fridge, microwave, coffee pot, 27" flat screen TV, free HBO in each room. Free local and toll free calls. Jacuzzi rooms available. Free breakfast from 6AM to 9:30AM.
Free high speed wireless internet and deluxe breakfast in the morning.
Great place, campground kept clean, on river so you can go fishing, great views of ships coming by. There is a store in the middle of the campground where you can by firewood, food, souvenirs and more. It has an arcade, billiards and a swing set by and in that building. The Ojibway supply boat launches just to the right of the campground.
Opened in 1927 part of the Historic Society of Michigan.
By bus
By plane
Also on the Ontario side: Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM).
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Sault Ste Marie · Regional · YAM
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