Sault Sainte Marie Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Sault Sainte Marie is a charming city that offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known as the oldest city in Michigan, it is located on the banks of the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Sault Sainte Marie is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities and attractions that will captivate visitors of all ages.

One of the main highlights of Sault Sainte Marie is the Soo Locks, a marvel of engineering that allows ships to navigate the 21-foot drop between the two Great Lakes. Visitors can witness the impressive sight of massive freighters passing through the locks, providing a unique and unforgettable experience. The Soo Locks Boat Tours offer guided excursions that provide a deeper understanding of the history and operation of these incredible structures.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Sault Sainte Marie is a gateway to breathtaking natural landscapes. The city is surrounded by lush forests, sparkling lakes, and picturesque hiking trails. The Hiawatha National Forest, just a short drive away, offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The nearby Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, where visitors can marvel at the cascading beauty and enjoy scenic hiking trails.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Sault Sainte Marie. The River of History Museum provides a comprehensive look into the region's past, from Native American settlements to French fur traders and the industrial era. The Historic Water Street District is lined with beautifully preserved buildings, offering a glimpse into the city's architectural heritage. Visitors can also explore the Tower of History, an iconic 210-foot tall structure that provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical significance, Sault Sainte Marie boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Soo Theatre Project hosts a variety of performances, including theater productions, concerts, and film screenings. The city is also home to numerous art galleries and studios, showcasing the works of talented local artists.

Alternative names: Founded: 1668 (356 years ago)Area: 20.16 mi²Elevation: 610 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°29'54"N, 84°20'49"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Sault Sainte Marie Top Attractions

Sault Sainte Marie Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sault Sainte Marie offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, SS Valley Camp, Holy Name of Mary Pro-Cathedral. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Canal
Soo Locks
The Soo Locks are a set of parallel locks, operated and maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, that enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. They are located on the St.
Bridge
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge
The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge spans the St. Marys River between the United States and Canada connecting the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The bridge is operated by the International Bridge Administration under the direction of the Sault Ste.
Museum • Ship
SS Valley Camp
SS Valley Camp is a lake freighter that served on the Great Lakes for almost 50 years and is now a museum ship in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Holy Name of Mary Pro-Cathedral
Holy Name of Mary Proto-Cathedral, also known as St. Mary Proto-Cathedral, is a historic Roman Catholic parish church in Sault Ste.
Universities and schools
Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University is a public university in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It is Michigan's smallest public university, with an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students.
Museum • Historical place • Observation decks and towers
Tower of History Museum
The Tower of History is a 210-foot observation tower in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Located at 326 E. Portage Avenue, it was the tallest observation tower in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan when completed in 1968.
Nightlife • Bars and clubs • Gambling
Kewadin Casino
Kewadin Casino, Hotel and Convention Center is a casino, hotel, and convention center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan which opened in November 1985. It is one of the Kewadin Casinos, which are all owned and operated by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Central Methodist Episcopal Church
Central Methodist Episcopal Church is a United States historic church at 111 E. Spruce Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1993.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Saint James' Episcopal Church
Saint James' Episcopal Church is a historic church at 533 Bingham Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Church • Romanesque architecture
First United Presbyterian Church
First United Presbyterian Church is a historic church at 309 Lyon Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The original church building was constructed in 1902 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
46°30'1"N • 84°20'45"W
Sault Ste. Marie Historic Commercial District
The Sault Ste. Marie Historic Commercial District is a primarily commercial historic district located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
46°29'53"N • 84°20'43"W
Chippewa County Courthouse
The Chippewa County Courthouse is a government building located on Court Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It is one of the oldest courthouses still in use in Michigan.
Museum • History museum
Elmwood
Elmwood, also known as the Henry Rowe Schoolcraft House, the Schoolcraft House or the Indian Agency, is a frame house located at 435 East Water Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Bridge
Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Company
Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Company is a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Central Ltd. It operates a railroad bridge over the St. Marys River between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Bridge
Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge
The Sault Ste. Marie Railroad Bridge was originally built in 1887. It runs parallel to the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. It has nine Camelback spans and carries a single line of track.
46°30'7"N • 84°20'59"W
Soo Locks Administration Building
View point • Park
Church
Church of Our Saviour
Church of Our Saviour, Friend of Children, also known as Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, is a church located on North Shore Road on Sugar Island, near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
46°29'55"N • 84°20'16"W
John Johnston House
The John Johnston House is a private house located at 415 Park Place in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958.
46°30'31"N • 84°21'38"W
Sault Sainte Marie Border Crossing
The Sault Sainte Marie Border Crossing connects the cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It is located at the St. Marys River and the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. The U.S. Port of Entry was established in 1843 as the cities on each shore of the river grew.

Day trips

Sault Sainte Marie – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sault Sainte Marie, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Fort Mackinac (Mackinac Island), Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Paradise and Whitefish Bay), Father Marquette National Memorial (St. Ignace).

46 milesS
Museum, Military base, Military museum
Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, Fort Mackinac invites visitors to step back in time on the historic Mackinac Island in the United States. This well-preserved military outpost, now operating as a museum, offers a unique glimpse...
35 milesNW
Specialty museum, Maritime museum, Museum
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise and Whitefish Bay
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is located at the Whitefish Point Light Station 11 miles north of Paradise in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Michigan.
48 milesS
Memorial
Father Marquette National Memorial, St. Ignace
Father Marquette National Memorial pays tribute to the life and work of Jacques Marquette, French priest and explorer. The memorial is located in Straits State Park near St.
46 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Skull Cave, Mackinac Island
Skull Cave is a small and shallow cave on the central heights of Mackinac Island in Michigan, United States. The cave was carved during the Algonquin post-glacial period by the waters of Lake Algonquin, a swollen meltwater ancestor of today's Lake Huron.
46 milesS
Museum, Specialty museum, Art museum
Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Mackinac Island
The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum is an art museum located in the historic Indian Dormitory building on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

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Best Time To Visit Sault Sainte Marie

Learn when is the best time to travel to Sault Sainte Marie weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Sault Sainte Marie?

The top attractions to visit in Sault Sainte Marie are:

What is the best time to visit Sault Sainte Marie?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.