What to do and see in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (MI): The Best Things to do Good for Kids

September 8, 2021 Major Galusha

Sault Ste. Marie /ˌsuː seɪnt məˈriː/ is a city in, and the county seat of, Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the northeastern end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, on the Canada–US border, and separated from its twin city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, by the St. Marys River. The city is relatively isolated from other communities in Michigan and is 346 miles from Detroit. The population was 14,144 at the 2010 census, making it the second-most populous city in the Upper Peninsula. By contrast, the Canadian Sault Ste. Marie is much larger, with more than 75,000 residents, based on more extensive industry developed in the 20th century and an economy with closer connections to other communities.
Restaurants in Sault Ste. Marie

1. Soo Locks

Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 +1 800-647-2858 http://www.saultstemarie.com/soo-locks-46/
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,634 reviews

Soo Locks

Reviewed By AuntieM64

There is a viewing platform that is 3 levels tall right next to the Soo Locks so that people can see the freighters upbound - going west on the Great Lakes or downbound - going East on the Great Lakes. There is a phone number that you can also call to find out the schedule of the next ships to arrive. The town of Sault Ste. Marie is not a very big place and the viewing platform is right on the main street of the town with motels and restaurants right near it. I was watching ships arrive and depart for about 3 hours and saw many different classes of boats and ships. It is a unique experience if you have never seen something like this before, and wonderful for children and is absolutely free - but you and your purses and backpacks will be searched before being allowed into the enclosed area.

2. Soo Locks Boat Tours

Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 613 reviews

Soo Locks Boat Tours

We are a top 5 Michigan Attraction that has been offering exciting tours through the famous Soo Locks since 1934. Over the years we have grown to a fleet of five tour vessels and two dock facilities in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Located only 50 miles north of Mackinac Bridge, we are a must-see destination in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. We offer a wide variety of maritime sightseeing adventures, including our popular Soo Locks sightseeing tours, Dinner Cruises, and adventurous Lighthouse Cruises. Our season runs from mid May through mid October. Please visit our website for dates and times of departure.

3. Museum Ship Valley Camp

501 E Water St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-2038 +1 906-632-3658 [email protected] http://www.saulthistoricsites.com/museum-ship-valley-camp/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 393 reviews

Museum Ship Valley Camp

We are open Mid-May to Mid October! For more information click on the website link on Tripadvisor. Retired Great Lakes Freighter with over 100 exhibits on Shipping and Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes. Access into the Engine Room, walk the Upper Deck to see crew quarters and pilot house. 3 levels to tour with ramp system for easy access. Last tickets and entry an hour before closing.

Reviewed By midlandmike2015 - Midland, United States

We really enjoyed the self guided tour and history of the ship and waters she plied. The articats displayed were very impressive.

4. Rotary Island Park

Sugar Island, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Park/152167664796661
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 94 reviews

Rotary Island Park

Reviewed By warnermrs - Mason, United States

Can easily wade in the river while watching boats go by. Perfectly placed benches for you to sit by the river. Ample picnic tables for those who grab a meal from Clyde’s next door. The play area has hand sanitizer.

5. Water Street Historic Block

405 E Water St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-2049 +1 906-632-3658 [email protected] http://www.saulthistoricsites.com/water-street-historic-block-7/
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Water Street Historic Block

6. Lockside Mini Golf

447 W Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1989 +1 906-259-7500 https://www.facebook.com/LocksideMiniGolf/
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Lockside Mini Golf

Outdoor, recreation, fitness. 18 holes of putt-putt fun! We're located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan across from the world famous Soo Locks. Now able to serve beer, wine, hard cider and other beverages on the course! Food available at our restaurant, Karl's Cuisine, adjacent to the mini golf course.

Reviewed By Travelinklan - Frankenmuth, United States

A fun and challenging course with lots of water. Not a huge course but I have to give them kudos for using every inch of space. Very clean and well kept. My family loves Miniature Golf and this has to be one of the best courses in Northern Michigan.

7. River of History Museum

531 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1907 +1 906-632-1999 [email protected] http://www.riverofhistory.org/
Excellent
44%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 32 reviews

River of History Museum

River of History Museum follows the History of the St. Mary's River and Sault Ste. Marie from the glacial period to the present day use of the River. Information on the French, Native American, Fur trading, lumbering and fishing of the area. Short videos and hands on exhibits along with an audio tour with specialized audio wands. Last tickets and entry 30 minutes before closing.

Reviewed By Babu2773 - Chicago, United States

This museum packs a lot more than it looks like it will from the outside. Rooms are filled with winding paths that are chock full of exhibits and information. An audio tour enhances your visit, even if it does become a bit long with information with the stories that are being told. A hockey exhibit makes you wonder how anyone survived hockey with the little protection they wore! If you are in town and looking to learn about the area's history, this museum is worth a visit. We took about 90 minutes to tour it, while others just walked through, so it will give you what you are looking for.

8. Tower of History

326 E Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-2056 +1 906-632-3658 [email protected] http://www.saulthistoricsites.com/tower-of-history
Excellent
34%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
9%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 196 reviews

Tower of History

The Tower of History has Native American artifacts and 15 min video on the early history of Sault Ste. Marie, MI in the lower level. Express elevator up to a series of observation decks, one glass enclosed and 2 open aired levels for the 360 degree view of Sault Ste. Marie MI and Ontario plus the St. Mary's River System. Great place to view passing Freighters! Last tickets and entry 30 minutes before closing.

Reviewed By 454christinac - Nashville, United States

Great views from the tower of history. Things are relatively well labeled to show you where things are located and what they are. Some local artifacts in the lobby.

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