Sault Ste. Marie

Where Michigan Was Born - www.saultstemarie.com  

Sault Ste. Marie means, "the Rapids of Saint Mary", in French. The Saint Mary's River, connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron, and it is along the banks, and on the river, that visitors find much of what makes a getaway here so special. No matter what brings people to the “Soo”, the sight of 1,000 foot long Great Lakes freighters, called “lakers”, making their way through the locks, will be lasting memory. The Soo Locks are a major attraction, and the river is just a block from Portage Avenue, but there is a lot more to see and do.

hydroelectric plant

Another feature of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, is the distinctive architecture, of several historic structures. The Chippewa County Historical Society History Center is housed in an 1899 building, that originally housed the Sault Ste. Marie News. Next to that, corner of Ashmun Street and Portage Avenue, is Island Books & Crafts. This is another historic building, that was the Sault Savings Bank, and that housed the Traverse Bay Woolen Company. Then there is Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s, historic hydroelectric plant. The building is impossible to miss, it's nearly a quarter mile long, and has been in operation for over 100 years. It is the longest, horizontal shaft, hydroelectric plant in the world, and has been in operation since 1902. The Chippewa County Court House building has to be seen to be appreciated. We just don't build them like this anymore.
 
Day 1 – Around Town - Tower of History, S.S. Valley Camp, River of History Museum and more.
Day 2 - Road Trips - Point Iroquois Lighthouse - Tahquamenon Falls - Whitefish Bay National Scenic Byway.
Day 3 - Nature Areas - Hiawatha National Forest, Brady Park, Minneapolis Woods, Voyageur Island Park, and more.
Winter Fun - Snow Tubing, I-500 Snowmobile Races

For lodging information, and details about the attractions in town, contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau 225 E. Portage Ave. (906)-632-3366