Soo Locks Reviews

We were able to visit the Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Right in the center of town (we rode our bikes from Soo Locks Campground)to see and learn more about the locks transferring ships; even up to 1014 ft; between Lake Huren via St. Mary River and Lake Superior. $$FREE
They have beautiful grounds, a visitor center and a viewing platform. You could spend a whole day watching the "ships go by"

Such a cool thing to watch. The viewing deck and visitor center were closed due to COVID, but they still had the list up of ships/times for the day. There were also people around to answer questions and talk about the process. Seeing the massive ships up close and watching them rise or lower was cool. Kids will not want to spend a long time here.

Don't let the dated look of the building and gift shop keep you from taking this tour. The history behind this incredible functioning structure is impressive and only topped by riding through it. We were more fortunate to encounter large freighter passing through opposite us. We were also fascinated with the work progression on the proposed NEW lock to be completed in 2030. Literally watching history in the making. Surprised they are not selling bags of excavated rock as pieces of history.
Boat captain and tour guide was fun and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this experience.

We went to see the locks but decided on the boat tour. It was pretty a long boat ride, but cool to go through the locks. Staff very friendly.

We had planned to take a boat ride through the locks, but due to rain and a cold wind, we decided to skip the boat and just visit the visitor center and observation deck. We spent a very enjoyable and informative time there. We even saw one of the tour boats go through as well as a couple of barges and a tugboat. We have visited other locks, but the process is always very interesting and was certainly worth our time.

Since the free parking was a few blocks away, we just fed quarters in the parking meter on the street in front of the visitor center. A guard at the entrance to the grounds inspects bags.

The locks were a unique experience, I've never seen anything like it. We were lucky enough to see a ship pass through. Would not recommend to bring your kids here as they would be easily bored. Decent experience.

The park, visitor center and viewing stands are great. The Soo Locks Boat Tour is a must to do on anyone's list as it is very interesting & educational.

This was the first time we've toured the locks and St. Mary's River from the USA side. Years ago we toured using the Canadian lock tours operation which sadly closed. The narrator was informative, the scenery was beautiful. Although a windy day, you had the option of sitting above deck or inside. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

The rich history and the engineering feat of the Locks are Amazing! The visitor center has some information posted on the walls with photos and facts. There are a few displays that help you understand the enormity of the challenge to move goods through the 'falls" on the St. Marys River. There is a video that can be watched. The entire site is free. The viewing platform has a ramp to the first level. To get to the top level you must be able to climb stairs. Most freighters/ships are announced by a narrator as they enter the locks.

The process of raising a 1000 foot freighter is slow, doesn't look very exciting and most children get bored with it rather quickly. There doesn't appear to be a lot happening during the process, but if you learn the steps necessary it's fascinating.

If this review has helped you make a decision to visit the visitor center, please give it a thumbs up. Thanks, I appreciate it. Happy Vacationing!

Weather cooperated on this June day, to beckon us to travel the extra miles to see the Soo Locks. It was a very interesting experience . . . two large ships (and two smaller boats) locked through, while we visited. The welcome/information center, right next to the observation area, was a wealth of information. Do plan to spend some time here, as well. We learned a lot! Then, stroll the downtown area (across the street), and find food and other refreshments!

It was amazing to see these gigantic ore ships going thru the locks
and the visitors center provided a great explanation of the history and operation of the locks

No admission is charged to enter. The Soo Locks Visitor Center has the schedule of ships passing through the locks, as well as displays with more information. Close views of ships passing through the locks can be experienced from two levels of observation platforms.

MacArthur Lock is located approximately a dozen steps from the observation platforms, and the variance in water levels between the lock chamber and St. Mary’s River is easily seen at this lock. There is also a great view of the International Bridge. This is probably the largest lock system in the State of Michigan.

Some of the busiest locks in the United States, with freighters up to 1,000 feet long still carrying iron ore, coal, and other cargoes between Lakes Superior and Huron, with some ships going all the way through the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Atlantic Ocean. The free U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center, located within yards of the locks and open 9 AM-9 PM, has excellent exhibits and films. The free observation deck, with the same hours, overlooks the locks and allows one to watch ships transit up and down through the locks. It's mesmerizing and equally so after dark. One interesting fact is that the locks were so important to U.S. industry that they were protected by thousands of U.S. Army soldiers, barrage balloons, and anti-aircraft guns during both World War II and the Korean War.

Enjoyed visiting the Soo Locks and watching a large freighter
go through the Locks. The viewing area is large and has two levels to accommodate a large number of people. The process
of going through the Locks is a slow one, so it requires some
patience and might be tough for very young children. There is
a tour boat that travels through the Locks and I will review it separately. The viewing stand is free and easy to access.

My husband wanted to stop by while in the area and we had good timing as a freighter had just entered into the locks - so we got to see the water recede and fill again. I would plan for an hour to watch the process but it is quite impressive. There's a nice covered, open air observation deck. The grounds were clean and the visitor center had lots of information - and a schedule of when freighters would be coming in. Worth the stop when in the area. No admission fee for the observation deck.

The Corps has a small park available for visitors to watch mostly Great Lakes ships “lock through” the Soo Locks. They’ve provided a multi tier overlook for folks to watch the locks in action. It’s really fascinating to see the big ships come in. In addition to the overlook, the Corps offers a visitors center with GREAT information (including a board with information on the ships that will lock through each day) and restrooms. They’ve done a great job here and it’s well worth the stop.

The cruise was great but what I especially want to note is the female guide on our boat on the 12:30pm tour on 8/27/19. She was perfection. She spoke clearly, had no “uh” and “um” hesitations. No noticeable accent or spoken idiosyncrasies. Absolutely the best spoken word tour guide I have ever had.

First time at the Soo Locks. FREE! Security to get in but that’s it. Fairly simple process. You walk right up the a viewing area. Steps or ramps. Technically outdoors but there is limited seating and roof that covers the viewing area. We saw a small cruise ship go through and then a larger ship came next. Indoor area with history, movie area, pictures and all sorts of displays. Nice bathrooms. Sorry I didn’t visit sooner. Loved it.

A privilege to pass through the Locks. After our boat cruise thru the locks, we drove to the observation area and watched 2 large freighters, a cabin cruiser, tour boat, barge with crane and tugboat rise 21 feet go to into Lake Superior or descent 21 feet to go into Lake Huron. A marvel. Spend a good 1/2 day.

Best way to experience the Soo Locks is to take the boat tour. This tour takes you through the US and Canadian Locks. And, the boat tour does a "show and tell" of the history and industry of the area. Added to this, you can visit the Soo Locks Museum and watch the freighters go through the US locks.

We wanted to go here really badly on our trip to the UP of MI, and we were happy we made the visit. We visited the locks, the museum, and witnessed the mighty ships passing through the Locks. We also took the ferry/boat cruise through the locks and watched the water rise and fall and waited to the door closed / then reopened to let us through. One word : Amazing !!

Great tour with nice history dialogue. 2 locks Big and small. See Canada up close and personal. Learn so much about the Straits industry past and present and some future

First, you have to park. If you park in front of the locks there is a very confusing set of parking meters. A phone call - not the the number on the meters but to the visitor center - got us the great information that parking just behind us was free. We moved the car. Next, you go through a bag check to enter the grounds. The information center is modern and moderately interesting. They did keep you informed about ships going through the locks and we were told about a good spot where we could sit and see the ship. What they don’t tell you is that the ship is moving very, very slowly. It could be a good hour between when you can spot it and when it enters the lock. We did save a lot of money though because while we were waiting, we saw one of the tour boats enter another of the locks and spend an endless amount of time in it. Since one of the touted experiences of the expensive tour boat ride was going through more than one lock, we knew this was something we could miss. Watching grass grow or paint dry would be similarly interesting after a short time.

Came to see the Soo Locks. Very impressive. I had downloaded an app that gave the maritime traffic which is very helpful to know when something was coming. Visitor center was very informative.

take boat trip. 2 hours and was fantastic. Went thru locks and then seen other interesting spots. Boat was clean and captain very knowledgeable.

The Visitor Center was very informative and the viewing platform was good. Entrance was free, but parking outside on the streets may be bothersome at peak season. Use their website ahead of time for the telephone number to get an update of any ships traveling through the locks.

Great way to see the ships up close. Visitor center has a rough schedule of the ships that are passing thru the locks. Pretty amazing to watch the ship enter the lock and be raised or lowered. Definitely something that is worth seeing when you're visiting the Upper Peninsula.

A cool visit to the locks to learn how boats manage between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Nice little visit and lesson into northern Michigan

Loved it, but please read the negative reviews as many of them ARE accurate.
It could be considered boring. Watching water rise and fall may not interest you.
Check to see if any ships will be passing through or you risk a very boring visit.
The Visitor Center is nice and the video is informative. The Observation Deck offers a great view.
It is free. The people were helpful. The Security Guard who roots through your pocketbook thinks she is a SWAT Team Member on a job.
We also did the Soo Locks boat tour, which is a separate, private business.

A wonderful 2 hours spent hearing about and experiencing the marvel of the locks and the information about the area. Worthwhile for sure.

It was a rainy day when we visited but the Viewing Tower was covered so it was pleasant to watch the ships go up and down in the locks. There were several large Lakers going through the locks going both ways. Very cool to watch these huge ships being raised and lowerd in the locks. There is also a tour boat that can take through the locks

we arrived in time to see a lot of activity late morning to mid day. Left for a picnic then ended up coming back to a flurry of activity again till 6:30 or 7 that night. We'd planned to do some other things but... just ended up fascinated with the locks, the huge ships and ... just a fun, fun day!

Very interesting boat ride. We learned a lot about the history and really enjoyed the ride. However, this is a long ride and parents with children should be prepared with that. We had a family with 4 small screaming children the entire time. The parents literally allowed it the entire time. We had to move seats to try enjoy our sightseeing day

It had been about 40 years since I had been to the locks. Brought back a lot of fond memories with my family. There was also some changes. There is now an observation deck which makes a nice vantage point. Also, a number that you can call to find out ETA of incoming ships. The visitors center is nice as well. There is a security check point to get into the park area.

Interesting place to visit. They have a very nice park on the Michigan side. There were no boats while we were there so we didn’t Get to see it in operation.

You can stand behind an iron fence and watch ships enter the locks but the observation deck is closed due to COVID which makes the experience underwhelming.

Visitors center and viewing deck big hits with our tweens. We got lucky and freighters were there both times we stopped by, but if you’re not so lucky, check the schedule in the visitors center.

The visitor's center here is great for those new to this area. The locks and freighter are AWESOME. So interesting to see the ships raise or descend 21 feet to enter the lower lakes o Lake Superior. MUST see!!

This is really a unique and appealing experience. You don’t often get to watch these monster sized freighters up close and see the men and women in action moving the ships through the locks. The area has several small museums full of interesting information.

Free to visit and well worth it to watch the freighters come through. There is a great observation deck where you can stand and watch the freighters. It almost seems like you can reach out and touch them when they are in front of you. It is very cool to see them on the lakes but when they pass by 20-30ft in front of you it is definitely a perspective that is worth going to see.

Such a good time watching the locks fill and raise the boats and release the water and drop the boats depending where they came from. Interesting things to learn. Awesome International Experience.

Loved having a person in the viewing area prepared and able to give information and answer questions. Even some information during the arrival of ships such as size, where it was going etc. Very informative and free.

What an engineering marvel! This was one of our favorite stops on our adventure to the UP. The information station posts when ships are coming through so we could plan our shopping/walking time around it. Everyone is so friendly and helpful in Sault Sainte Marie. We had a great experience.

Had a good time walking around the facility and some neat information in the info center. Had a ship come through while we were there.

My wife and I arrived on a Thursday morning about the time that the Park and its Visitor Center were opening. After getting through security, we went into the Center and looked through the exhibits there. The Center is clean, comfortable, well-staffed and contains numerous photographs, exhibits and literature. One of the staff members said that no ship was due to pass through the lock for an hour or so, but we still walked out to the viewing platform and took a look. We are accustomed to visiting various locks and dams along the Tennessee River and so we have a basic understanding of how a lock operates. The Soo Locks are different in a couple of ways - there four locks and not just one and the difference in the water levels between Huron and Superior is only 21 feet. If you have never seen a lock in operation, it is fascinating to watch and so I am sure that this attraction would be interesting to many for that reason.

One of America’s most important shipping lanes and critical to our security in the event of foreign attack. Fun to watch these monster ships squeezing into such a narrow space. These captains earn their way navigating these locks.

We enjoyed watching the boats come into the locks and then to watch the water fall (in our case) to bring the boat to the proper level to continue on its journey. It is amazing how quickly the water level can change. The viewing area at the Visitor's Center was good. It was misting rain and cool so having a shelter to watch from was nice.

The Soo locks provide a unique opportunity to see old working canal locks - at least for now. New locks are being built in order to accommodate the 1000 footers. It is fascinating to watch the ships sail into the locks with only inches on either side between the ship and canal lock. The amount of water moved within the lock system is amazing. truly an engineering marvel, especially considering that the older locks were built at the turn of the last century! Take the boat tour if you have time, its well worth the money.

My spouse and I just completed a 1,960-mile road trip around Lake Superior. We live on the lake just 25-miles up the north shore from Duluth at the western tip. One of the things we most wanted to see, and better understand, were the Soo Locks, where the boats, which we watch go by our lake home, go from Lake Superior to Lake Huron. We purposely on our road trip stayed two nights in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (The US side of Sault Ste. Marie has the two–currently operating–locks that handle the big boats, including the 1,000-ft. boats carrying iron ore. The Canadian side only has one operating lock that only handles pleasure boats) as we wanted to spend an entire day at the locks. We spent the morning at the Soo Locks Visitor Center, which has no charge, and provides great background into Lake Superior shipping and the Soo Locks. It also posts the daily schedule of the ships going through the locks and has informed staff to answer questions. In the afternoon we took a boat tour through the locks, having bought our tickets online in advance. That evening, after a great meal at The Wicked Sister bar & grill and ice cream at Zac & Mac's, we spent time at the three story observation deck right along the locks. We watched a 700-footer go through the locks, and then three 1,000-footers in a line awaiting their turn through the locks.

After our time through Canada, this was a hard a fast return to traffic, crowds, and souvenir stores as we reentered the States. However, we really wanted to see the Locks since we were there. Parking is on-street and can be hard to come by on busy days. Expect to have bags searched upon entry. There is an interesting interpretive center available to wander through before heading out to see the Locks. While we just missed a large freighter coming through, we were able to climb the steps of the observation deck to see two tourist boats go through, so it was fun to see them in operation when we were there. Good activity for families and nice grounds to wander between the building and the canal.

This was our first time to visit the Soo Locks. We only had one afternoon/evening here as we were traveling in the area. We enjoyed the locks and visitor center so much that we spent all our time here and did not leave to do the other things we had planned to do. There are people here to answer your questions, but the visitor center has good displays that explain what you will see. We got to see several small boats go through the locks together as well as one so large that it filled the lock by itself. You can watch this from one of several platform levels right beside the locks. One is somewhat enclosed and the other is open. You can watch from ground level but you will have a better view from the platform. Interesting to watch and a nice way to spend our day here. Check the website for hours … the visitor center may close before the park does. The park is very attractive and has a fence around it so that it can be closed. Boats come through all hours of the day or night and there are websites to help you know when one will arrive. The visitor center also posts the next few ships arriving on a board by the information desk. Highly recommend this!

The town was very friendly, and it was a learning experience to check out the Sue bridge and locks. I would highly recommend anyone visiting the upper peninsula to stop here.

We came for a color tour and stayed in Sault Ste Marie over night so we went to the Locke’s to check out the ships/barges coming in. It’s very interesting to watch and very educational for those with kids!!

I was born and lived most of my life in Michigan and just made to the locks for the first time. It was very educational and I enjoyed watching several ships go through.

The Locks were really interesting. We were able to observe the Tour boat and a large freighter go through the locks. Pretty city too!

We found the locks to be fascinating. Over 24 hours we counted 11 ships that we saw move through the locks. Nice park adjacent to the locks is a comfortable place to relax and watch. The observation deck was closed due to social distancing guidelines. When open, that would have been an ideal spot to view the ships.

Our cousin works the boat tours, which haven't started yet. The viewing platform was open and he was very informative about the Locks. He even helped others. Visitor Center not open yet. The park is so nice and we always enjoy visiting here. On streetlights in Sault Ste. Marie, they have put up flags honoring veterans with their picture in uniform How cool is that? God Bless America and thank you Sault Ste. Marie,

Our son had the opportunity to go see the Panama Canal earlier this summer so we thought it also be neat to see the Soo Locks. They have a lovely viewing area and great visitor center. A must see!

I felt like I was on the Panama Canal again. The locks are amazing. Boatnerds need to see these boats. I found out that a couple of these boats come to the Buffalo NY (where we live) area, so that makes it more interesting. A must to see

We viewed the locks from the platforms and it was the first time here. Have always wanted to see how they worked and it is really worth the trip. I have gone to Duluth many times and watched the boats in Canal Park. It was fun to see how they actually get into Lake Superior. We were lucky enough to get there when a boat was going through and before we left, had the opportunity to see another one. The boat schedule is posted in the visitor center. It takes a bit of time for a boat to travel through the lock.

the park is federal land and is gated with one security guy at the gate asking questions to you and checking bags before you go in. Nice guy and it was not a hassle. Finally a boat came bye late in the day and a lot of people came to watch it make the trip down the lock to the other lake. It was painfully slow and very boring. it took about an hour for that boat to go thru that lock. We are an action seeking family and thought it was boring even if the engineering part was interesting. If your a calm patient family you might think it was great. the boats are gigantic haulers. the park around it was green and kept clean. Enjoy!

We headed to Soo Locks thinking we were just going to look down on a ship going through. That was just one small part of what all there is to see. The Visitor Center is excellent and has some great displays. There are all sorts of artifacts in the park area with info boards. There is a Shipwreck Museum, which was closed (covid), and of course the observation tower, which is multi-level, and has many info boards (I love those) about what you are looking at. I could have spent half the day looking at ships.

If you’re into locks, this is probably a must do when here. Interesting even if you’re not. Unfortunately the visitor center was closed due to COVID but they had tables set up with information, one person to speak with, and a white board with information on when ships might be in the locks (approximate). The great observation deck was closed too due to COVID. Too bad since it’s open air. Metered parking available on street and tourist shops aplenty.

Park up on the street using the meters and cross over to the Soo Locks and the visitor centre. The locks are very interesting and you can see how the massively changed the trade in the area. Well worth an hour of your time.

Great boat tour, going through the Soo Locks, we saw a 1000 foot freighter going through lock #2, while we went through lock #1. There is work in progress on locks 3&4 to make them 1 lock to accept bigger ships. The tour guide was exceptional, answered all questions and is in training to be a boat captain. Due to problems between Canada & the US, we were not able to go through the Canadian side of the locks.

We had thought of just utilizing the viewing stand that is part of the museum at Soo Locks but decided instead to take part in the full boat narration and truly experience the locks. We are very glad we did. Very informative and a great way to spend a morning before experiencing or ending your time in the area. Definitely recommend it as it would not be quite the same just watching it. Also highly recommend Twisted Sister Pub for beers, cocktails and burgers.

We chose the afternoon boat tour because it was raining that morning, and it was a wise choice. The weather cleared up and we had a beautiful tour through the locks.

Hi, there is a phone number you can call to get the ship schedule. If you totally blow it , you still should get lucky with watching the "tour boat" got through the locks.
Also walk through the town its cute.

This was fun, you pay when you get there. The boats are cleaned before getting on and you are supposed to wear a mask. The announcer did such a good job telling us about everything. It was so neat going through the locks. To bad no ships were in port.

Visitor center and observation deck closed at this time. Great place to watch the freighters go through the locks. Nice walking area along the lakeshore. No cost for admission.

This is the shipping arrangement between Lake Superior and Huron. Once the ship is inside the locks the gate is closed which are water tight. Water table is raised or lowered 21 ft by the force of gravity and the gates are opened when the water level is same on the opposite side of one of the locks. Then ship passes to the other side of the lakes.
This a a must-see destination in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula and border of Canada.

Very efficient looking process. The folks who do the info center were a little blah but we figured out what we wanted without their help Very clean grounds and nice displays. Need some sort of schedule for video presentation as am confident that would have been pretty cool to see.

We visited the Poe Lock after dinner across the street. It was fun to watch the ships go through. Not sure if kids would have the patience.

My family used to visit the Soo locks when visiting relatives years ago, a lot has changed since.
The observation building was a great view point to watch the ships and the broadcasted information about each ship going through was great.
The whole area was nicely kept and the changing fall foliage added a special touch.

We loved watching the ships come in and out of the locks. We were happily surprised at how many we saw in such a short amount of time. We saw two small-ish ships and three huge freighters in a matter of two hours. It was a pretty windy and chilly day, so we would watch the ships and then walk around the visitor’s center, then watch some more and walk around the gift shops. Very interesting experience!
We were going to do the boat tour, but once we saw how many shops we could see from land we decided to skip it.

We went on the tour of the soo locks. Have never seen anything like this before! The guides & crew & captain were very nice & informative. It was really alot of fun! The captain also pointed out several interesting places around the USA/Canada border. We were able to get on the tour at the last minute!

This was one of the places on our list of places to visit while in Mackinaw. We did not take the ride threw the locks, but from the observation decks, we watch three ships pass threw. It was good to have it announced to everyone watching, the description of each ship as it entered to locks. My wife and and have now seen all five great lakes.

I've been coming here since I was a kid, but it had been a while before I took my husband and teenage daughter here for the first time. I didn't remember the park being this great! There is a nice multi-level covered viewing area so I didn't have to stand in the cold drizzle like I did many, many times as a kid.
Across the street is now a whole bunch of shops and ice cream and candy stores, so you can get your ice cream, and then find a spot to watch the locks for a while.
REALLY nice park with great security. If you are in Sault Ste Marie, I wouldn't miss this.

Loved this excursion. You go into Canadian waters for those who haven't been to Canada. You go up and down through the locks. There is an observation area where you can watch freighters go through the locks. The visitor center gives you times of arrival. I recommend this place!

It was captivating to watch the movement of a large container ship through the locks! The actual administration still bears markings from its World War II era construction, and is part of a beautiful park surrounding the locks. All of this area is on the perimeter of Sault Ste Marie's downtown walking district.

This is the focal point of Sault Ste. Marie, basically a large park surrounded by a (nice-looking) iron security fence. Because it's a government facility run by the Army Corps of Engineers, you'll be asked as you walk through the entry gate if you're bringing any weapons or drugs in, and they may search your bag. It was always a very quick process for me (I made multiple visits), and the guards are very professional.

Once inside, you can get very close up to the Locks themselves, and really appreciate the size of the ships that pass through. The viewing stands (for a higher up view) were closed as of July 2020, but you can still get right up to the fence for some great photos of the ships, as well as the historic Administration Building and the Locks themselves. There are also informational banners attached to the fence that do a nice job helping you understand the importance of the site, and of Great Lakes shipping in general. The Visitor Center was also closed, but they had a table out front with brochures and information, and a ranger who was very friendly and willing to answer to questions.

Across the street from the Locks are souvenir and other shops. Prime parking in town is metered, so be sure to have some quarters handy. If you don't mind walking a little, there is free parking a little further down. I recommend grabbing some fudge from "Fudge du Locke" across the street first, then enter the park and find a nice spot to enjoy watching the ships lock through.

The locks can be viewed from the ground or in their covered second floor viewing building. The bldg. is surrounded by a lovely quiet park. Just right for a stroll after supper. Be sure to wave as the ships pass by.

The information center was a great explanation of how the locks work and watching the process was fun. Had been before, long ago before the viewing platform was built. Grabbed Zack’s ice cream and watched the freighters go through. Must see for the Soo.

This is very interesting, especially if you are interested in any kind of engineering. If you want to see a boat go through just there is a scheduled online. And just remember that it takes a while, especially for the big boats, to pass through so make sure you allow extra time to watch them pass through.

If you have never seen a lock work you should go. If you have, then the difference is in the scale. These are 1000 foot long ships.

I loved this attraction !! We went through the American and Canadian Locks,got to see some HUGE Freighters close up,and were given an excellent narration involving the operation of the Lock system, as well as history and trivia about the Lake region. The tour is reasonably priced,and runs 2 hours.

I love the Soo but I’m a bit of a boat nerd. Love the history of the area as well. I’ve been going to the Locks since I was five and I love to bring friends and family to experience it too.

This day is a lot of fun if you are are boat nerd. The people from the Corps of Engineers were very informative and happy to answer questions about how the lock system operates, especially the need and plans for a new lock.

We made a quick stop here. We happened to see one ship being lowered and one being raised at the same time! Worth the stop!

What can I say? It’s a giant ship going either up or down— but that doesn’t mean it’s not interesting! I’d argue that the fun part is actually all the signage. Little kids might have a hard time waiting, but for people who like reading or museums, it’s good!

My parents and I parked a few streets away where it was not metered parking as the adjacent street to this site is comprised of only metered parking. A security guard will inspect one’s bags and he/she needs to ensure that no one has any weapons nor alcoholic beverages. There are two (2) stories to observe huge ships come and go into the Soo Locks. It was interesting to watch these transformations with the water and with these ships. There was a center for the visitors, but it was closed on a Thursday. There are bathrooms but they can be tough to locate. One can also see Sault Saints Marie, Canada and the bridge to that city in the distance.

Good locks visitors station with displays, pictures movie theater and lock viewing station to see the freighters, etc. going through the locks.

Something you can do at very few places - pass through a lock that serves huge lake freighters. Go through both US and Canadian locks. Very informative. Family fun. Well worth the time and expense.

This is a must if you are traveling through the Upper Peninsula. Great history lesson and nice to know how things work and ships get thru.

A very nice park run by the US Army Corps of Engineers. There is a nice multi-level viewing platform right on the first lock. Inside the visitors center you'll find lots of historical information and a pretty cool model of the locks for the kids to play with. Also, the Great lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has a building with some more history and a gift shop. There is no charge for entrance. If you have a bag they will have a look in it.

Take the boat tour. We took the "Original" Boat Tour. It was very good.

A husband/wife team took us out. The husband was the Captain and the wife was the master of ceremonies. A times it was corny, due to the unfunny jokes, but it was very informative and they did their best to make it fun for all.

Going through the locks was very cool. Boat was either elevated or lowered to pass through.

Highly recommended for all ages. I really don't have to go to Panama now...lol

Neither of us are necessarily ship or locks aficionados but we really enjoyed this experience. We took our time through the exhibits, talked to the very helpful staff, and then spent quite a bit of time on the viewing platform watching the ships traverse the locks. Highly recommended if you're traveling nearby.

I've always wanted to see these locks since I learned about them in elementary school. They do not disappoint. There are excellent viewing opportunities at the Visitor's Center. The museum is interesting and informative. The museum keeps an updated schedule board with upcoming ship transits so that you can leave, walk around the local town, then come back to observe close up a ship transit. No admission fee.

I spent two nights in the Sault Ste Marie area mainly for the ship action. I would end up seeing close to ten. There are plenty of areas including the visitors center area with the platform, the area just west of the bridges, and by the museum ship and east. It's quite amazing how much area the locks take up as the American locks handle the large freighters while the Canadian ones handle the leisure/tour boats. The observation platform a little before the visitors center though it's open late.

Came here because of my engineer husband but I liked it too. Informative visitor center and two story viewing deck. Check the online or phone line for which boats are due. We saw half dozen tour boats but were lucky to also catch a big 1000’ freighter. Also there’s a pretty park alongside worth a wander.

The boat tour thru the Locks was exceptional. What a great learning experience. Children loved it too. The two hour tour went super fast. The boat was clean, had nice restrooms, good snack bar, was narrated nicely and you hardly felt like you were on a boat. If ever visiting Sault Ste. Marie splurge for the boat tour. There’s food, picnic tables, restrooms, a covered pavilion, and gift shop at the dock.

The generally have an observation deck but it’s closed due to covid. The kids enjoy seeing the ships.

We came to Sault Ste Marie specifically to see the locks and were not disappointed! Great viewing platform and visitor center. Nice green space surrounding the visitor center and along the river. We had to go through a security checkpoint to access the locks, but it wasn’t a big deal. Our only minor complaint is that the locks aren’t open early in the morning or at night to view ships coming through at those times. But overall, we LOVED our experience!

A really interesting place to see. How they move the freighters from Superior to Huron is a very interesting process.

Visit the museum and take a boat ride to get the history and an operational view of how the locks move the ships through.

Nice sight to see, especially because it attempted to rescue and assist the Edmund Fitzgerald the night it sank.

We love coming to the Sault Ste Marie area! The Locks are always a great and relaxing visit. Beautiful park.

The Soo Locks is both educational and fun experience. The visitor center has a lot of history of the locks. The best part is the outdoor balcony where you are right next to the ship going through the locks. Recommend you check on website for times when ships are due to arrive at the locks prior to coming here.

Very interesting! A great marvel of engineering, uses no pumps! Those gigantic Lake Freighters pull into the locks with little space to spare, and never even bump the sides! I can’t do that with a 20’ speedboat and out dock, and the lake freighters are

The soo locks are so interesting. The visitors centre is definitely the way to see them. We got there just as a really large ship was leaving the locks. The visitor centre has information inside about the locks and a board that tells you what ship is about to go through. The visitor centre has a three story viewing platform where you can see the locks. We saw several ships doing in each direction so it was pretty cool. They make an announcement about the name of the ship and some information over the loudspeakers. You are close enough to the ship that you can talk to the crew if they happen to be on the deck and are talkative. A very unique experience.

We sat there for hours, watching the boats- from a 28 ft sail boat, to a massive supercargo ship enter the locks, either go up or down and leave. the whole process was amazing, and we learned that it was all done by gravity.
Once the gate is closed, the water is either let in or out by "drains" at the bottom of the channel. The gates opened when the exact level inside and outside match. There is a wonderful hands on visitor center which should not be ignored. It is free. By the way, I learned that there is no charge to go thru the locks/

The Soo Locks are not only working locks to make the drop from Lake Superior to Lake Huron, but also offers an exhibit that has a ton of information about the construction, history, and workings of the locks. They have a board with the ships due to pass through the locks at the time that you're there.
We were fortunate that four ships, as well as a couple of Soo Lock Tour Boats came through while we were there. There is a nice two level, covered observation area to watch from. There is someone who announces the name of the ship and pertinent information about it as it approaches.
Some time in the near future they are going to replace two of the older locks with a larger lock. That will be a bonus if you're able to not only see the ships locking through, but the construction on the new lock.
The old Weather Bureau Building is also on site with exhibits about the history of the weather bureau as well as exhibits and a store for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. We ended up spending a bit over four hours visiting the the entire complex.

Took my grandkids to see the Soo Locks. They loved it! You cannot beat the cost (free!). Easy viewing from observation decks, even for little ones. Nice visitor center. Beautiful park setting. Tourist type shopping right across the street and other Sault Ste Marie attractions.

Super cool. The staff was very friendly. Went both ways through the locks. Saw lots of freighters. Totally worth the cost. Would definitely recommend.

Very interesting and fun sights. Definitely not a tourist trap. Enjoyed seeing the mine and locs drain and fill.

We stopped here and was able to see a freighter passing through. The viewing area was excellent and it is amazing how fast the process is to get a big ship trough. There is also a museum on site as well.

This is a must see and do! Our captain was full of interesting information in addition to the guide.
It was a cold morning, so we chose to sit inside. The PA system was not always good on the lower level. My husband said is was much colder, but much easier to understand.
We went to Lake Superior thru the US locks and back thru the Canadian locks. So much history and chances to learn some science. I heard a grandmother helping a grandchild to understand how the locks work as we left the boat. He understood the concept, just needing some reinforcement.
Great gor young and old!

Earlier in the day we took a boat tour that took us to the locks. Then we found the grounds (Federally controlled) to an observation deck to watch close up.
Find my before and after photos to see the 21 foot difference.
Also, the plaque to show how simply it all works!!!

The Soo Locks were an unplanned stop on our recent UP vacation. My sons and I really enjoyed it. We arrived just in time to watch a 1000 ft freighter pass thru the locks on its way to Lake Superior. The small museum was interesting. Makes me want to head back to the full maritime museum.

This was a great unexpected treat and one of the highlights of our trip to Sault Ste Marie. I definitely recommend taking the boat ride through the locks.

I really enjoyed the Locks. The process for ships moving from Huron to Superior (or vice-versa) is very simple, but still incredible. The review stand gives you a very good view of the process. I was amazed when they opened the locks for a very small pleasure craft. The grounds beside the locks are shady and pleasant. We enjoyed the Visitor Center. There is security at the entrances, but the officers were pleasant and seemed to have a common sense approach.
Do not miss this engineering wonder!

Viewing the locks and understanding their purpose is key to the experience. Seeing the locks in operation enhance the experience. To plan well, there is an App for mobile phones, I think it is "Boat Nerds," which provides the schedule of ship entering the locks. Had we known this we would have scheduled our visit more appropriately. We recommend taking the Lock Boat tour which actually allows the visitor to experience the "magic" of the locks.

This was a last minute decision and very happy we did it. Tour was just over 2 hours and highlights were the steel plant, hydroelectric plant, going through the US and Canadian locks. Very interesting and educational trip!

We could only find metered street parking. Entrance has a security checkpoint to check bags. We started at the visitor's center. Staff helpful with questions. Informative exhibits and some are interactive. Clean restrooms. It's by gravity. The observation platform (wheelchair accessible) is elevated for great views. Grand kids had never been to a lock before and were facinated by it all. Good activity rain or shine.

What a beautiful day we enjoyed viewing 1000 foot freighters going through the locks connecting Lake Huron and Lake Superior! The phone ‘hot line’ for the Soo Sault Ste Marie Locks provides scheduled information every 3 hours noting the ships that will be passing through the locks so you can plan your visit accordingly. We followed the viewing of the locks with a tour boat ride up the locks which provided wonderful information about the area and the operation of the locks. A memorable and Amazing day to enjoy!

Amazing place to watch and learn how the shipping industry works. These ships navigate thru the locks several times a day. Very nice place!

We love the locks, we could sit/stand there all day. The visitor's center made some changes over the winter, and they are really fun to play with.

Ah, the Soo Locks. One of those wonders that every one needs to see. It is truly an amazing feat how these massive ships are raised and lowered to continue on their journey to transport various resources. The size of the ships is something to behold, and learning the history and process of the Locks adds to the experience. As cool as it is conceptually, the actual raising/lowering of a boat (we saw one of the large ones 1000 footer) is cool for not the entire time. It takes about 20-30 minutes for the ship to be raised or lowered. It does get a bit long. And, while you can keep an 11 year old entertained for a bit, it is asking a lot for him to wait the whole time. Still, something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. You can get a boat tour, but not sure how much a child would appreciate the experience.

This was a place we'd really looked forward to seeing. My husband remembers visiting the park when he was little. Unfortunately, due to extremely thick fog, no boats were allowed passage that morning, although there is a board that explains which ships at which times will be using the locks. We were thankful for the visitor center and the wealth of knowledge of one of the staff. We did go out to the viewing platform anyway as the fog was just starting to lift. It allows a large number of people to safely watch the lock passage process. Maybe some other day in the future, we'll have the time to return and actually see the ships.

We have never seen the locks, so had to ride the boat through and savor the experience. Lots of fun. Great narrative. Super friendly crew on the boat. We even got to return by way of the Canadian locks, even without passports!

So interesting and educational. It’s unbelievable to think that a man with a third grade education developed the lock technique

we stopped by the locks today and were able to watch the ships come inand out. interesting to see. drove up and down the strip by the locks. other things to see and do, but were not able to since we were there early in the morning.

A must do! We were fortunate to watch a barge go through the locks. Fascinating history and engineering. The hotline for ships passing through the locks is 906-202-1333, call so you won't miss the opportunity to watch the locks in action.

information and displays in the visitor center. We were lucky enough to catch a large ship going through, and two smaller ones. You can check with them on any scheduled ships. Nice enclosed observation area with multiple levels.

Loved the Soo Locks. Great vantage point to watch freighters go through the locks and the visitor center is full of good information.
Best of all, it's all FREE.

I've been around water and boats and canale all my life, so locks are not a mystery to me. I've locked thru the St Lawrence Seaway, even. I'd never seen the SOO LOCKS, and so now one more bucket on my list is checked.
Post-911 security means we tourists are kept well away from the workings of the locks, Watching a "Footer" (the ships of 1,000 ft length or greater) enter the locks is a testament to the pilot's skills, it was WINDY straight astern as the ship (which barely fits the locks) made her way in.

You can look on line to check the ships scheduled to transit the locks, helping you plan your visit time. I'd suggest allowing at least 45 minutes, if the ship is on approach, longer if the ship isn't already entering the chamber. NOTE parking on the steet adjacent to the locks is PAY.

A great stop. Must do. So much information, there are employees on the platform to answer questions. There’s a boat tour you can ride through the lock.

Wooden presentations, read from prepared sheets. 98% of the time was crickets!☹️. No local history, interesting tidbits or humor. I was chided for asking one question!

Always an interesting visit to watch the the big ships pass through the locks. It's interesting, historic, and very educational.

We got to the locks during the early afternoon just in time to watch a Great Lakes freighter lock down from Lake Superior to the lower Lake Huron. It was facinating to see how the process unfolded, and to watch the ship slowly get lowered to the next, proper level. Our grandson was captivated, as were we; this was our first visit tot he locks despite having lived in the lower peninsula almost all of our lives. The "Soo Locks" are definitely worth the time it takes to get there.

You will be amazed at the sights here. To think that our great lakes can build and operate something like this is amazing.

We were fortunate enough to have beautiful weather. We went to the #1 dock and got great seats on the upper level of the tour boat. The crew were very friendly and informative. Following the boat tour, we had lunch and went to the park and watched a freighter from Toronto go through the locks. Very enjoyable, relaxing day. There were tour groups, I believe they made reservations.

My son really enjoyed the Museum and the boats going through the Locks. He especially liked the little sailboat!

Always a great place to visit and watch the Lakers move through the locks. I have traveled to the U. P. , for over 50 years, and still enjoy making the trip to the Soo, to watch this process.

Also many good places to eat and shop located very close, many things to do within walking distance.

We had fun watching a small boat and a 700 foot freighter cruise through. Once is enough but doing it gives real perspective.

We had a nice stop here to watch a large cargo ship going through the locks. Free informative information center.

Go on the platform and watch the locks in action. The museum is a must see. It really gives you a lot of information on how the locks actually work, with hands on displays for little kids to really understand it.

I was at the locks on a blustery cold day so I didn’t wander around much. The visitors center describes the history of the locks and gives you some info about ship schedules, etc. it’s informative. The observation deck is great to see the locks in operation, but the next ship wasn’t due for a few hours. Not much to see if no ships around.
However, there is no cost to enter the park. Parking on the street isn’t free but it’s very cheap.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to see this place but if you’re in the area, it’s worth a look

This was so cool-- a 1000 foot tanker was coming through the locks as we were visiting. It was fascinating to see it being raised by the water!

I had an experience with Soo Locks before, but not as big as the ones in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
They are gigantic! One of the biggest in the world.
Watching huge vessels passing through the Locks is a unique experience that cannot be seen anywhere else in the United States!
Me and my son just loved it.
I wish to spend more time there and watch many more vessels.
The whole place is awesome.
There is a special platform for visitors who want to watch Locks in use.
There was also a guide person ready to answer any question related to this place.
I strongly recommend this attraction. It’s free!
Check schedule of the arriving vessels. It’s there and also on the website.

RomanP

Great place to see long ships and other boats go through the locks. There is the actual locks viewing area as well as the park just down the street that has great views.

Most locks are a city's attraction where they are located world-wide. The Soo locks are no exception, however the very extensive interpretation center with its knowledgable staff sheds a lot of light on how the locks work with its fairly easy to understand wooden boat models. Surprisingly, many older adults had as much fun trying the system out as the younger ones, and I will not tell who learned and understood faster. That you should observe yourself.
The video was interesting as well and describes in detail the building and development of the lock system. And if you were around the Detroit River and saw the first 1000 foot-long Laker (the J Cort ) travel upstream about 45 years ago, you might be tickled pink (as was this writer) to know that this hulk of shipping was the very first ship to enter the locks at the opening of the 2019 season in March, after having waited impatiently in freezing temperatures for many long minutes in front of the lock gates to open at exactly midnight, as is custumary. The info exhibit shows what honours are bestowed on the first passing captain.
As trivia, you might guess what impact the elimination of the locks might have on the Great Lakes seaway system water level... and then understand more of the issues of global warming and the lakes as well.
And have no fear for your budget: There is no cost involved unless you care to donate to one or more very worthwhile causes involving life around the lakes and locks.

This was my second visit to the locks. It amazes me to watch those large ships go up and down in those locks at the speed they do. Definitely worth a visit to see!

Gotta see the hub of the North American universe. Even today! Spend a half day educating you and yours. - You can “touch” Canada in the locks. Great tour.

WE truly enjoyed seeing the Soo Locks it was very interesting and so much fun watching the big ships come in and go! We definitely will come back!

The Soo Locks are easy to view from the free viewing platform. Parking is metered street parking and we were able to get a sport directly across the street from the viewing platform, a quick 2 minute walk and we were there viewing the locks. The view platform is a couple stories high accessible by stairs. You'll have a good view from either platform to view the locks and if you're in luck, then you'll see a ship going through the locks while you're there. There is also a free visitors center that is worth wandering through.

We took our five year old grandson on a boat tour of the locks and while he enjoyed the boat ride it was not until we took him into the park and he experienced the model that he understood the concept of the locks. Definitely recommend

Fun tour, learned lots of facts, very interesting. We took a bout tour through the locks. Boat was clean and comfortable.Had a good time.

Spent more time here than we expected and was well worth it! A DO NOT MISS for sure. The information center was fascinating with all the workings of the locks.

This is a great experience! And free! Call the number provided to find out the estimated times of ship arrivals. When we were here, the tour boats also go through the first, closest lock. It demonstrates how it works (this is cool in case a real ship experience doesnt arrive).
We got to see both locks in use with barge ships. It was so interesting to see the ships raise 21feet!
Note, large shipping boats process is slow, nearly 45+minutes to get in the lock and depart. However, very cool and neat to experience to learn this amazing process!

We arrived while a ship was going through the lock, so the observation deck was crowded. Visitor center was every interesting.

I haven't been here since I was a kid so I thought I would bring my kids. They weren't disappointed between the fountain and the visitors center they had a blast.

This was an informative and pretty cool to watch the ships big and small come through the locks. It doesn't cost anything. Except for meeter parking (can do quarters or I believe online also) two hours is max, but would not need more. Does allow for mobility challenges. Work recommend as was hearing and seeing the historical significance of the Soo Locks. If have the time nice self paced, self guiding tour.

Been here my whole life and I had never made the journey. I’m glad I did but the Sault really doesn’t have a tremendous amount of “family activities” in the area. Regardless, the locks are an engineering marvel and are worth checking the box for anyone who lives in Michigan.

We are Aussies travelling off season in the north. Disappointing to find most tourist or other points of interest were not open or accessible in December.
This is definitely summer/fall destination.
We still managed to enjoy the visit, but had we known how much was closed down we probably would not have stayed overnight.
If you visit in winter, the Soo Locks are only open till mid-January then close for two months. You can walk into the Lock viewing area, once checked by security. However the viewing tower is closed so what you can see is limited. Leave the park itself and walk west on Portage Ave and near Magazine St, near depot, you can see a better view of the south lock. We got some great footage and pics of a ship exiting through ice floes. Hope that tip helps other winter travellers.

Fun to watch and experience. Plenty of places to view. If you have a family member that wants to sit and watch and you don't want to also stay, you can mosey across the street and go shopping. It is free to get in and there are security checks at the entrance.

Absolutely outstanding! The boat is very well maintained, the staff on and off the boat love their jobs and the knowledge of the tour guide kept it very interesting. Highly recommend!

Nice area. The locka are very interesting to watch the ships work their way through the lock system. Nice town area across the street to stroll and shop.

Went on a dinner cruise with a bus group. We enjoyed a nice buffet dinner of Ham, Turkey and assorted sides.
After dinner with had an interesting narrated tour of sights on the American and Canadian sides and a trip back and forth through the locks.
All the crew from hostesses, to Captain, Engineer and narrator were very friendly and accommodating.
Highly recommend.

This is something you should see once in your life. It is fascinating and takes about 15 minutes or so. Boats of all sizes pull in from Lake Superior- we saw a nearly 1000-foot tanker. They stop, the water level is "drained" / drops 21 feet and on they go to Lake Huron. Very cool

My wife and I drove to Sault ste Marie to visit the soo locks. We haven't been there since our honeymoon. When we got there, the park is barricaded with only one entry point with an armed guard. No dogs allowed, either. This park has better protection than out southern boarder! A Freaking Park! Skip it and go on the boat tour.

I've lived in Michigan my whole life, and have been to the Soo several times. Each time I'm still blown away by watching those giant boats go up and down to maneuver the St. Mary's River. I recommend this place to everyone who comes and visits my home state.

This is FREE, we went in June- it was open from 9-10 pm. Parking is along the street, Several blocks away are free and other parking closer uses meters that are very reasonable. (take your quarters) At the visitor's center there are pictures and a desk where they tell you when a ship is coming through the locks. Restrooms are here also. There is a 3 story viewing platform in front of the visitor center; it is handicap accessible. Very nice set up. Plan on spending most of an hour here if you are lucky enough to be there when a freighter goes through the locks. It actually takes about 20 min for a freighter to enter and exit the locks. There are also boat rides you can take through the locks, just down the road about 1 mile. This is an activity that will be enjoyed by children over 10 years old.Younger children won't appreciate this. We felt the free experience (watching the boats go up and down through the locks in the water) was more fun than actually riding the boat. Enjoy.

Well worth the stop especially if you have never seen how a lock system works. As mentioned, the visitor center is very well done and gives you a good history. The area by the locks is two stories so you can get a good look down at any of the boats in the locks. An estimated timetable is in the visitor center on a whiteboard with time and ship. Make sure to point out the rapids that are on the other side of the locks to any of your kids! Informative for any age.

Nice ride on the Miss Marie, first stop the locks on Canada side. Raise boat 21 feet, very slow rise so comfortable and observable. Many historic buildings at side. Once powered by onsite power plant.

I recently spent time at the Soo Locks again when in Sault Ste. Marie. This is a really interesting destination to check out, and you should try to see a ship pass through if possible! There is a nice visitor center with explanations as to how the locks work, etc., and there is a nice park surrounding the locks area. I spent some time down at the locks again on a Wednesday while waiting for my Soo Locks Boat Tour. I did not know what the ship schedule was for that day at all, but I was very lucky that a ship was just beginning to pass through right when I was getting to the viewing platform! It is definitely worthwhile to watch a ship pass through if you have the time, though the process can take a while. Luckily, I had some time to kill, so I was able to see almost the entire process of the ship being lowered to the level of Lake Huron down the St. Mary's River. They have a really nice double-decker viewing platform as well. It is fascinating watching how the locks work and reading about their history. It is sure amazing how these were developed before all of the technology came about that we have today! I would recommend seeing the Soo Locks when in Sault Ste. Marie!

We got there about 3pm and in the next several hours we saw about 7 freighters and barges, some at the same time, 2 1000 footers. Stayed at the Long Ships across the street.

This was such a fun stop! It was really neat to see the huge ships move in and out of the locks. We were able to see a ship in each lock and when the closer lock was occupied you felt like you were so close to the ship you could just step right on it!

It is a small town an parking is in big demand. Parking nesters are 30 min for .25 cents with a max of 4 hr. There are grandstand for viewing the locks an ship watching

The Soo locks should be on everyones bucket list. There's just something about this place that is so simple, yet complex at the same time. You can spend hours watching the large freighters slowly make their way into the locks, close, and then raise or lower the water levels. Crew members stand on deck waving to the crowds like local celebrities. Really a neat experience to witness. Once the level is set, the freighter passes on to its next adventure. Still amazing the amount of natural resources that pass through the locks and the importance to the region. Three level enclosed deck gives a bird's eye view of the process. I highly recommend a visit to the Soo locks

The industrial revolution and American innovation are on full display here. While much has changed with today's technology, the basic need to ship iron ore is largely the same as it's been for generations. It's a real education to see this up close.

The Soo Locks is a MUST for anyone visiting Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. To see the large freighters maneuver through the locks is an incredible and interesting. The interpretative center and observation deck has interesting information and historical detail of the locks.

so amazing. We happened to be there when a h7ge barge was going through. Was there during covid so access was limited. Still very interested

About three years ago we went on the Soo Lock Tour Boat and enjoyed the experience. This time we were with some friends and camping in our RV's and we went on the tour boat as a group. Everybody loved the trip and the tour. The only problem was the loud speaker system was not understandable when the guide spoke on it and we had a hard time trying to make out what he was saying.

Great experience! Our tour guide knew every boat, it’s size and the year it was launched. Best experience is on top deck.

Well, the wife and I were looking for something to start off our little mini vacation. We had been on a few dinner cruises but not here. We thought that this would be fun.

We arrived to the dinner cruise at about 4:45pm and went inside to the ticket counter to sign in since we have registered for the cruise online.
The lady at the counter was very friendly and we were chatting a little when I noticed that they had tripadvisor cards on their counter. I picked one up and started laughing. She said that they are on tripadvisor and they get pretty good reviews. I told her that I write reviews myself from time to time. She said that she hoped we enjoyed our cruise and looked forward to finding my review if I wrote one.
We loaded the boat around 5pm and there were only about 40 of us. the people were mostly from a tour group. The couple that we were seated with were from Brighton Michigan and said that they have come here a few times for different cruise packages.
Our buffet was open and made available around 5:15pm as soon as we were under way.
We had for beverages, water, lemon aid and coffee. They did have a bar available if you so wished. There was a garden salad and pasta salad that was available with rolls and butter. The main course was baked chicken, roasted pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, and maple glazed carrots. After dinner there was white cake with frosting and blueberries.
When you were finished eating you were free to move about the boat. While that was happening the crew gave us a guided tour of where we were and what we were looking at. Pretty interesting.
Our cruise took us into and out of the Canadian Locks and into Canadian water space. Thankfully we did not need our passports. After we played around in Canadian waters, we started to head back into the waters of the United States and set course for the Soo Locks. It was very exciting to see how everything worked.

In my comments down below:
1. Yes I would send or recommend this activity for a teenage especially one that is interested in history.
2. Is this good for families? Not sure because if you are looking to dump kids overboard then take your young children and leave them unattended just like some people do at stores or in a restaurant.
3. Budget friendly? No. Seniors or should I say adults were $58 if you bring an entire family could be pricey unless they offer group rates.
4. Asked if wheelchair friendly. I am sorry, I don't think so. I don't want to sound mean or anything but it would be very difficult for anyone in a wheelchair or on a scooter of some sort to maneuver. It is tight quarters there and how would a wheelchair bound person get to the upper level etc.
5. Good for all ages? No the younger children would be all over the upper deck trying to learn how to fly.

I know that I usually just answer the questions at the bottom of the review but I felt this needed more.

Good food and a good cruise. Enjoy!

I don't think I'm giving away the ending when I say that the ships on one side of the locks rise to meet the level of Lake Superior and the ships on the other side lower to the level of Lake Huron. And it takes a little while, but it's strangely compelling. And the visitors' center is full of interesting information about the locks and the lakes.

The Soo Locks tour was simply the best!!! We booked with Margie and we had a special request. She fulfilled our request far past our expectations. Needless to say, this made our trip!! The American and Canadian Locks are both a wonder to transit. Each has their own charm and history. The narrative while cruising was perfectly done and gave us a good amount of information about the lake and the locks. The food was good and the servers were kind and attentive. Lake Superior is a true wonder. Thanks to Margie and the Soo Locks tour company we can check this off our must do list with a giant smile!!!

Every time we go up to the Soo, we have to visit the locks. What a feat of engineering! Best of all, a ship (the CSL Welland) was just about to pull in as we arrived. It was "downward bound," as I believe they say. (That means it was headed from Lake Superior to Lake Huron.) After the ship went through, we stopped by at the information desk, and Cindi was very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. (Thanks, Cindi!) If you want to see these great ships up close, you must stop here.

I think this was my fifth time doing the tour, but my husband and sister in-law had never been on it. They were very impressed by the locks and I always see something new each time I go. I also learn something new each time.

Watching the big ships go in and out of the Soo Locks was cool. We even got to see a ship go by Sherman park which was west of the locks.

I could watch this activity all day! The process of getting these huge (and some small) vessels through the locks is amazing to me! The observation area is perfect for viewing with a few benches for sitting. You are right there where all the action is!

I have always wanted to see the Soo locks ever since 4th grade when they taught us about them. Definitely a low key but interesting attraction. We witnessed 3 ship passages. Amazing tribute to the ability of man.

Awesome to see! Check times to see when the vessels are scheduled to go through and you get to see the water rise/fall. It was something we had not seen before and glad we took the time to see it

Absolutely love the park area and the viewing stands. This year the visitor center is also open so made for a great trip. Was lucky enough to see 7 freighters go through the locks the day I was there, including 3 of the 1000 foot freighters. The park is so nice and got takeout and ate at a picnic table.

If you get the chance to witness any boats going through the locks it is something special! I suppose to those who work this every day, it gets old, but I know that people in my party loved seeing how all the mechanics work as water is filled and emptied from lake to lake.

The Soo Locks are a set of parallel locks, operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and they enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. The locks are located on the St. Marys River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, between the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario. They bypass the rapids of the river, where the water falls 21 ft (6.4 m). The locks pass an average of 10,000 ships per year.

The Soo Locks has a nice visitor center, which provides historical information, as well as current workload and performance statistics. It's well worth spending 25 minutes visiting all the exhibits. A three-level observation deck allows visitors a close-up of the locks in operation.

Admission to the park, the viewing tower, and the visitors center are all free. Do it! With the free information in the visitors center about boats coming up and down the Saint Mary and the MarineTraffic app on my phone, I had a blast! I was thrilled that some iconic ships came through during my visit, including the Queen of the Queen of the Lakes, the Paul R Tregurtha. If you are fortunate to see this ship in the Locks, remember . . . she is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. It takes some time for the large ships to enter, but their time being raised or lowered is less than 30 minutes.

They did not give enough info on the tour. We sat in silence for 20 minutes to get into the lock but they could of told us more about the place. Kids were bored. Would not recommend. Other than that the lock was fun.

We loved spending time at the observation deck. We went to the top floor where we thought we could best see all of the activity. We were able to watch the entire process of a barge enter and exit the locks. Upon entering there was a description of the process and information about the ship all given over the speakers on the observation decks.

This was the best thing we did while in town…and we enjoyed every thing we did while in the Soo. Save time for a visit here. If you’re like me and want to see as
much as possible, I’d recommend setting aside two hours.

Access to the observation deck was free.

Thank you so much for allowing the general population to come and watch! A great free educational spot! A gem! They have a beautiful little park to spend time (sry, no pets) they have a water fountain, museum, educational info center on the locks and a great viewing platform 2 levels & covered from rain & sun. Lower level is enclosed. They have benches to sit and wait for boats to come through. They have a 1800# for a predicted boat schedule and I think you can get it from inside too. We did a Timelapse video on our camera. Something to remember this experience by.

My son has loved coming to visit the Soo and the Locks since he was a very little boy. Even now at 16 he talks about how impressive it is see the huge boats going through the locks and watching it all in motion.

Watched a cruise ship go through locks as well as freighters. Always fascinating. We took the Soo Locks Boat Tour which was very informative and fun going thru the Locks. Would do it again

We drove over from Tahquamenon Falls (highly recommend) and parked our camper on the street (easy RV labeled street parking). We walked in, someone said a ship was coming in. We quickly walked up to the second level viewing deck (free) and a volunteer was standing there and told us all about what was happening, history, length of boat, and anything we could want to know about that particular boat or the locks themselves. It was a VIP type experience we just walked into by chance and was amazing. Highly recommend finding a volunteer standing on the deck. I do think the volunteer could have been wearing something that made it look like he worked there (I don't think people knew). Then we went into the visitor center (great building and information and all free). We learned so much. We were only there about an hour in total and my kids all agreed it was very interesting. They are 16, 13, 11 and usually don't love this type of thing, but it was presented so well, I think they actually got it!
We then went to the gift shop across the street, then the Superior Coast brewery at the end of the street for a few apps and beer/cider. It was a great purchase and we bought several to go!

When we got there we seen a 1000 foot Presque Isle going through down river and a 700 footer going upstream. It was very interesting to watch the waters being filled and emptied to move them through these locks!

The viewing platform is closed, but the park is open and you can still do some decent viewing of the locks area. We got lucky on timing and got to see a freighter go through. There are some informative signs up along the fence and someone from the visitors center was outside with a table. Enjoyed the visit.

We three females (ages 12, 50, and mother) loved watching the ships come in and the locks open and close and the water going up or down. We spent several hours here just watching. I loved flowerbeds byte street and was told it was maintained by volunteers. Thank you! I love the cottage garden look.

This was very informative. I took a boat tour and was able to take so many pictures. We went into a lock in Canada and then back through the US side. The tour provided lots of history. well worth it.

These were really interesting to see. We usually just go along us 2 when doing our color tour but went more north this year. Was surprised how much I enjoy this city. Highly recommend seeing!

So cool to watch! beautiful grounds to relax on and even have a picnic whole awaiting the freighters to go through the locks.

The visitors center is set-up as a museum that has displays and information for people of all ages. It contains wonderful coverage of the history. There's a TV where you can see the ships approaching, and the staff is very knowledgeable about the ships' arrival times. There's even a phone number you can call for ship schedule updates. Admission to the park, the observation tower, and the visitors center are all free. We went to the top floor for the best view. We also took a boat tour through the locks. A visit here, along with the boat tour, will teach you a lot about the history and importance of the Soo Locks. Everything was laid back and relaxed, but a little research will remind you just how important this area is when it comes to US and international commerce.

I was here as a girl, and it was so worth a visit as an adult. We were mesmerized, as we were able to watch a boat enter the lock, be lowered, and exit the other side.

We saw a sign that sent us to this place while we travelled around the great lakes. This controlled access park is free admission and the lock viewing deck is good. The Historic Shipwrecks building is super informative and free to walk through ($1 donation appreciated). The washrooms are clean. Along with a visit to the shops and pubs in the area and a person could spend a whole day here!

Fantastic! This was such an amazing experience. I highly recommend it. We were there with 5 children (ages 1-11). They did get a bit tired of the waiting at times, but it was still super exciting to watch something so massive move through such a small space. When one of the freighters was downbound we enjoyed hurrying down from the viewing platform and going down the sidewalk a little ways so we could watch the gates open and see it come out of the lock. Call the regularly-updated phone line to get details on the schedule so you don't miss the action. And sometimes the viewing platform does get pretty crowded, so arrive early, especially if you have small children who won't be able to see if there are people in front of them.

You have to see the ships come and go! It’s absolutely amazing! No pocket knives allowed and security will check your bags and purses before you go in.

This is always fun to see. I did enjoy the locks on the Saint Lawrence river more but this was also nice.

Took the tour 20+ years ago and learned so much more today. Crew was very friendly and helpful. Good time for all ages.

The locks are interesting simply because of the sheer scale of the place. We got there before the visitor center opened, so I can't comment on that. You can park on the street. If you have only a casual interest, anticipate spending about 15 minutes. A guard will check you bags for weapons before you go in.

I thought for sure that I would have to pay to visit the locks, but no, you just walk in and up to the viewing area. I saw one freighter and one tour boat go through the locks. It is a very interesting place.

We had perfect weather for the Soo Locks Sightseeing Tour. The young lady doing the narration was excellent, easy to understand and gave just the right amount of information. It was so cool actually going thru the locks. Our Captain and the whole crew did a great job. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone!

Visitors center staff very friendly and offering to answer any questions I had about the locks. Lots of information and a few interactive displays. Was great to view the working locks from the elevated platform.

Stop in and see the locks. Go to the visitor's center, It is very good. Go outside to the deck. There was a cruise ship going thru here and it was fun to watch.

Such an interesting place to visit. The visitor center requires face masks while indoors and social distancing outdoors. Our timing was perfect because there was a freighter waiting to enter the lock. We were able to see the ship go through the lock, the water raised so the ship could continue on it’s voyage. The weather was perfect but it is a little chilly on the platform because the platform is covered.

We were lucky enough to be there when a ship was coming through the locks. Fascinating. There was no charge, although the visitor's center encourages donations. The exhibits are interesting and well-done. The elevated platform is well-designed.

The observation deck was closed due to the pandemic so we boat tour which was interesting. There was a technical issue with one of the locks so our boat ended up going through both of them.

The first day we were there it was closed due to the Governor's COVID-19 orders. The second day, however it was open. We saw several ships come in and we got the best pictures we could. Due to social distancing, the observation decks were closed. Great place to visit and watch the ships go in and out.

We’ve been to the Locks multiple times and this is one visit that is certainly worth the visit. The grounds are beautiful and with ample security you feel safe all the time. It really is the luck of the draw when it comes to freighters going through the locks - we were fortunate- 8 ships in two days! One of them was even a thousand footer!!! Still amazed at how quiet those beasts are going through - until they sound their horns - that’s enough to get everyone’s attention. Very cool - worth the visit.

We had never been to this part of the country and had no idea how much commerce traveled on the Great Lakes. The Visitor Center was very informative. They also have a nice area where you can watch freighters "locking through". We also took the boat tour which was just down the street. It was lots of fun going through the locks!

My husband and I stopped here and were defiinitely impressed with what we saw. It takes time to watch a ship come into the locks, be lower and then released, but if you have the time it is worth it. There is a building explaining the procedure, however, we were on a time schedule and could not take advantage of this, however, heard people talking about it and they found it worthwhile.

My husband and I took our teenagers to see the Soo Locks. My husband have never been there. I went as a kid. So it was a new place to see and it was worth it. My family got to watch a freighter slowly go through and when you see them in the great lakes or in the Detroit river they don't seem big. But seeing one up close was a neat experience for sure. The information center was also informative. My four teenagers enjoyed it. Its hard to please teenagers. Definitely a place worth visiting with your family.

Always an amazing sight watching these gentle giants transition from going upbound or downbound through the locks

Interesting even if you are not an Engineer. Free visitor center and observation decks. You don’t have to pay for the Soo Locks Boat tours unless you want to ride through the Locks. We enjoyed our visit.

This is the third time I've brought my dad to the locks to watch the ships. He is 84 and thoroughly enjoys the experience. The weather could have been better, but you can't control it so you make the best of it. The viewing platform provides protection from the rain and cold while the visitor center provides a place to warm up and gather great facts about the locks. The hot line is a wonderful tool for knowing approximately when ships will be coming through and plan the day around their schedule. Staff are always friendly and extremely helpful.

Easy to access and view ships with a loudspeaker announcing information as you watch. Good interpretive center on site. Beautiful ground around locks.

Great experience. Good viewing platform
Make sure you call to find out when & how many ships are expected. We enjoyed it.

We went to the observation deck because we heard on the boat tour that the largest freighter on the Great Lakes was about to come through. We waited, and waited. The whole process was a 2 hour process because the shop moved very slow. My husband is a science teacher and this was a bucket list trip for him to see. Although I’m glad he saw it, I would have been happy moving on after our boat tour. I do have to say it was pretty impressive to see that HUGE boat squeeze in with only 2 1/2 feet to spare on each side

We returned to Sault Ste Marie again to visit the Soo Locks! We were able to see 4 ships this time and were so excited to watch the locks in action. Young and old alike find thrills in seeing the ships enter the lock, watching the water levels rise or fall, then observing the exits. We checked the app to monitor tonnage, destination, and how long it will take to reach each step of the way.
The visitors center is very informative and we recommend it! The park is a great place to walk while viewing the ships.

Love this place!

Our group visited the Soo Locks Visitors Center. We spent a lot of time on the Observation Area, watching the ships and and depart the Locks. I found it very interesting, watching the water go up or down depending on which way the ships were heading.

Later we did our own Soo Lock Boat Tour, going through the locks. It was a nice tour.

The Soo Locks are easy to see and you are right up close. They have a great multi-level platform for viewing a visitor center and it’s fairly easy to get in and out through security. One of the largest boats was going through when we were there. Amazing how much commerce goes through the Locks in a year. There is a tour if you want to whole shebang. Downtown area in Sault Ste Marie is nice for walking and small shops.

We lucked out and saw a 1,000 ft ship just as it was entering the lock so watched it all the way through. Very cool! It took about 30 minutes. The visitor center was closed but a woman was set up in the back with info and brochures and a schedule of ships. Try to check the ship schedule before going to catch a ship passing through the locks. The viewing platform is closed so all viewing is from ground level. Several informative banners along the fence. Worth an hour drive to us.

Free attraction that has beautiful views of the locks, ships coming in and a wonderful park where you can enjoy for an hour or entire afternoon.

It’s always amazing to watch freighters go through the locks. There is a large observation deck that gives you a great vantage point. (Deck has a ramp making it wheelchair/stroller accessible). The viewing platform and the park surrounding the locks is open daily from 9am-10pm.

Near the viewing platform, there is a visitors center. The visitors center is well done and has a lot of interactive exhibits. My 10 year old loved pretending to be the lock master. Unfortunately the visitor center does not have long hours so you will want to plan accordingly. Currently (summer 2022) the hours are Friday-Tuesday from 11AM-5PM. It is closed all day on Wednesday and Thursday. I would definitely recommend trying to time your visit so you can go to the visitors center…the hours may change so call or check the website. There are a few souvenirs for purchase (we loved the posters),but be aware that they only accept cash.

Always a fantastic place to hang out. The Visitors Center is informative with great people at the Information desk. The grounds are fantastic as well.

It was amazing to view how the locks worked from the observation deck. We were able to look up the ships history going through from one of the locals. It told everything about the ship and where it was going. It was well worth going to check out! A definite must see! Look up Marinetraffic.com to find the Lock schedule and ship information!

My mom and I saw not one but two freighters go through the locks. There is a phone number you can call to find out when the freighters will be through that day. The visitors center is open until 7 PM in May through September and as a unique souvenir, purchase a $10 raffle ticket at the visitor’s center to win a five night cruise aboard a Great Lakes freighter. The locks and visitors center are free to enter.

The Soo Locks are an engineering marvel, providing a connection from Lake Superior to Huron. Stop at the welcome center first. It is chock full of historic and technical info about the origins, construction and ongoing improvements. A two-story observation walk borders one of the two locks. You can always see tour boats passing through the locks, but check the board in the welcome center to see what large ships are scheduled to come through. There is likely a way to find out this information ahead of your visit, so you can time your arrival appropriately.
We watched two ships come through, first in the far lock and next in the lock right next to the observation walk. The size of the ships is incredible and the width of the lock barely accommodates the ship, so it requires expert navigation. It’s kind of slow, but worth staying for the 45 minutes it takes for the ship to pass through.
Highly recommended! Kids may get a little antsy, due to the time it takes for the entire process.

Now I know why I haven't been back here in over 40 years/since I was a kid. Kinda boring unless there are ships coming through and they have heavy traffic. We did get to see a few. You can check the schedule at the visitor center inside so you aren't standing outside staring at the locks with nothing happening.

Great place to visit! My Dad has always wanted to see the locks and we went to UP so we could visit. Well worth a stop. Parking is all metered, but we were able to find a spot not far away. There is a checkpoint to check bags, but it's all free. We got there just in time to see a freighter go through. The volunteer was able to answer some questions. Visitors center was interesting.

Very very informative. Captain and crew were awesome. Learned so much about the area. Beautiful day, awesome ride.

My parents took us to the locks when we were kids. As much as I enjoyed it then, I enjoyed it even more as an adult and parent. Our timing was perfect and we were able to see 2 freighters move thru the locks. The viewing decks provide an up close and personal view. So cool!!

We walked around and saw the locks from the american side on our first day and took a boat tour on our second day that took us through Canadian waters, and the Canadian locks coming back. Pretty neat experience for the kids!

My favorite thing to do at the Soo is to watch the ships go through the Locks. We didn't have much time on this occasion, but we were able to see the CSL Laurentien go through the Locks, on her way to Lake Superior. The engineering of the Locks amazes me every time. (Gravity!)

Absolutely must see. We took the Original Soo Locks Boat Tour. Very informative. Staff were excellent! Let the young children on the boat into the pilot house when moored so their parents could get a picture of them “driving” the boat. It was a fabulous tour! Highly recommend!!!

We made a last minute change to go further north and see the Locks. Very glad we did as we could have stayed all day. Saw several large boats get worked through the locks. Large covered area to watch from, with several height levels. The area right by the locks is very nice, with local restaurants, gift shops, other shops, and hotels/motels. Would definitely return and would stay there, but we had a reservation in another part of the UP already.

Great walk along the locks. With Covid, some things were closed, but not Info Centre. The info signing along the walk was very helpful. Worth the time and effort.

Not a whole lot going on this trip to the Soo. We did get to see several ships pass through the locks. However, due to the current Covid situation, a lot of the parks highlights were closed to the public. No matter, we had a great couple days!

Soo Locks Visitor Center a good place to visit. It's interesting to see the ships come into the locks viewing from the two-level platforms located behind the visitor center. There is a schedule check in at the center. The tourist area near the Soo Locks is just okay. We saw the locks and left.

Because it was cool and rainy the day we were in Sault St. Marie, we didn't take the Soo Locks boat ride, but did visit the visitors center and watched 1 boat and 1 ship go through the locks. Very enjoyable.

We went on a tour as part of a bus trip. Educational, fascinating tour as we went through the locks and around the area.

I saw an episode of Dirty Jobs that was filmed here. It was pretty cool to see them in real life. It was so odd to see the water height change between the bodies of water. We got to watch an extremely large ship go thru. It was very cool to see this sea ship up close and see how big they really are. There is a very nice visitor center with restrooms and history exhibits of the locks. The viewing platform was a super nice surprise. They even announced what the ship was called and all its stats. It was a really nice free experience.

While we were there, we had a chance to see two boats go through the locks. Just what we wanted to see. The inside museum was informative also, even though we didn't have much time to browse.

We just happened to visit as an ore boat was making its way down. We were pleased to find an elevated platform (structured to provide some shelter) to watch as the ship was lowered 21 feet in the Poe Lock. The site (run by the Army Corps of Engineers) has a free interpretive center. If you are close, take the time to drive downtown and check out the St. Lawrence Seaway. Check with information when the next boat is due.

I had been here as a child and had such fond memories of it that when I realized we were only an hour away, I wanted my kids to experience it, too. They found it quite fascinating!
It’s a great place for kids to learn about water travel in the Great Lakes 👍🏻

This was the main reason we visited the area. The scenery is breathtaking, history lessons abound! The staff are informative answering questions about the area, the locks, etc. It truly is an amazing experience to see these in action. Something we intend to do again!

The visitors center has displays that offer excellent explanations of the history and purpose of the locks. We got to see one small tour boat and then a large freighter go through the locks. It was a fun, short visit, and we would recommend it if you haven't done it.

Was there on a Saturday afternoon. Perhaps that's why there weren't many boats going through. I was at the Soo Locks when I was a kid and we took the boat tour back then so I had no need to do that again. The viewing structure definitely was not there when I was a kid so that was cool.

I assumed it would be really busy there because of all the tourists I had seen all over the UP that day, but it was not. So I parked far away for no reason. At least it was free. Walked to the east to what looked like a park. It had no view of the locks. Then went west. It was 80 degrees and no clouds so it was kind of hot.

Finally get to the entrance and go to the visitor overlook area. No boats at all. Some people were waiting and they said a boat was coming, but I didn’t see one. Didn't go into the Visitor Center. In hindsight I wish I had. I was annoyed with all the people not wearing masks. Covid is not over! But apparently the Visitor Center has some sort of board that announces when boats are coming. The grounds are very nice.

Walked back to the car and left. As I was driving back toward the interstate I saw a boat entering the locks. Ugh.

Great place to stay. Very clean, price was good, staff friendly and the view and beach chairs were awesome. Would definitely recommend the Breakers

Our group of senior adults from Texas thoroughly enjoyed our experience through the Soo Locks . The narrator gave interesting information that made our journey both informative and enjoyable. The boat was comfortable and allowed plenty of space to move around. The waiting area, restrooms, gift shop provided a nice place to enjoy prior to our departure, and Jane at the ticket counter was super nice!

Quite the engineering marvel. We did the US and Canadian locks. So cool to see them work and to learn the history behind them.

We are use to see small locks but those are really fun to watch. if you comes during a rush hour, it's even better(we had 3 ship there at the same time).

This really is a must-see sight when visiting northern Michigan. The Soo Locks boat tour is fascinating and educational. Very few people understand the importance of the locks to the economy of Michigan and the country. It was really interesting to hear how the locks were protected by 30,000 troops during WWII.

Engineers Day is the one day of the year you can actually walk across the closed locks and nearly touch the ships as they go through the locks. A real treat for those of us that follow Great Lakes Shipping.

Recently visited the locks and was more than pleasantly surprised! There is a small visitors center as you enter the property which gives you some interesting facts about the history of the locks and the process used in the lock system. From the visitors center you can climb the viewing area to see the locks. When we first climbed the viewing area there were no ships in the lock but after about 10 minutes a large ship came through northbound and then a 1000 ft freighter came through southbound. It was great watching the locks in action and being up close to these monster size ships was fantastic! The Army Corp of Engineers maintains this property which is free of charge. They have plans in the near future to expand 2 of the current locks to accommodate these oversized freighters. It was interesting and entertaining to see this engineer feat!

My husband and I took this boat ride on a Saturday afternoon, it was a nice 2 hour tour of the American and Canadian Locks. They take you through both locks, on The St. Mary’s River. The workers was very informative about the Locks, how they worked, when they were built, and why there is a need for a new lock to be built! They serve drinks and snacks on the boat for an additional cost. The boat offers Upper outdoor seating, and lower indoor seating. For Service members passed or present they offer a discounted price.

We really enjoyed watching several ships going through the locks. the Army Corps of Engineers, who operate the locks, have a visitors center there and inside you can find the schedule of ships traveling through. When a ship is in a lock, they announce on the loudspeaker its name and various statistics about it.

This tour is one of our family favorites. We took the Original cruise tour. The narrator was great - knowledgeable and clear. We even passed a freighter and they honked and waved to us. Such a neat experience. A hidden gem is the Soo Locks welcome center behind the viewing platform in the park. Both the boat tour and welcome center are worth the visit!

The soo locks are an amazing stop, especially if you are interested in Great Lakes shipping. Engineering day is fun the the locks are still the highlight, so coming any other day is still an impressive sight.

Great viewing platform. There were volunteers on the platform to answer questions. They can tell you when the next ship or boat is coming in, so you can see the water rise (or fall). It's amazing to see. The park is also very nice to walk around. Very informative visitors center, at the entrance.

Enormous freighters are right in front of you. We saw 5 ships this trip. Best to view them from the elevated platform. First check the visitor center for arrival times. And they can tell you cargo and where the ships are going. Also walk through the tree shaded park. It's beautifully maintained. After you leave the park you can walk along Water Street and see the freighter museum.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching the ships going through the locks. The viewing platform gives a great angle for watching the boats. Best of all it is FREE! Take the family and watch the boats make the transition from the one Great Lake to and other!

I thought it was very interesting to actually be in the locks and see how they worked. There's a 21 foot difference between Lake Superior and Lake Huron and the locks enable boats to travel between these, on the St. Mary River, pretty seamlessly. It was definitely worthwhile to take the boat ride from that point of view. However, the seats were very uncomfortable for the 2-2 1/2 boat trip and there was NOTHING pretty to look at. Our guide pointed out such notable features as tugboats and a large Canadian steel mill and a US power plant. She then explained how the steel was made and how the water-level difference on the St. Mary River was used to generate power. The boat trip was longer than it needed to be considering we only covered a few miles. This trip was of interest to science-minded adults, but probably not as much for kids.

Interesting watching a few ships come through and travel through the locks. You can check at the visitor center for times ships may be coming through and there is a viewing platform to get a good view.

Did the soo locks cruise tour. Really enjoyed it. The crew was very nice and very considerate of my friend who uses a walker. Would recommend this trip

We have been on a long road trip from Florida. We have relatives on Drummond Island, but before starting south we came here first. Great park, you have to do the observation deck.

The visitor center provides a wonderful history of the locks and the surrounding area. There are boat tours available to experience the locks in action. Or you can watch larger freight ships enter the locks and rise or drop more than 20 feet. The town is on the Canadian border and at the gateway to the Upper Peninsula.

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.

The history of the Locks goes way back in time. There is a 21 foot drop from lake Superior to the Saint Mary's River. There is a observation level where ucan sit and watch the 1000 footers come thru. This action never stops. There is no charge for this fun as you wave to all those aboard on the vessels. Security check to get in

Visiting Michigan's Soo Locks is a must see for everyone. Giant ships move through going from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan. The engineering of this process is amazing. Do not miss seeing this. And it is FREE to one and all.

Very interesting to watch the boats go through. The visitor center has a model of how the locks work. I think it is intended for kids but I liked it too. On a past visit we took the tour boat. I think I liked watching better.

I love visiting this park to watch the ships. Unfortunately because of COVID the viewing stand is closed, as was the visitors center and bathrooms.

The observation area is really interesting. The people working at this site is very knowledgeable The grounds around the area is nicely kept up and has many areas to check out.

Amazing place to visit. Watching freighters go through the locks is so fascinating. The information center has a great variety of information on the locks and the best app we found for the times of the ships arrival is MarineTraffic ($5.00) was very helpful.

If you don’t feel like going on a two hour boat ride through the locks, this is a good option to quickly see the locks in action. Fairly recently renovated two level watch area directly next to the smaller lock and nicely done indoor exhibits about the locks themselves.

Inside the visitors center, they have a board listing the scheduled freighters passing through for the day. If no freighters scheduled, then you still should be able to see one of the many tour boats go through the locks.

The locks raise the water levels for boats going towards Lake Superior and lower them for boats going toward Lake Huron. Takes about 10-15 minutes for the boats to go through.

Nice strip of souvenir and snack shops across from the locks. No entry fee.

If you are in the area, you should not miss this. It is very interesting to see the large ships being locked through. The whole thing is free and a to-do item on the sightseeing list.

Definitely use Visitor Center hotline to find out when ships will be passing through the locks, and be aware that it’s a slow process. But watching a 1000 ft. Freighter enter a lock and getting raised or lowered 21 feet to continue its journey is fascinating!

We caught some beautiful weather which always helps. Tour was interesting and informative. Just under 2 hours. Very glad we chose this activity

The Soo Locks is a magical place. Just watching the ships go through the locks is a wonder. Very historic and relavent at the same time.

Finally made it to the Soo Locks. We were so lucky to arrive minutes before a 600 ft. cruise ship came into the locks and we spent 20+ minutes watching them raise the large ship 12+ feet to be able to enter Lake Superior. It was fascinating. The only complaint I have is the observatory deck hasn't been cleaned in some time. there are cobwebs and friends in all the corners and upper area of the glass.

Unfortunately the viewing stands are closed down but still can access the beautiful park and watch the freighters pass through. Everyone there was friendly and most people were even wearing masks outside which made me feel very safe as a tourist there. Can't wait to return when I have more time to explore the downtown area.

This was one of the best visitor center I've ever been too - and its free! The center has lots of information about the Soo Locks that is very interesting. There is a board that is updated with incoming/outgoing vessels in the locks so you know if you can catch a boat in the locks.

Outside of the visitor center is an observation deck to watch boats come in and out of the locks. The top floor is best for viewing and taking photos as there wasn't any glass in front of us.

It is not a quick process for the boats to move thru the locks, expect to be watching/waiting for a bit. Keep in mind the observation deck does get busy, if you want a good viewing spot leave a few minutes before the boat comes in/out.

We parked in a metered spot on the street outside of the visited center (not sure if there was anywhere else to park). We probably visited for an hour and a half, but had we knew our time we would have stayed longer to watch boats.

The locks are pretty neat. If your in the area it's a must see!