Reviews of Soo Locks (Zoo)

Laura Clingman

Nice viewing area to watch the boats and freighters go through the locks. Be sure to check the freighters arrival times in the visitor center near the viewing area.

Alyssa R

Incredible to watch extremely large freighters go into and out of these locks on their way to the Great Lakes or to the Atlantic Ocean. The ships can be over 1000 feet long and are over 100 feet high to the wheelhouse. You can park along the locks themselves but you cannot get right up to the area where the ships are passing through. This has a fence so you can see the ships.

Amy Weatherell

Visited on

gk

It is really cool to watch the locks in action. The exhibits have been updated in the small museum and there are a number of hands-on interactive exhibits explaining the mechanics of the locks.

Loretta Marinelli

Awesome! Got lucky and saw two boats going through at once. They do write out a schedule so you can plan accordingly.

Saleem Siddiqui

Very well run. Crew was awesome. very knowledgeable

Thomas E. Mize

Boatnerd paradise! Fun and interesting for those in the industry, boatnerds, those who are curious, tourists, and families alike. It's great that the new lock is on its way to being completed to compliment the MacArthur and Poe Locks. On this visit, I came for Engineer's Day. Due to COVID, it was very restricted for safety, but hopefully by next year it will be in full swing. Typically on Engineer's Day (the last Friday of June) the public can go behind the security fence and cross the lock gates. Folks can get close enough to touch ships passing through the two regularly operating locks and check out the mechanisms in the adjoining buildings. Always check out the visitors center to learn more about the locks and get updates on boats and lakers coming through. The staff after very knowledgeable and take pride in their work. Always fun visiting the Soo!

Renda

So great for the kids! And interesting for us too. Awesome hands on exhibits. Bring change for the meeter.

Heather Idoni

$21–30

Stephanie Vansipe

It's a nice place, especially if you're a boat fan, good time for kids as well.

Eva North

I said, "Where's the freighter? Behind that big brown building?" No, it IS that big brown building! Very cool, especially if they're in the lock right next to the viewing area.

Chris Rockwood

I love the fact they have a viewing bridge now! The last time I was here this was not yet built.. There is a phone number you can call to find schedules of the freighters that will come in so you can actually see them in action of either filling up or lowering the water levels. They are in the process of building another one to accommodate more.

Sharon Kosier

Historic and so much a part of Michigan. A must see. Slow down and enjoy. Charming town. Lots of shops to check out. Interesting bridge to Canada so close!

Dalton Duffy

Was rainy the day i was there. Viewing decks closed for Covid reasons. It is a cool place under normal circumstances though. Great spot to see big "Lakers" freighter shops transition between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Rob P

Free

Jeff Demo

This was very fun, we went through the locks in the boat tour. The crew are very friendly and helpful. They give you a lot of information about the Soo Locks. We also watched a 1000 foot freighter go through the locks. Super fun. Again if you are into the big boats this is a very cool thing to do. I recommend this tour for everyone. The kids will enjoy this trip.

Fawaz Atchoo

Wait time

Andrew French

I enjoy biking here and bringing in my hammock. Trees allow for easy shade and the observation deck makes it easy to see the ships.

Blissful Knight

We’ve been here a few times. Always very exciting kids love watching the large boats also playing at the little museum inside watching the historical videos and tracking other boats on the great lakes on the monitorsWe will definitely be coming back here for more visits. Security is tight these days we also like shopping at all the little stores close by parking is generally free and one of the side parking lots. You can generally find ice cream salt water taffy and other stuff animal souvenirs there’s a few penny machines around town

Denise Goldsmith

This is one that neat little gift shops that specialize in moccasins and we bought a set while we were there the people were more than friendly to try to help us the owners son who was young man trying to learn the ropes of the shop did a wonderful job but his mother's help watching over him. Very accommodating. Also a great selection of Minnetonka moccasins.

Tim Reinman

This boat tour is awesome! Friendly staff, clean bathrooms, snacks and drinks on board(also cold beer!) It was around $30 per person but its totally worth it. I have taken the tour atleast 5 times since i was a kid and look forward to going again. Just a really nice relaxing boat ride with a great view. Highly recommend them!

Chris Campbell

Michigan and history = Soo Locks. Right across the street is shopping, food, and a little fun (mini golf). Easy to walk around and the weather is always nice (at least for 2 weeks - Michigan summer).

Laura Anne

Wait time

Jay Das

I grew up in The Soo but have not lived here for over 14 years. I still come back to visit as often as I can and always make a point to visit the Soo Locks every time I'm home. The Visitor's Center has a plethora of information inside, including the history of the Soo Locks, information about current freighters passing through the locks & the times they'll be passing through and fun things for the children. Make sure to visit the fountain at the East end of the Locks park, it is an excellent photo opportunity!! Be advised, there are no pets allowed inside the park and you are subject to search as this is a US Government facility.

Ted Crow

Price for adult entry

Tanner “Cornfed” Miller

Great place to see ships going thru the locks. Free. Nice displays in the Visitors Center and covered walkways in the viewing area. Dress warmly.

Stephanie Hamill

Ships come through about every hour, so you don't have to worry about missing anything. There is also a viewing platform to view the ships passing through. You do need a bag search before coming in, but it is under department of Homeland security (I think). Interesting but small museum.

Daniel Schumann

This place is amazing. Guard at gate friendly and helpful. The grounds are clean. The viewing stand clean and large enough so all will have great views.

william cheresko

Super cool maritime advancement! It’s so amazing to watch massive freighters pass through a small lock. The Soo Locks are a super efficient way to pass boats from St. Mary’s River to Lake Superior! Totally recommend spending some time, watching the boats, and learning about the history that lay in the Soo Locks. In passed years, we have passed though the locks via boat, and that was really an epic experience, and I would recommend that as well.

Abhinav Rai

Wonderful experience, well maintained, secure, clean bathrooms, excellent viewing facilities. So interesting to see the freighters go through the locks. Accurate and informative phone app so one can see what ship is on the way and when it's arriving. Very enjoyable.

E.K Martinez

They have opened up the viewing area so you can see the soo locks better. The Park is open very nice park. Although if you do want to go into the visitor center masks are required even if you're vaccinated. Put on the grounds you are not required to wear masks

Reba “SuperMommy82012” Dawn

Price for adult entry

Allen Todd

We really liked this place. We got to see the Indiana come through. It's quite an engineering feat and a worthwhile stop for a day trip if you're in St. Ignace. The town of Sault Ste Marie was very nice and had many places to shop.

Johnice McGarrity

This by far, and this is my personal opinion and experience, has to be the worst town/ city that I’ve been to! Even Gary Indiana ranks better in my opinion. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is the fact that the Soo Locks are awesome! ...and then again, can the locals be a bit more creative with naming their businesses, not everything has to be named ‘Soo’. Pet owners, sorry your furry friend is not welcome here! No outdoor seating/dining where I could’ve enjoyed a local beer with my dog next to me... sorry locals, but we took our business elsewhere!

Jack Dogood

Super awesome experience to go on the boat tour of the locks! Affordable and worth it! My boys enjoyed it as much as I did!

Biden crime Family!

Amazing place! Went to the Upper Peninsula with the family and decided to go all the way to the end of the road! Watching the huge barge go up and down with the water as it made it's way through the locks was a great experience. The barge was so big that at the beginning we thought it was a building! Then we realized what we were seeing. We got there before they closed, so we didn't get to see the exhibit inside the building. But the admission was free and we were able to go up to the observation deck. You can go online and look for the name of the barge and see what it's carrying and where it's going. Very interesting!

Samantha Kunkel

Very nice family activity. Free to watch the ships and even little personal boats pass through the locks. Nice area with food and drink.

Zachary Frieben

Clean facilities. Great historic information. Interesting experiences! I would recommend prople go at least once to experience to boats rise and fall.

Phoenix Baertlein

Dave did an excellent job of narration our trip on the boat through the locks. The captain and hands were all helpful and friendly.

Amber Lynn

We found it to be very interesting and educational. Much information on the history and development of the locks. Very good view of the locks. We enjoyed seeing all of this.

Don Kudrak

Being the first time at the Soo Locks it was very exciting and interesting to see a ship coming in.

Todd Riley

This is an incredible feat of engineering. Seeing some of the largest freighters that travel the Great Lakes being raised or lowered 21 feet to water level so they can pass from one lake to another through the St. Mary's river is awe inspiring. The museum and observation deck provide a lot to see and learn. This is a wonderful family stop.

Nancy McAleer

I've gone through here a few times while stationed onboard USCGC Hollyhock. It's cool that they have the viewing deck and we got to talk with locals about our trip while going up/down the locks.

Bethany Roberts

Great place, but no dogs. We were traveling through the area and as busy of an area as it is I didn't feel safe leaving my dog in a car while we ran in to watch the locks themselves. None of the parks locally allowed dogs either.

Tiffany Pomeroy

Beautiful, well worth visiting this charming little town!

T T

Reservation recommended

Steve Wilson

Beautiful area. Free museum to watch boats move through the locks. Boat ride is available for purchase, takes 105 minutes. Bathroom at boat tour is clean and free to use.

Lisa Starr

Went on Soo Locks Boat Tour. All the staff was friendly and informative. Scott in particular took the time to share his love for the area. There was a lady on the ground who was also helpful but didn't get her name. Definitely a cool experience.

debora wright

What a awesome experience! The park is beautiful! The town is lovely!

Ethan Banks

Fun even if you don't know much about boats! I learned a bit, and I watched a huge shipping boat come in. If you like Duluth, you'll love it here. Close to a very touristy area, but I'm a tourist and love that stuff. Near great places to eat, too

Christy Anderson

Enjoyable experience seeing the locks fill up and drain out over a 40 minute period from the shore. We did not ride the ferry. The free museum and observation deck offer sufficient educational experience.

Brian Bonner

Sadly, because of COVID-19, we were unable to go in the over look that is next to the locks and the visitor center is currently closed which was also a disappointment. Really amazing to see ships go though the locks and is a peaceful place to walk around.

Kate Creech (Katelyn)

Wow! It was on my beautiful wife's Bucket list so I made the Soo locks a priority on our Indiana / Michigan Summer vacation. We drove up from Eagle Lake, Michigan and had a beautiful drive up and back. Folks! This is a do not miss experience! We stayed probably longer than we should have but got to see about 15 Laker ships pass the locks. We even got to see the "Queen of the Lakes," the Paul R. Tragurtha! At 1013' long and 107' wide, with a draft of 27', it was more than impressive! I highly recommend the viewing platform at the McArthur and Poe Locks. Plan a trip here when you can. You will be astounded!

Amanda Ryder

No wait

Emory Peterson

The Soo Locks is a very interesting place, kids will love it too. You enter the grounds through the security gate. Security officer will search all back packs or large hand bags. It does not cost visitors to observe the boats entering or leaving. The visitors center provides answers to how the locks work and provides more historical facts of the area. If you decide to take the Soo Locks Boat tour be prepared to wait about 30 minutes on the boat before it takes off as there will likely be ships coming and going as the same time. Boat tours cost $40 per person. Highly recommended watching the Soo Locks from the free observation decking provided. There are 5 RV parking spaces in front of the Soo Locks. We ate lunch and continued watching all the activity, fun time was had by all.

Carl Bernard

First time visiting the Soo and what else can I say, but wow. As an adult one can easily see the engineering marvel that is the Soo Locks, but for our daughters (10-8) found it largely entertaining as well. Perfect timing it would be as we were coming from lunch across the street and were greeted with a large freighter coming into the Locks. One must experience it in person and fully from beginning to end to truly appreciate how impressive this marvel really is. I have amazing video of it all just wish I had more pictures to post for everyone else.

Kelley Evans

And engineering marvel. He must see if you’re interested in Michigan history.

Lee Williams (Lee Ann)

Loved the conversation and information provided by Sharod the Soo Locks representative. Awesome!

Barry Tikkanen

This is a must see town! Its like living in a movie, everything is absolutely stunning and there are so many things to do and sights to see! Add this one to your bucket list, you won't be disappointed! Canada is just across the water! ????

Daniel Snow

The motel was grand! Great staff, wonderful setup and gorgeous views. Excellent customer service. The Inn Restaurants next door is a must visit!

Jennifer Grossnickle

The Soo Locks are always a treat, especially if you're a "boat nerd" like most who go there are. But right at the locks, you have a lot of gift shops and mini golf, and really nice places to eat, to

Trinna Recker

Weekend

Melissa Wolf

Enjoyed watching a freighter come in. My children even enjoyed it, although it took a bit and they did get a little bored of watching. They had a fun visitor's center that had interactive items.

Lisa Taylor

Beautiful and free. I truly enjoyed the view.

Evan Wright

We had a great time. The locks were really cool to watch. We did do one of the lock tours where you ride a boat through, which was worth it. I wish there was a gift shop, but it is an active government facility after all... The visitor center had some cool interactive exhibits and a chart showing expected upcoming boats.

Larry Hipsher

Viewing stand allows you to get very close to the vessel.

Sue Tiedke

Fascinating to watch the big ships move through this elaborate system. Lots of great info in visitors centre. Worth stopping for if you have any interest in marine activity. Restrooms in visitors centre could use some updating and more regular cleaning.

Bill Melvin

Haven't visited here in years but wanted to see again since we were up that way. Surprised that the viewing area and building were free, but that was awesome. Watched a few boats go through the locks. Very interesting and surprising how slow a process it was. IDK. Overall, good time.

Brendan Binniker

Don't waste your time. Michigan is a joke right now. Political opinions have effectively ended all reminiscience of freedom and historical value. I visited the locks when I was much younger and recall viewing ships from the observation deck and utilizing the visitor center for some fantastic historical data and visual aides. These amenities are locked and barricaded to the public. Until the current fascist health edicts are retracted, may as well stay out of Michigan.

yorke zuber

Interesting for adults to watch but, kinda boring for kids. Really wish the shipwreck museum was open!

Hayley Kolb

This was my first Soo Lock tour, it was great! We went thru the locks right next to the Innovator. Its such an experience to see these freighters this close????

Jim Bickel

Very cute tone, lots to check out, the locks were cool, we didn't get to see any boats come through but beautiful still

Ron Luce

It was so cool seeing all the big ships! My 9 year old son was mesmerized. My 5 year old daughter was not amused lol. But it was very cool seeing what happens here everyday. And the museum was fun! Both kids enjoyed playing with all of the interactive components of the museum.

Biglar Miedema

No wait

Don Colbath

No wait

Eli Mayerfeld

Cool place to see lake freighters up close & recreational boats as they go from one level to another. ????

Kim Galloway

Awesome feet of engineering. Amazing to see the giant freighters come in and be lifted, and lowered like nothing

Karin Starling

No

Joseph Marc

Loved the tour beautiful pictured rock

Mike Pappas

Great experience. 10/10 would do it again.

Mariah Piippo

The boat ride was a lot of fun and the tour guide was very informative on her descriptions of the various sights. Enjoyed going up and down in the locks. A good, worthwhile trip.

Chief Lawson

Neat experience, always interesting to watch ships traverse the locks. Visited on a holiday weekend, but still able to easily get good views from the observation platform. Visitor center was fine too.

Waan Wonder World

Free

Jessica Collier

We came up for a labor day short vacation and I and my daughter saw all kinds of stuff we've never seen or known about our wonderful state. I highly recommend it, if you're ok with boat rides and being on the water

David Fogle

Visited on

Victoria

Missed the boat going thru the locks but enjoyed our visit any way.

Lisa Reitz

A very cool place to drop by for an afternoon. Got lucky and arrived just in time to watch a ship pass through.

Kris Hagemeyer

Do the boat tour. You won't regret it.

Marsh Williams

Wonderful experience at the Soo Locks. Surprisingly interesting just watching. Kids and I had a great time.

Heather Smith

This is a great place for young and old alike. Took my mother and children here and it really is a one of a kind experience. There is no cost to see the locks so that's a plus too. Make sure to check the schedule of boats for the day because that's the real highlight of the locks. To see the large freighters go through you see the locks in action and a freighter.

Meghan Weber

Great place to watch ships go from one lake to another. Very interesting and free from observation deck.

Frank Post

Awesome place..we can huge ships..and we can see the border.There are lot shops for shopping and to stroll around

G and T Graham

Very interesting to see how ships are raised or lowered to accommodate the different water level of Lake Superior. Can visit for free and watch from 3 different level platform. The visitor center on site tells the story of the lock, plus some hands on displays of how the lock works. A schedule of arriving ships can also be found there.

Tim Mitchell

Excellent tour of the soo locks. If you've never seen how they work then I recommend taking the tour. It's a bit long but interesting to experience.

Bren S

Pretty cool to go in and see how the lock and dam system works for the big ships. We didn't go in the visitor center as we didn't have our masks on us and that still require masks, vaccinated or not, as it is a government building. But we enjoyed the rest of the grounds and got to see ships come in and see the locks work.

Sarah Blais

Pretty amazing place. A must see for anyone in the area. Lots of shopping and restaurants in the area that your able to walk to within distance of waiting for the boats to come in.

Wendy Schmidt

Kids had fun, they loved the hands on inside the visitor center and getting to watch big boats pass through the locks. The kids also completed a scavenger hunt to earn junior ranger badges while learning g facts about the soo locks. This was a great experience!

Brian Van Duyne

The timing was perfect for us because we got to see a ship going through the actual locks. It's an interesting lesson in geography.

Ian Scargill

Our tour guide was very informative of the locks and all the ships that we saw. Our dog was safe and sound in the kennels that they provide. Would definitely recommend!

Rachael King

Nice place to visit, you'll have to pay a meter for parking it was like 2 hours for $0.75 so that was cheap. You can get into the viewing center for free and watch the boats come in. There's also a lot of little souvenir shops across the road.

Nicole Newton

Had fun bringing our kids for the first time. The viewing deck had a ramp so we could easily bring our wagon with us to watch the boats. It was also covered so the rain didn't bother us. Definitely recommend calling to see when boats are estimated to go through if you have little ones!

vidya padigela

Visited this place with little bit of knowledge explained by others. When I see this in person I was impressed and overwhelmed with mans intelligence and science that is applied in creating it. It’s a science invention where ships stay to pass into Lake Superior to Huron or Vice versa. There is a viewing place we can see ships going into Huron or superior and we can understand how they are able to pass through from one lake to another. Also lots of antique shops and gift shops to visit.

Angela Holinka

Wow! We woke to a ships horn blowing at full tilt. A ships, a huge freighter, passed 20 feet from where we parked our RV at the curb. What a site!

The Fun Stuff

It’s definitely a great sight to see it’s amazing thousand feet long does anybody know what the purpose of it is I know how it works why do we need to have it

Tyler Broyles

Such a clean park, with security. Neat to see boats lowered from one level to the next.

matt

Fun to join others in watching footers go through.

Sofia Marquez

Museum was cool unfortunately we did not see any boats come through. We were in the area had we drove along way for just this 1 place I'd say my review could be lower.

Amy Lee

A very quiet and peaceful place to visit. . We visited the locks as a ship entered the locks and was moved up river. I am glad I was able to see this as it happened. I will have good memoirs of this area .

Nancy Charles

Our Original Soo Locks Boat tour was great. The captain and crew were friendly and made the trip interesting and fun. We didn't go through the locks with a freighter, but saw a couple ships from a distance and many ships docked. The narrator was very informative. We learned a lot about the area, it's history, and construction of the locks. Nice gift shop also.

Katie DuVall

Wait time

Matthew Allen

Weekday

James Heichel

Definitely a "Must see!" Very historical and educational! We love watching ships and boats enter/exit the locks from the large platform viewing area. The Visitor Center is excellent and includes information about the ships, locks, how the locks work, etc. The restrooms are clean. We NEVER get tired of visiting the Soo Locks!!!!

mark wellington

Great views of the Ships coming through the Locks. If you get there by 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. (during the Freighter Season) you're guaranteed to see a freighter.

Jessica Mosier

What a great experience. We watched a huge tanker pass through the locks and then two tour boats. The visitor center was interesting with friendly staff. The grounds were lush and beautiful. I can't wait to visit again.

Troy Bentley

Outstanding experience as you watch the freighters and other boats pass thru the locks. Truly enjoyed this free experience along with my grandsons. Can't wait to go back....

Susan Whitehead

Awesome boat ride and informational tour. Snacks available. Bathrooms aboard. It was a good time.

Dave Johnston

Such an amazing place to visit and learn about some history and engineering

Rebecca Gerhard

We are used to seeing the Mississippi River and our dam systems. Seeing the Great Lakes and the lock system is on much larger scale. Much larger ships, compared to our barges. Very interesting!

Meadow Minde

Price for adult entry

Amanda Stricklin

I always love watching the ships come in and out of the locks.. took these a few days ago while on my vacation

Rebecca Thomas

We happened to catch a time when ships were stacking up and both locks were being used. How cool! The visitors' center has lots of great information about the past, present, and future of the Soo Locks. The staff members were helpful and friendly. Not our first time and each visit has been wonderful!

Tina Welch

Cool things to do in town lotsa little shops and a small park that you can enter to see the ships. The observation deck was closed so that was a bummer.

Sami Walker

Free

Sheila Obrien

Not the best attraction in northern Michigan. They could have made it more attractive with a nice park in front of the locks. However, it does do justice to the tourists educating them how the lock works and it is a huge one by too for large ships.

Jim Downing

Beautiful place clean and handicap accessible!! Went in august was really hot though bring water

Elysia Parker

Very nice place to visit. Watch all the freighters pass through the locks. Free and family friendly. Been there several times. My 1st time was back in 1962. Nice Nice visitor center with lots information about the locks. In the process of building a new 1200 foot lock.

Rebecca Nasarzewski

Awesome day. Saw the locks working three times today: ore carrier, tug and tourist boat and tug pushing a barge of rolled and plate steel.

Anita Warren-Hampson

Weather was threatening, but had a great time downtown. A majority of the businesses were not open this late in the season (Sunday, before Labor Day). It was still an enjoyable time in the eastern UP.

Lenny Halvorson

Even though some areas were still closed, it's always fun watching the ships go through the locks.

Jordan Gilmore

This was a fun trip for my Boy Scout troop. We traveled through both the American and Canadian locks. The lock workers were super friendly and eagerly answered questions for the boys as the water levels rose and fell. The history of the locks is fascinating and it's fun to see the large machines in operation. I highly recommend taking a tour through the Soo Locks!

Amber Potes

Great way to spend an afternoon and get a little bit of history at the same time. We went on the tour thinking it would be a little bit cheesy, but it wasn't. We a good time. The day we went was the last cruise for that particular boat that year, and we got an extra long adventure. I actually enjoyed going through the locks and seeing them work. Amazing that it's all done by adjusting the water levels.

Bonnie Bohannon

Beautiful place to walk along the water!

Grayling Mercer

Government property so there is a search and masks must be worn in the museum. Great viewing area to see boats coming through the locks. No charge to get in.

Chris Farrell

It's nice to get to see the boat go through the lock.

John VM

1 hr+

Al Wurst

We always use this line and site. Couldn't do bridge view because of weather. They refunded one of our tickets when a family member was too ill to go. I was impressed with the swift professionalism. We will return.

Mike Dickerson

Very disappointing to get there and not be able to take out dog into the park to view the locks. With it being an attraction that people travel to visit and the fact that many people travel/vacation with their pets, I feel this rule needs to be reevaluated. I understand the need for leashes and people cleaning up after pets, but to just not allow at all into a park is not cool.

Kathy Ausborne

Loved the boat ride and all the information we received about the soo locks. I would recommend anybody to try this. What a great experience. We won't forget this vacation.

Staci Wolff

Had the opportunity to see vessels going both upbound and downbound during our 1 hour time at the park. The park was nice and the viewing experience was really neat even though the viewing platform was closed due to the pandemic. Call the Soo visitor center phone line to find out when the ships are estimated to be arriving and then go to the park to see it in action.

Eleanor Whitman

Museum & viewing area was great. Well organized & informative. Notice if times ships were coming thru helped. Staff were fantastic.

Rob Schellenberg

Price for adult entry

Doug Andringa

Darn COVID! Visitors center and viewing balconies are closed. Check the freighter schedule before going. Leisure boats also use the locks. Have to pay to park. Not much to see or do.

Michael Bednarski

A fascinating place to visit and watch the freighters lock through, with occasional entertainment provided by Soo Locks Boat Tours guides who engage people on the viewing platform. Excellent visitor center with information about how the locks work and historical exhibits.

robert zenor

Amazing learning the history of the locks, historical buildings. And ships. Along going through them.

Carol Little-Magnan

Great vantage point from which to watch the locks operate. Marine traffic app is a great help to know when and which big ships will be coming through.

Laurel SmithRadomski

Interesting 1/2day trip from St. Ignace. Teens were bored before the adults. No charge to get into the education center or up to the lookout deck. Fun shops and ice cream stores nearby. Metered parking.

Melanie Sculley

10/10 the best way to get your cargo vessel from lake to lake. You can also wave at Canada across the way.

Julie Finkbeiner

We had a boat with plenty of room to social distance. The tour didn't talk too much, but just enough.

Demetrius Alexander

Amazing place and to know how the ships are moving from one place to another when there is height difference. But missed the gallery view since it was closed to due to COVID-19

James Fort

The Soo Locks are very cool, indeed. The visitors center gives a great representation of how the locks were built and how they function. It's amazing that over $500 billion in goods are transported through these locks in the seven month period they are open. The two story viewing platform allows you to get a 'up close' view of the thousand foot ships transiting the locks. You can see this happening at almost any time of the day as there is pretty much a constant flow of ships coming and going in the river. If you are in Sault Ste Marie, don't miss out on this! It's free.

Doug Hart

Enjoyed seeing the Soo Locks in operation. The local shops and restaurants are in easy walking distance. Street side parking was inexpensive.

Rich Clark

We were fortunate to arrive right when a small ship was going through. COVID-19 concerns forced the viewing deck closed but we still enjoyed watching as the ship was lowered.

Mick Godd

The best free fun in Sault Ste Marie! Last year when we were here we got to see some of the thousand foot freighters go through the locks. Today we got to see how the tourist boats go through! The most exciting thing today was watching a tugboat called the Zeus push a barge through. Definitely a first! In case you visited during 2020, now in June 2021 the observation decks are all open. So nice to be able to go up higher. We could see you so much more now. Can't wait to visit again!

Sherry “Readersitter”

Loved seeing the big ships come in and leave the locks

MR French

Soo Locks, the iconic water system that is the gate between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Came here as a teenager, and had a wonderful time. Very exciting to watch!

Mike Spory

Visited on

Betty Sabin

Weekend

Ben Griffith

Visited on

LeAnn McDowell

Wait time

Shawn Bain

Pretty cool place to see how they raise and lower freighters between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Michael Ginter

Really cool to check out. The waiting for the shop to go through the locks was kind of boring though. A must see for everyone.

Tracy Simon

We timed it just right! Two ships passing...truly amazing to see how it works!

Mary Morrissey

A nice park where you can watch the big ships come and go. Engineering on a large scale. Very impressive. The staff is also informative. A good amount of interesting things within walking distance.

Melissa Wiggs

The tour guide was very informative, and we enjoyed the trip. It's 2 hours long, which i was originally hesitant on because of my two small children (6 and 3), but they had just as much fun as we did. It didn't feel like that long of a trip at all.

Geri Sen

Visited on

Wade Peters

No

David Gregory

The locks themselves are interesting and pretty straightforward in how they operate. We got there just as a couple of tour boats were entering it, and got to watch the locks operate to allow them to go into lake Superior which took about 20 to 30 minutes. This attraction will appeal to your engineering types and your historians, but my wife and daughter got bored halfway through. It was a nice clean facility, easy to get up to the observation area. I like that even if no freighters are coming through, people can still see them in action with the tour boats. The grounds felt like a park, quiet and relaxing. We didn't go into the visitor center so I can't comment on that part. A nice piece of Michigan history.

Kristina Johnson

Nice place to visit and watch the boats go through the locks. We did no go in the visitor center as they required mask to enter

Lisa Newcomer

We visited while passing thru the locks

Mike Roche

Had a great time. Took boat at dock one and got a discount

MJ

Reservation recommended

OG-BIG-SHEPHERD

I was here when my children were small. I had to come back. What a beautiful State and amazing thing to see. I love the Soo Locks

Robert Rakosi

Incredible engineering, if you appreciate anything of the sort you’re doing yourself a major disservice by not visiting. The facts are insane, I had no idea there were locks of any kind between the Great Lakes, let alone the amount of goods that is transported through. Seriously impressive place. Must see!

Thomas Wiczek

To see the precision of the captains to guide these hugh vessels into and out of the lock is amazing. It does take a while, so those who are anxious to do other things will need to exercise patience.

Dale Bryant

Great attraction! Very interesting history and site for watching the frieghtors!

Kate El-moussawi

We had a fun time watching the tour boat's go through. The Locks were not real busy with Big boat's. The worker's were very nice and helpful.

Kevin Lovell

Observation deck now open! First time in a year. Visitor center is open. Boat schedule inside. Got there right on time to see a Polish freighter going from Lake Huron up to Lake Superior. With all the nice clean park areas it's easy to have a beautiful quiet afternoon enjoying the fresh air and the plus is the locks themselves.

Marijane Miller

A must see attraction if visiting the Upper Peninsula, in Michigan. Love seeing all the boats/freighters go through the Locks.

Rhonda Calvert

Weekend

Sue Inman

The information is Intresting and some has been updated with new lock info. Has lots of space to add more. Building is in the mist of rehabilitation has water dripping into displays. Wish they would find a way for people to watch the progress of the new lock build and eventually the ships as they pass through it. It's so far away people can't see anything.

Blessed at30

Nice place to visit the tours are informative. No big boats came through when we were there

Ashley Thompson

Much of the tour and the operation of the locks can be seen from onshore. But our narrator (Original Soo Locks Tour) added a lot of history before and after the locks transit. The captain would also get up close to others ships and places of interest. We we were thankful we made the last tour of the day (only 22 passengers)

TAMMI HARMON

Reservation recommended

Mary Gignac

What a marvel of engineering! Awesome to see the huge ships going through!

Seth Cook

So interesting and fun to watch the big ships.

Keilsey Wineland

No

Sabrina Navis

Some cool pics from July 2021

Peggy Hartman

It is so cool to see the boats go through the locks. Good use of Physics from old days. They do not use pumps at all. Right in the middle of downtown, the place is worth the visit. Parking is available on the side, metered coin based with a four hour slot and free after 6 PM. The city is historic and very beautiful. They also have put lights on bridge. US bridge has a series of Red, white and blue whereas Canada has red, white and red. It was beautiful. I had Pictured Rocks cruise so I skipped the boat tour and I hope I shouldn’t regret that.

Jeff Jirak

Weekend

Jared Anderson

Great time watching the ships coming through the locks.