When most people think about America’s oldest cities, places on the East Coast usually come to mind.
But hidden in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a community that has been around for more than 350 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the entire United States.
This historic destination lies along one of the Great Lakes’ most important waterways, where towering freighters and centuries of history go hand in hand.
If you’re looking for a place packed with incredible history, unforgettable waterfront views, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Michigan, keep reading.
Where Is It?
Sault Ste. Marie is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, along the St. Marys River and directly across the Canadian border from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
It’s about a 50-minute drive from St. Ignace and roughly 3 hours from Traverse City.
From Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, travel time is about 4.5 hours from Grand Rapids and roughly 5 hours from Detroit, depending on traffic.
About
Sault Ste. Marie is Michigan’s oldest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlements in the United States.
Founded in 1668 by French Jesuit missionaries, the city predates well-known American cities like Detroit, New Orleans, and St. Louis.
The city grew along the St. Marys River, a key waterway connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron that has served as an important travel and trade route for centuries.
Today, Sault Ste. Marie is best known for the Soo Locks, one of the most significant engineering projects in North America.
The locks allow ships to bypass the rapids and move between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.
Every year, thousands of vessels pass through the locks, including massive freighters carrying up to 72,000 tons of cargo.
Together, that mix of history, shipping, and natural beauty is what makes the city such a memorable place to visit.
With a population of around 13,000, it has a small-town atmosphere while offering attractions and historical significance that rival much bigger cities.
Things To Do
One of the first places you’ll want to head is the Soo Locks, the attraction that put Sault Ste. Marie on the map.
At the Soo Locks Visitor Center, you can explore interactive exhibits and displays while learning how the lock system operates.
The real excitement happens outside, where an observation platform lets you watch massive freighters rise and drop as they move through the locks.
If you want an even closer look, hop aboard the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour, which lasts about 90 minutes and includes an educational tour of historic Sault Ste. Marie.
For a deeper look at the region’s past, spend some time at the Museum Ship Valley Camp, a retired Great Lakes freighter converted into a floating museum.
One of the highlights here is a pair of lifeboats recovered from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the legendary ship that sank in Lake Superior during a storm in 1975.
History lovers should also take a stroll along Historic Water Street, where preserved homes dating back to the 1800s help tell the story of the city’s early years.
From there, you can continue to the Tower of History, which rises 210 feet above the city.
An elevator takes you to the top, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Sault Ste. Marie, the St. Marys River, the Soo Locks, and miles of surrounding forests.
While you’re downtown, be sure to visit the River of History Museum, which is open seasonally from June to September.
Through a series of galleries and exhibits, the museum tells the story of the St. Marys River and the communities that grew along its shores.
If you’re up for a picnic with great views, visit Rotary Island Park, which features scenic walking areas along the river where you can watch freighters pass by.
Just across the river, nature lovers should visit Sugar Island, a quiet community reached by a short car ferry ride and known for its forests and shoreline views.
It covers roughly 49 square miles and offers a peaceful escape from the busier parts of town.
Back in town, downtown Sault Ste. Marie is perfect for strolling, with locally owned shops, cafés, restaurants, and waterfront views throughout the historic district.
Many businesses embrace the city’s maritime heritage, making it easy to find ship-themed souvenirs and locally made products.
Whether you’re watching freighters navigate the locks, exploring centuries of history, or touring a retired cargo ship, Sault Ste. Marie packs a lot into a city of its size.
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sault Ste. Marie is from May through October, when the Soo Locks Visitor Center is open and ship traffic is at its busiest.
June, July, and August bring the warmest temperatures, with daytime highs typically ranging from the low 70s to the upper 70s.
September is a fantastic choice if you prefer smaller crowds, comfortable weather, and colorful fall foliage beginning to appear across the Upper Peninsula.
Attraction Schedules and Admission
Before your trip, check operating schedules for the attractions you want to visit.
The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours operate from May through October, with tickets costing about $30 for adults, $10 for youth ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under.
The Museum Ship Valley Camp is also open from May through October, with admission priced at $17 for adults and $8.50 for children.
The Tower of History follows a similar seasonal schedule and charges $8.75 for adults and $4.50 for children.
Nearby Places Worth Visiting
If you have extra time, several amazing Upper Peninsula destinations are within easy driving distance.
Just 30 minutes from Sault Ste. Marie, you can climb the 72-step Point Iroquois Lighthouse for beautiful views of Lake Superior from May through October.
There’s also Tahquamenon Falls State Park, about 1 hour and 15 minutes away, the second-largest state park in Michigan, and home to a waterfall known for its amber-colored water.
If you’re interested in Great Lakes history, head to Whitefish Point, where you’ll find the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior.
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