Marathon Pundit: Upper Peninsula Upventure: The Soo Locks

Lake Superior flows into Lake Huron via the St. Mary's River. But the river, which has a stretch of rapids, is not navigable, so the Soo Locks were constructed.

The locks, which are operated the US Army Corps of Engineers, opened in 1855. Over 10,000 ships travel through them annually--which are closed due to ice from January through March. They are Sault Ste. Marie's primary attraction, and tour boats are said to be the best way to enjoy the locks. I was pressed for time--so I skipped the tour, but I did get some great pictures from the Tower of History.

In Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario has a series of locks as well, but they are used only for recreational boats.

The Army Corps of Engineers has placed several webcams at the locks.

Sault Ste. Marie is Michigan's oldest city, and the third oldest European settlement in the Midwest. For pictures of boats on the locks, visit Sault Boat Watcher.

Next: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Earlier posts:

Lake Superior State University
Eat signs
Hardwood Cafe
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap
Making a buck
Pasties