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Soo Locks Visitor Center

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Detroit District
Published Jan. 10, 2024
Watch the ships up close from the Soo Locks Viewing Platform.

Watch the ships up close from the Soo Locks Viewing Platform.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is opening the Soo Locks Visitor Center in Canal Park at 10 a.m. May 8. Visitor Center hours for the month of May are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visitor Center hours and days for June will be re-evaluated and announced prior to Memorial Day.
Soo Locks Visitor Center opens for 2022 season
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is opening the Soo Locks Visitor Center in Canal Park at 10 a.m. May 8. Visitor Center hours for the month of May are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visitor Center hours and days for June will be re-evaluated and announced prior to Memorial Day.
Soo Locks Visitor Center opens for 2022 season
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is opening the Soo Locks Visitor Center in Canal Park at 10 a.m. May 8. Visitor Center hours for the month of May are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visitor Center hours and days for June will be re-evaluated and announced prior to Memorial Day.
Photo By: Carrie Fox
VIRIN: 220409-A-YU979-1001

Welcome to the Soo Locks Visitor Center!

  • Hours of Operation:

The Visitor Center is currently closed for the season. It will reopen May 1, 2024.  

The park is currently open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Park Schedule Park Hours
June, July and August 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
May, September and October 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November, December, January, February, March and April 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

 

 

 

Seasonal Dates:

Our visitor center is open to the public from May 1 to October 31. Park Rangers post estimated boat schedules in the Visitor Center and maintain a ‘boat schedule hotline’ at 906-202-1333 while the Visitor Center is open.

Exhibits and Attractions:

  • Explore the history of the Soo Locks through interactive exhibits and immersive displays.
  • Learn about the Great Lakes' shipping industry and the vital role the Soo Locks play in connecting Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes.
  • Discover the engineering ingenuity behind the locks and the evolution of maritime technology.
  • Join us on the last Friday in June every year for Engineers Day - the one day each year the public is allowed to cross the locks. 

Parking:

  • There is free parking at the Depot Lot just west of the Soo Locks on the corner of Portage Ave. and Magazine St. 
  • Metered parking is available near the Visitor Center on Portage Ave.
  • Ample space is provided for buses and RVs.

Accessibility:

  • The Soo Locks Visitor Center is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all visitors. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible, and we strive to accommodate any special needs. 

Admission:

  • Admission to the Soo Locks Visitor Center is free, making it an affordable and engaging destination for families, students, and history enthusiasts.
  • Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals. 
  • Weapons, drugs, alcohol and bicycles are not allowed. 

Boat Schedule Hotline:

  • The Hotline is not updated during the winter season.
  • Park Rangers post estimated boat schedules in the Visitor Center and maintain a ‘boat schedule hotline’ at 906-202-1333 while the Visitor Center is open.

Soo Locks Webcams:

Contact Information:

  • Phone: 906-259-2841
  • Address: 312 West Portage Ave. Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

Plan your visit to the Soo Locks Visitor Center and walk through time and engineering excellence. We look forward to welcoming you to this world-renowned and National Historic Landmark destination!