DESTINATION

Sault Ste. Marie

The rapids of the St. Marys River, which drop some 21 feet from Lake Superior to Lake Huron, are the reason for the town's greatest attraction, the Original Soo Locks. Four locks on the U.S. side bypass this beautiful barrier. The MacArthur and Poe locks are used for shipping, while the Sabin and Davis locks are in the process of being replaced; the Canadian lock is for pleasure craft. More than 95 million tons of freight pass through the Soo every year.

Parkland parallels the locks; in the upper park are three observation platforms and a Corps of Engineers information center. Originating at the information center, the Locks Park Historic Walkway follows the waterfront for about a mile. It links many historic attractions and four main points of interest: the Locks Overlook; Plank Alley, site of the original business district, which includes the restored historic John Johnson Home and the office of the Schoolcraft County Indian Agency; Fort Brady, site of both French and American forts; and the Johnston Homestead, a preserved neighborhood. Sherman Park offers a public beach, camping and picnic facilities, nature trails and a cross-country skiing area.