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Sault Ste Marie (pronounced Sue-saint-marie) or (the Soo as called by the locals) is a town of 14061 people (nearly 90000 when combined with it's canadian twin) in the Upper Peninsula, the northern portion of the state of Michigan. The oldest city in the state brings visitors in from around the world to see ships pass through the Soo Locks, where international commerce ships make their way between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. Sault Ste Marie derives its name from nearby rapids and the archaic French word of Sault, which means rapids, or waterfall. The locks and nearby four casinos, as well as the numerous inland lakes, large expanses of forests, wilderness and the Lake Superior shoreline all make for an interesting visit. Located directly across the St. Mary's River -- and the Canada/US border -- is its twin city, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

[edit] Get in

Sault Ste. Marie is served by Interstate 75 from the south. This is the same highway that links Lower Michigan to the Upper Peninsula via the Mackinac Bridge. Sault Ste. Marie is at the northern terminus of I-75, about 50 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge. Two exits will get you into the Sault. 3-Mile Road is the first (approaching from the south) and takes you through most of the town via Business I-75. This route covers the main thoroughfare in town (Ashmun Street) and eventually gets you to Portage Avenue and the Soo Locks. The second (and last in the USA) exit off of I-75 is Easterday Avenue. This puts you virtually on the campus of Lake Superior State University to the east, or gets you more directly to Portage Ave. and the Locks to the west. The route is not quite as well-marked, however, and goes through some old and somewhat unattractive industrial areas. You bypass the downtown completely, which may not be so good, as you will miss lots of shopping, hotels and other amenities completely. But, if you don't take this exit either, you will end up at the International Bridge toll and customs / immigration plaza for Canada. They will turn you around, without proper identification, if you make this mistake, it is a hassle since traffic getting onto the bridge is often backed-up in this area. Otherwise crossing the border is reasonably easy. All you need is proper identification: a passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License, NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI card, U.S. Merchant Mariner Documentation or U.S. Military Identification.

Warning! Flying in is another story. Unless you fly into Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, The "Sault Ste. Marie Michigan" airport is about 22 miles south of town, a former air force base along I-75. A shuttle bus & rental cars are available. The airport is served by Northwest Airlines, which offers daily flights to and from Detroit Metro Airport. There is also another small airport right in town that used to be the main airport years ago. After a long period of closure, it was re-opened for private planes a few years ago.

There is no rail service on the Michigan side, and buses from the Indian Trails bus line service Sault Ste. Marie Michigan regularly. The Mackinaw Shuttle Service also offers bus and limo service from its’ headquarters in Mackinaw City to Sault Ste Marie. Major carrier bus service was discontinued some time ago.

With all this in mind driving is about your only option. If you are headed for the UP anyway, it is definitely worth stopping in the Sault. It is also a great stop-over if you are planning to continue on over to Canada, as the Michigan side tends to be less expensive for hotels, food, etc.

[edit] Get around

Taxi and local bus service are available, including buses into canada

[edit][add listing] See

The Edison-Soo Hydroelectric Power House is the world's longest canal-powered electric plant, and dominates the shoreline east of the downtown area. Alford Park overlooks the St Mary's River, where you can relax for a picnic lunch to watch the big ships go by. Brady Park, established on the site of the original Ft. Brady, includes a tourist information center, a Japanese torii arch, the famous "musical fountain," and a comfortable atmosphere from which the big ships can be seen going through the locks. In the winter, the world’s biggest snowmobile racing event is held at the I-500 Snowmobile Track.

[edit][add listing] Do

Visit the Soo Locks, The world’s largest system of locks, and including the largest lock in the western hemisphere, has been a major feature of Sault Ste. Marie since the first major lock was built in the mid-19th century. The River of History Museum located in the former Federal Building right on the waterfront, contains exhibits which will guide you through the fascinating history of the area from the most ancient times to the present. Includes the “Ship’s Store” souvenir shop. The SS Valley Camp Museum is housed in a huge retired "laker" - an actual ore-carring ship. The museum contains many artifacts of maritime history on the Great Lakes, including mementos of the famed Edmund Fitzgerald wreck. St. Mary’s Cathedral - the oldest church still in use in Sault Ste Marie, built in 1881, next door to it The Tower of History was begun as a Catholic Church memorial to the early missionaries to the area. This 200-foot-tall tower is a terrific place to view the St. Mary’s River and the countryside for many miles around. Also includes museum displays. Lake Superior State University is located here on the former grounds of the second Fort Brady, and has a great hockey team. The campus is pretty and well worth a walk through, as it overlooks the wide St Mary's valley and has a view of the International Bridge over to Canada. Some beautiful views at night, as the campus is elevated and you can see the distant lights of the Canadian side.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Cascade Crossing Shopping Center has a Walmart and several other stores. there are many stores and shoppes near the downtown waterfront. Across the International bridge is the shoppes of downtown Sault Ste. Marie Ontario and The Station Mall with over 100 stores and services, The Station Mall is one of the largest regional shopping centres in Northern Ontario.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• The Lockview Restaurant, W. Portage Ave. (Right across from Soo Locks main gate). Right in amidst all the kitschy tourist shops is this restaurant with its large plate-glass front offering views of the passing street traffic. Their Lake Superior whitefish is fresh and excellent! Never been disappointed here! On those hot and muggy days, it is well air conditioned too.  edit
• Clyde's Drive-In, Riverside Drive (Follow E. Portage Av out of town until it becomes Riverside Dr. Clyde's is at the Sugar Island ferry dock, across from golf course.). This 50's-style "hamburger stand" has one of the best burgers you will ever get, and great fries too. It has a large parking area where you eat in your car, and can park facing the beautiful St. Mary's River and watch the lake freighters pass by up-close. It is one of the most unique burger joints you will find. Closed in winter.  edit
• Antlers Restaurant is an oldschool classic. Steaks and smoking. Tons of amazing taxidermy items and arcana hanging everywhere. Numerous steam whistles are mounted to the ceiling and are blown when a local dignitary enters (or whenever they feel the need). The whistles are painfully loud.

• The Palace sports Americanized "Mexican" food. Not the best for the waistline, but oh-so-tasty.

• Maloney's Irish Pub.... check out the atmosphere, try the nacho's... the cheese dip is addicting!
• West Pier Drive-In, 601 W. Portage (Turn left under bridge, or ask a local), ☎ (906) 632-0444. Open seasonally, best burger in town, huge portions, a little hard to find. $5-10 per person.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Back Door Night Club, 313 Ashmun Street, 1-906-635-1547 (Fax 1-906-635-1477). W-Su 8PM-2:30AM. Nightclub with music and dancing. Theme nights W-Sa. Designated drivers program and special occasions.
• The Savoy Night Club, 117 West Portage Ave, 1-906-632-2689. Open mon thru sat, check us out at [1] music, dancing, qb1 and much more.
• The Satisfied Frog, 209 W. Portage Avenue, ☎ 1-906-632-7280. Open 7 days-a-week. Karaokee Sunday thru Tuesday, house band on Wednesday thru Thursday and a feature band on Fridays and Saturdays (jukebox available when there is no band playing .25/song) A great place to meet up with friends. Fun friendly staff, 4 televisions through-out. Try the squashed frog, a great shooter for a Satisfied Frog Rookie.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Days Inn, 3651 I-75 Business Spur (exit 392, down 1 mile on right side), ☎ 1-906-635-5200, [2]. checkin: 3:00 p.m.; checkout: 11:00 a.m.. Indoor pool/hot tub open till midnight. Free wireless access throughout. Fridge,microwave, coffee pot, 27" flat screen t.v., free HBO in each room. Free local and toll free calls. Jacuzzi rooms available. Free Day Break breakfast from 6a.m. to 9:30a.m.  edit

• Best Western, 4335 I-75 Business Spur, 906 632-2170, [3]. Free high speed wireless internet and deluxe breakfast in the morning.
• Comfort Inn, 4404 I-75 Business. Spur, 906 635-1118, fax 906 635-1119.
• Park Inn, 3525 I-75 Business Spur, 906 632-6000, fax 906 632-6666. 1 mile Northeast of I-75 on I-75 Business Spur, exit 392, just minutes from all major attractions such as The Soo Locks, Tower of History, Kewadin Casino,LSSU, and the always popular, Agawa Canyon Train Tours. Secure Online Reservations.
• Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center, 3290 I-75 Business Spur, 906 635-6918, fax 906 635-2941.
• The Plaza Motor Motel, 3701 I-75 Business Spur, 800-809-1881, plaza@sault.com, [4]. Charming Rooms and wedding venue.

Zim's Bar, Grill and Underground Bar--Ashmun Street. The best place to a "big city" experience in a small town. Great food, great drinks and the dance club "Underground" with a real turn table DJ to enteratin you Thurs-Sat nights!

• Zim's Bar <bold>, Grill and Underground Bar--Ashmun Street. The best place to a "big city" experience in a small town. Great food, great drinks and the dance club "Underground" with a real turn table DJ to enteratin you Thurs-Sat nights! ==Get out==