Sault Ste Marie

Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Uncover the centuries-old history of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan’s oldest city, on a fully narrated guided walking tour that highlights its deep connection to the waterways of the Great Lakes.

Begin at Soo Locks Park, where your expert guide will share how the city was strategically planned around the vital St. Mary’s River

Visit the Soo Locks Visitor Center to learn about the impressive engineering behind this gateway to Great Lakes shipping.

Watch freighters pass through the locks—one of the busiest lock systems in the world.

Stroll along Portage Avenue, past the U.S. Coast Guard Station, Brady Park (site of Old Fort Brady), and the First Jesuit Mission site.

Follow historic Water Street, tracing the steps of Voyageurs, fur traders, and missionaries who shaped the city.

View notable landmarks such as the Bishop Frederic Baraga House and the Kemp Coal Dock Office Museum.

With a rich blend of historical storytelling and waterfront views, this tour is the perfect introduction to the cultural and industrial roots of Sault Ste. Marie—narrated by a passionate local guide who brings every detail to life.

Tour Overview: What to Expect

Discover the layered history of Sault Ste. Marie, a port city steeped in centuries of culture, industry, and frontier legacy. This fully narrated walking tour, led by an expert local guide, provides an immersive look at the city’s most iconic historic sites.

Begin your stroll along Historic Water Street, home to four Nationally Registered Historic Sites.

Tour the 1793 John Johnston House, one of the oldest surviving residences in Michigan.

Step inside the original Kemp Coal Dock Office, once central to the region’s shipping legacy.

Pass notable civic landmarks including City Hall, the Chippewa County Courthouse, and the former Carnegie Library.

Visit St. Mary’s Proto-Cathedral, Michigan’s oldest cathedral parish and the third oldest in the U.S.

Conclude with panoramic views atop the Tower of History, where a 210-foot ascent by express elevator reveals breathtaking sights of the Soo Locks, St. Mary’s River, and Upper Peninsula wilderness.

From fur traders to French missionaries, this tour brings centuries of history to life with rich narration and thoughtfully curated stops—perfect for history lovers and curious explorers alike.

Tour Overview: What to Expect

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an unforgettable day exploring the heart of Michigan’s wilderness. This narrated hiking tour, led by an expert local guide, offers a breathtaking journey through the renowned Tahquamenon Falls State Park—home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

Begin with a coach ride through the forested Upper Peninsula, where your guide shares fascinating insights about the region’s natural and cultural history.

Arrive at the Upper Falls trailhead, a dramatic 200-foot-wide, 50-foot-tall waterfall whose amber-tinted waters are a true marvel.

Embark on the River Trail, the park’s most scenic hiking route, weaving alongside the Tahquamenon River through old-growth cedar and hemlock forests.

Along the way, admire the vibrant wildflowers, peaceful woodland sounds, and glimpses of wildlife that make this trek so serene.

Conclude your hike at the Lower Falls, a series of smaller cascades surrounding a tranquil island you can explore by footbridge.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a peaceful day outdoors, this immersive experience is the perfect way to connect with the rugged beauty of Michigan’s northwoods.