Soo Locks Visitor Center opens up for 2025 season
The Soo Locks Visitor Center, located inside the Soo Locks Canal Park on Portage Avenue, officially opened at 10 a.m. Thursday for the 2025 season.
The Algoma Harvester freighter welcomed those to opening day as it passed through the Poe Lock as the Center opened. Inside the Visitor Center, Park Rangers fielded questions and explained how the locks work.
Around 300,000 people visited the Soo Locks Park in 2023 to watch the mighty freighters lock through the MacArthur and Poe Locks. There is no admission to visit the center.
Inside, there are numerous exhibits, clean restrooms and drinking fountains along with park rangers who are available to answer any questions.
“Coming in and seeing the ships is one thing and it’s great and it’s fun, but you are going to see so much more here and you are going to learn so much and it’s at your fingertips, said Park Ranger Lori Baldwin.
“We have all the history hands-on for children and families alike. Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie and being at the Soo Locks is one of my favorite things throughout my lifetime. I want to share my enthusiasm and my knowledge about the Soo Locks.”
Some people completely bypass stopping in at the center while in the park. Park rangers say if you do that, you are missing something special.
“We have all the history here in the center,” Baldwin said. “Then, of course, we have the viewing platform to watch the freighters lock through. But once you are done watching the ships, you should come in and see everything we have.”
While the park is open all year-round, the Visitor Center will close for the winter season in late October.
Soo Leader
Two groups offer raffles for trips on the Edwin H. Gott
The Lake Superior Marine Museum Association and The Soo Locks Visitors’ Center Association are raffling off a round-trip cruise on the 1,000-footer Edwin H. Gott.
Visit these websites or see fliers in the gallery below.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1052918876872355&set=a.458641912966724
https://www.lsmma.com/
