Soo Locks
in the USA

Soo Locks

The Soo Locks are located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on the St. Marys River, which separates the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Ontario, Canada. The locks are a critical component of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system, allowing ships to travel between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes.

The first Soo Locks were built in 1797 by the Northwest Fur Company. The locks were constructed of wood and were only 8 feet wide and 40 feet long. The locks were replaced with a larger, stone-lined lock in 1855, and further improvements were made in the 1880s and 1890s.

The current Soo Locks were built in 1919 and are the largest in the world. The locks are 800 feet long and 80 feet wide, and they can accommodate ships up to 1,000 feet long and 105 feet wide. The locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are part of the St. Marys River International Waterway.

The Soo Locks have played an important role in the history of the Great Lakes. In 1814, the locks were the site of a pivotal battle between the U.S. and British forces during the War of 1812. In the 20th century, the locks have been a vital part of the shipping and transportation industry, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Today, the Soo Locks are a major tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the world coming to watch the ships traverse the locks. The locks are also an important part of the local economy, providing jobs and economic activity to the area.

Experience Soo Locks with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Soo Locks. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Soo Locks

The climate in Soo Locks in the USA is generally cold throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to 30°C. In the winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C and snowfall is common. Spring brings warmer temperatures and more sunshine, with temperatures reaching up to 15°C. Summer temperatures can be quite warm, reaching up to 30°C, with occasional thunderstorms. Fall brings cooler temperatures and more precipitation, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Overall, Soo Locks experiences cold winters, mild springs, warm summers and cool falls.

Cruise weather for Soo Locks

Our weather forecast for Soo Locks helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.