Soo Locks

Pretty cool experience seeing the boats go through the locks. Amazing piece of engineering and history. Can't imagine all the work and planning that goes into such a massive project. Easy to enter without any hassle from security. Though they will look through any bag or purse you try to bring in. Definitely check this out if you are in the area.

Lots of information at the museum before you watch a boat come in; very interesting. Once the boat starts to arrive it takes around 45 mins. The ship that came in on our day was HUGE and we were able to take lots of pictures. Good opportunity at any level, but it is nice to move down to the lower level once the boat is in as it lowers you get a good look at all angles.

What an amazing experience. We went during the summer and enjoyed watching the big freighters lock through. It's interesting for all ages! The only thing we didn't like was dogs are not allowed on the grounds, not even in the park area. We had to split our family up so someone could stay with the dog.

Really neat and historical place to visit. Watching a ship pass through the locks is really neat! It even entertained my teens! There are lots of great displays in the visitor building. Safe area and lots of souvenir shops nearby.

Very cool watching the huge ships go thru the locks. They have a great closed in on 3 sides area to watch the ships go into the locks. It was a nice experience watching the ship moving into Lake Superior. This whole part of Michigan is beautiful, the upper peninsula proved to be a great mini vacation.

The locks are great and even better when you get to see ships go through them. You will likely see ships going through during the weekdays but you can track approaching ships with an app so you can somewhat time your visit. There are a ton of shops across street from the locks viewing area you can shop at. The viewing platform really helps with viewing the locks. The onsite visitor center is filled with info and displays for the locks. The Army Corp Engineer staff is very friendly and filled with info. Enjoy your visit to the locks.

The staff at the visitors center were so kind, helpful and had answers for all the family. We waited and watched 2 boats go through the locks. The informational touch screen TV/tablets were very interesting. The area for pretending you were a lockmaster was fun for kids and adults!
**Bags will be searched. This is government property.

Such an engineering marvel! This place was awesome! This thing lowered the water level faster than my tub drains! There is a lot of cool info in the visitor center. They made getting those boats into the lock easier than me parking a car.

Loved it, loved the little town, and the people's the view was amazing and our dog was welcome, enjoyed it and would go back again. You could not take your dog into the locks...no pets allowed, but on the streets they are welcomed.

I have been on this ride a few times but it was the first time for my friend. It was interesting and informative. We were able to get tickets the same day. If you happen to be passing through check it out.

Wonderful to see a ship going up to Lake Superior, then another coming down! Great displays inside, knowledgeable staff.

The wind at the looks in the observation deck can really drop the temp so dress appropriately!

Highly recommend! Super friendly and knowledgeable volunteers were available to answer questions. The kids thought how the locks worked and the history of them was cool. The entire park is well maintained and clean.

Great experience for the whole family. Tour guide fully explained the locks as our boat passed through them and everything else along the way. You can sit indoors on the lower level or outside on the upper deck. We moved back and forth between the levels.

We loved watching the big ships going through the locks.
The one complaint I have is that parking is limited to two hours, and we had to leave just as the first ship in the lock closest to us entered, we had to leave. We didn't get to watch it being lowered to Lake Huron.

We visited the Soo locks on the spur of the moment while eating breakfast in town. Honestly, we've been to the Soo so many times but never gone to that touristy part of town. It's very cute! The ship was coming in as we went up to the viewing deck which was free. It was great to see the locks in use. I had been on the Erie Canal I'm a small boat....this was just a larger version. We did not see the museum, but will another time. We heard there was a good boat tour, as well.

There is a nice museum and information center. The kids did a worksheet that got them a “junior ranger sticker.” The space was large enough for many people to be in and has a public bathroom.
The locks have an elevated area to go up and get a better view. All restricted areas are clearly marked.
Plan ahead to see if a ship is coming through, we would have had to wait 5+ hours if we wanted to see one.

Sophie did an amazing job with the tour of the Soo Locks, what a wonderful and educational experience! My entire family thoroughly enjoyed the ride/tour and learned so much! I highly recommend booking with the Original Soo Locks tour!

This was our first time in the UP and we started our vacation at the Soo Locs. We came first week of October 2023 and had sunny, 80° weather. The Locs were so cool. Just amazing how they function and the number of freighters and smaller boats get thru. Thank you for a wonderful tour.

I had a great time here. I went to the visitors center first which was very informative. From there I went to the observatory and was able to see the locks open and closed. It was amazing to see 22 million gallons of water be moved as quick as it does. I walked down to the lower area and seen the river. Walked the grounds which were very nice and maintained. NOTICE.... This IS a U.S. government installation. Save yourself some time and secure ALL weapons in your vehicle before entering the gate.

Fun place to see the boats go through the locks. Good museum that explains lots of things. I suggest going on engineers day when you can walk across the locks. Guards will check inside your bags. No pets allowed.