Though most Michiganders know that Sault Ste. Marie is a historic and beautiful town, we’re guessing that there are quite a few natives who have never actually visited. 

It’s time to change that. Here’s why Sault Ste. Marie is one of the best day trips you can take in Michigan.

Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest community in Michigan. In fact, Sault Ste. Marie is about 50 years older than New Orleans.

Getty/Veena Nair The modern town was founded in 1668, though native peoples had been using the area as a trading location for thousands of years prior to European colonization.

It’s located right on the US-Canadian border. The separate Canadian town of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is situated just across the water.

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This waterfront is actually one of the main attractions in Sault Ste. Marie. The historic Soo Locks is the busiest lock system in the world, and you can actually check it out up close on a two-hour dinner cruise.

Getty/James L. Amos Head to the Soo Locks Visitor Center to sign up.

Sault Ste. Marie is also home to a bevy of shopping and dining opportunities. Visitors rave about The Antlers restaurant, which offers classic Michigan cuisine in a dining room studded with wall-mounted taxidermy.

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Wine lovers should also check out 1668 Winery, where you can sample some delectable home-grown vintages.

Facebook/1668 Winery

For a day trip within a day trip, check out nearby Upper Tahquamenon Falls. It’s like something from a postcard.

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Don’t forget to leave time to roam around the gift shops and do some people-watching downtown.

Facebook/I Love Sault Ste. Marie

You’ll love visiting Sault Ste. Marie, one of Michigan’s prettiest and most historic towns.

Getty/Gail Shotlander

For more information about spending time in Sault Ste. Marie, check out the city’s official website. 

Getty/Veena Nair

The modern town was founded in 1668, though native peoples had been using the area as a trading location for thousands of years prior to European colonization.

Getty/Rruntsch

Getty/James L. Amos

Head to the Soo Locks Visitor Center to sign up.

TripAdvisor/ fullofenergy87

Facebook/1668 Winery

Getty/Tan Yilmaz

Facebook/I Love Sault Ste. Marie

Getty/Gail Shotlander

Have you visited Sault Ste. Marie? Would you recommend any particular shops or restaurants? Share your experiences and let us know in the comments!

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Address: Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA