Free Things to Do in Sault Sainte Marie

Vacations are outrageously expensive! Once you pay for the hotel and food for your family, there’s not much leftover for fun activities. Wouldn’t it be great if you could enjoy free activities on your vacation that were worth the money you’re not paying for them? In Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan you can.

The main attraction in Sault Sainte Marie is the Soo Locks. Families can watch freighters lock through from either the ground or a platform. On Wednesday evenings in the summer families can stay for music in the park. Kids will love exploring the free museum where they can learn all about the history of the Soo Locks. The staff at the museum is very knowledgeable and can answer most questions about the ships coming through the Locks.

After exploring the Soo Locks, families can meet right outside of the gates to attend a Twilight Walking Tour. James Couling leads families on a walking tour of downtown Sault Sainte Marie while telling engaging historic stories. Guests can choose between the Strong Women of the North, Twilight Walking, or Lamplight Mystery Tours. The Strong Women of the North Tour is about influential women in Upper Peninsula history. The Twilight Walking Tour is about Upper Peninsula history. The Lamplight Mystery Tour is the last tour of the evening, and the spookiest. James Couling’s ghostly tales of the Upper Peninsula is sure to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!

After a busy day at the Soo Locks you’ll want to spend a relaxing day just down the street at Rotary Park. Kids can fish for free at the Kids Fishing Pond while watching the freighters go by. If the kids get bored fishing, they can play at the park or go exploring along the river shore.

If the beach is more your style, families can spend the day at Sherman Park. The water is warm and you can watch the freighters go by as your swim. Fear not, swimming with the freighters is safe because they’re quite a distance away. Sherman Park has volleyball courts and one of the coolest parks around. Kids can climb to the top of a rocket and blast into space or stick their head in a lion’s mouth to quench their thirst. If families are looking to camp rather than stay in a hotel, Sherman Park is a great camp ground.

Within a day trip of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan is Tahquamenon Falls. While there is a nominal fee (meaning less than $10.00) the Falls are a sight not to be missed! Families can hike the Falls River Trail leading from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls. Dogs are allowed! Camping is available at both Upper and Lower Falls. There are benches along the trail to take a rest and picnic tables where you can stop for lunch. A snowmobile ride to Tahquamenon Falls in the winter is a magical experience. During any season almost angelic beauty can be witnessed at the Falls for next to nothing.

Does your family prefer organized activities? Attend Summer Explorer Programs at Brimley State Park. Each activity teaches families about the natural world around them and always involves either a hands on game or craft. State Parks do charge a nominal parking fee. Brimley State Park also has hiking and biking trails, as well as a beach and playground.

Right down the road from Brimley State Park families can find Point Iroquois Lighthouse. Kids will love racing to the very top of the lighthouse! Families can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or explore the lighthouse museum. Point Iroquois Lighthouse has a double dip of museums. Families can also explore the 1950’s at a second museum on site. Kids can roll their pant legs up and race along the water’s edge or learn about local wildlife.

There are tons of free activities in the Upper Peninsula. Families interested in learning more can check out the Soo Evening News. The latest activities are always posted, so keep your eyes open!