Sault Ste Marie Michigan

Illustration of a boat on blue and white water with blue text above on a white background

Residents refer to Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan as “The Soo,” and a city with the same name lies across the St. Marys River in Canada. “Sault” is an old French word for rapids, while “Sainte Marie” honors the Virgin Mary. The city has passed from the French, to the British, and finally to the Americans. In the present day, Sault Sainte Marie relies largely on river shipping and tourism. Boats navigate the rapids through a series of locks, which alter water levels to allow ships to pass. Visitors come for outdoor activities like fishing, watersports, and hiking, and also to see attractions like the Soo Locks Park and other parks, museums, and historical buildings.