Sault Sainte Marie tourist information
Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan, and the third-oldest city in the United States. Over the course of history, the flags of several sovereign nations have flown over the Sault.
Over 2,000 years ago, Native Americans began to gather here for the wealth of fish and fur found along the rushing waters of the wide, turbulent river that linked the Great Lakes of Superior and Huron. Spring and fall were important seasons for these original settlers, and they called the area “Bahweting,” or “The Gathering Place.”
The area’s first full-time residents lived in lodges framed of wood poles, sheathed with bark or animal hides. The river below the rapids provided an abundance of fish for native peoples, as well as for several tribes from throughout the region, which migrated here during the peak fishing season. It continues to remain a world-class spot for sport fishing.
In the 1600’s, French missionaries and fur traders began to venture into the beautiful territory. The traders began calling the wild area Sault du Gastogne. In 1668, the legendary Jesuit missionary and explorer Fr. Jacques Marquette renamed this burgeoning European settlement Sault Ste. Marie, in honor of the Virgin Mary—the first "city" in the Great Lakes region.
While there is some debate on the exact meaning of "Sault," scholars of early French note that the word translates into ?jump,? referring to the place where one needs to ?jump? or ?put into? the St. Mary’s River. This translation relates to the treacherous rapids and cascades that fall over 20 feet from the level of Lake Superior to the level of the lower lakes. Hundreds of years ago, this prohibited boat traffic and necessitated an overland portage from one lake to the other. This is how Portage Avenue, the main street running along the river, acquired its name.
Natives of the Sault Tribe are shown here gathered around the "Baweting Drum" at a modern-day pow-wow. These gatherings have been going on along the banks of the St. Mary's River for hundreds...perhaps thousands of years.
Sault Ste. Marie is the most popular vacation destination in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula; for good reason. From the world-famous Soo Locks and our maritime museums and attractions, to the spectacular natural beauty of Agawa Canyon and Tahquamenon Falls, the Sault continues to be The Gathering Place for four-season sightseeing and relaxation. Vegas-style gaming casinos, fine dining, unique shops and historical attractions just add to the fun.
Warm, mild summers and snowy winters highlight weather in the Sault Ste. Marie area. This range of climates makes Sault Ste. Marie a prime location for many seasonal activities.
Winter snow, plentiful in the Upper Peninsula, usually begins falling in early November and remains until melt off in April. Average snowfall measures approximately 115". Summertime precipitation is about 33".
The average temperature during the summer is about 75°F. By contrast, average winter temperature is 21°F.
Because our community is the number one tourism destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, we welcome many tour groups to the area each year. Whether for pleasure or business, we're waiting to support your group with every travel service you'd expect from a world-class destination.
Sault Ste. Marie is located at the northern end of I-75. Exit 392 enters onto the I-75 Business Spur at the city limits, and Exit 394 enters onto Easterday Avenue in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Traveling by air, the nearest airport to Sault Ste. Marie is the Chippewa County International Airport, located in Kinross, Michigan on the grounds of the former Kincheloe Air Force Base. Regular flights from Detroit and many other spots land at Chippewa International several times every day.
Buses from the Indian Trails bus line service Sault Ste. Marie regularly. The Mackinaw Shuttle Service also offers bus and limo service from its’ headquarters in Mackinaw City to Sault Ste Marie, Chippewa International airport, casinos and other Upper Peninsula destinations.
Sault Sainte Marie aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Sault Sainte Marie aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Sault Sainte Marie.
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