Tower of History Sault Ste. Marie
Soar 210 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks, and Canada. A historical perspective from above.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unbeatable views
Tower of History Sault Ste. Marie
Best Time
Unbeatable views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar 210 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks, and Canada. A historical perspective from above.
"The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking — you can see the St. Mary’s River, the Soo Locks, parts of downtown, and even Canada across the border."
Check Elevator Status
Confirm the elevator is working before you go; climbing 292 stairs is a workout! :arrow_up:
Clarify Ticket Inclusions
Ensure your ticket covers only the Tower of History, not other attractions. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Observation platforms
Soar 210 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Sault Ste. Marie, the St. Mary's River, and Canada.
+1
Soo Locks Observation
Indoor viewing area
Watch ships navigate the world's busiest inland shipping channel from a unique vantage point.
Local History Glimpse
Museum displays
Gain insights into the rich history and culture of Sault Ste. Marie through informative exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Elevator Access is Key
Understand Your Ticket
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Elevator Status
Confirm the elevator is working before you go; climbing 292 stairs is a workout! :arrow_up:
Clarify Ticket Inclusions
Ensure your ticket covers only the Tower of History, not other attractions. :ticket:
Capture Golden Hour
Visit during golden hour for softer shadows and stunning photography opportunities.
Friendly Staff
Expect a warm welcome; staff are known for being helpful and putting visitors at ease. :smiley:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Elevator Status
Confirm the elevator is working before you go; climbing 292 stairs is a workout! :arrow_up:
Clarify Ticket Inclusions
Ensure your ticket covers only the Tower of History, not other attractions. :ticket:
Capture Golden Hour
Visit during golden hour for softer shadows and stunning photography opportunities.
Friendly Staff
Expect a warm welcome; staff are known for being helpful and putting visitors at ease. :smiley:
Discount Opportunities
Your ticket may offer a small discount at the nearby ship museum. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tower of History for its absolutely amazing panoramic views of Sault Ste. Marie, the St. Mary's River, and even Canada. The friendly staff and the opportunity to watch ships in the Soo Locks are also frequently highlighted positives. However, some guests have experienced issues with the elevator being under repair, necessitating a strenuous stair climb, and promotional materials can sometimes be misleading about included attractions.
"Such a cool place to visit. I enjoyed learning about the history of it. The stairs are not for the weak, once you start the only way is up or down, thankfully there's a elevator. The views from both viewing areas is AMAZING! A great way to get a good view of the city and the river."
Will Myers
"The Tower of History is an absolute must-visit in Sault Ste. Marie! The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking — you can see the St. Mary’s River, the Soo Locks, parts of downtown, and even Canada across the border. The elevator ride up is quick, and once at the top, you get a peaceful, open-air view that’s perfect for photos. The museum inside also gives a nice glimpse into the local history and culture. A great stop whether you’re exploring the area or just passing through — especially on a clear day when the views are unbeatable."
anita airon
"When my girlfriend and I visited in late July, we were saddened to learn the elevator was under repair. We had a Soo Locks cruise to catch, and we didn't have time to climb 292 stairs up and down, but we were delighted to see that the elevator was up and running on our recent teip this past Labor Day weekend! The history was amazing, and the views were astounding! The gentleman at the admissions counter was friendly and humorous, and this made for a wonderful experience before we made our way back home!"
James Charmelo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tower of History is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It's accessible by car and is often visited in conjunction with other local attractions like the Soo Locks and the Museum Ship Valley Camp.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's generally available in the vicinity of the Tower of History and other downtown Sault Ste. Marie attractions.
Yes, the Tower of History is centrally located and can be reached on foot from many downtown Sault Ste. Marie hotels and attractions.
From I-75 North, take Exit 392 for M-88/Business Spur I-75. Continue on Business Spur I-75, which will lead you towards downtown Sault Ste. Marie and the Tower of History.
The Tower of History has an elevator, which is the primary way to reach the observation decks. However, it's advisable to confirm its operational status beforehand as it has been under repair in the past.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally reasonable, with adult tickets around $8.50. It's recommended to check the official website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
The Tower of History typically opens for the season around May 9th and operates through the summer months. Specific hours can vary, so checking their official schedule is advised.
Information on online ticket purchasing isn't readily available, but tickets are usually purchased on-site at the admissions counter.
Yes, your ticket to the Tower of History may provide a small discount at the nearby ship museum and potentially other local attractions.
A ticket grants access to the observation decks for panoramic views and the indoor viewing area. It may also include a small discount for other attractions. Be aware that promotional materials might show images from other sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation platforms offer the best photo opportunities, providing sweeping views of the city, river, and even Canada. The indoor viewing area is also great for capturing ships in the Soo Locks.
Golden hour, just before sunset or after sunrise, is ideal for photography as it softens shadows and creates a beautiful glow. Clear days also offer the best visibility.
Yes, the 360-degree view from the tower allows you to see lights and landscapes across the border into Canada.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged from the observation decks. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting details on ships passing through the Soo Locks.
🎫 🏛️ History & Exhibits
The Tower of History offers a glimpse into the local history and culture of Sault Ste. Marie through its museum displays.
While the tower provides historical context, it's more of a modern observation point built to showcase the region's history and geography.
Standing at 210 feet, the tower's height is crucial for providing its unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding area and the busy shipping channel.
While the primary focus is the view, the tower's location overlooking the Soo Locks naturally connects to the region's rich shipping history.
The tower serves as a window to history, telling stories of the region's development, its connection to the Great Lakes, and its cultural heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the climb can be strenuous if the elevator is out, the helpful staff are known to make the experience more manageable. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Visiting during golden hour is highly recommended for its soft, flattering light, perfect for landscape shots. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness, and a telephoto lens to zoom in on the freighters navigating the busy shipping channel. 🧐 History Buffs
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Museum Ship Valley Camp for a more comprehensive understanding of the region's maritime heritage. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tower's Commanding Views
+2 This vantage point makes it a prime location for understanding the geography and strategic importance of the area. Many visitors highlight the amazing views as the main draw, emphasizing how it provides a comprehensive perspective of the city and its surroundings. For photographers, the golden hour is particularly recommended for capturing the landscape with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
The tower features both upper and lower outdoor viewing platforms, as well as an indoor viewing area where you can watch ships navigate the locks. Navigating the Tower Experience
It's also important to clarify what your ticket includes. Promotional pamphlets can be misleading, sometimes featuring images from other local attractions like the Museum Ship Valley Camp.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit