Industrial tourism in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

The Kemp Industrial Museum, located on East Water Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a fascinating museum housed in the historic Kemp Coal Dock Office. Built in 1904 by local businessman George Kemp, the building served as the office for Kemp Brothers Coal Company until 1959. In 1960, the property was given to the city and eventually transformed into the Kemp Industrial Museum in 2007. The museum showcases the history of the Sault's major industries, including Union Carbide, Northwestern Leather Company, Soo Woolen Mill, and Cadillac-Soo Lumber Company. These industries once thrived in the region due to its natural resources, transportation access, and energy availability. However, as resources dwindled and demands changed, these industries eventually closed down by the early 1960s.

Located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Soo Locks are a fascinating museum and tourist attraction that showcase the incredible engineering feat of connecting Lakes Superior and Huron. Operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Soo Locks Park and Observation Deck offer visitors a chance to witness the locking process of mammoth lake freighters and other vessels. The Visitors Center, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., provides a wealth of information about the history and operation of the locks, as well as the importance of the Great Lakes region to the United States and the world. With a new Soo Lock currently under construction, this project is seen as critical to the U.S. economy and national security, ensuring continued reliable and safe navigation of goods and materials through the Great Lakes. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the Soo Locks and the vital role they play in the transportation infrastructure of the country.