Surrounded by fresh water, clean air and the four-seasons beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a bustling business community called Sault Ste. Marie. Established in 1668, Sault Ste. Marie offers a rich history and a friendly welcome to visitors and business interests alike.
Fresh water, quiet forests, sandy beaches, snowy trails, and diverse wildlife are natural assets to be enjoyed on your visit to this region.
Winter:
Whether you enjoy the quiet of a snowshoe trek through woods alive with winter birds, or the excitement of a racing snowmobile motor, Chippewa County has something to offer. Bring the kids to enjoy the excitement of world-class tubing runs at Minneapolis Woods or glide around the ice at one of the area's many ice arenas. In Sault Ste. Marie, hockey is the name of the game, as the community plays host to a number of tournaments throughout the winter. Other options include cross-country skiing, snow cross racing, and birding.
If the weather keeps you inside, Chippewa County offers a variety of indoor entertainment venues including two major casinos: Kewadin Casino & Bay Mills Resort and Casino.
Spring:
The spring migration bring birders from around the world to Whitefish Point, where a bird observatory marks the passage of thousands of species returning to their summer homes. A walk in nearly any undisturbed wooded area reveals the blossoming of the thousands of white trillium and other regional flora. If fishing is your passion, hit the waters or cast your line from shore in search of the tasty whitefish. And the biggest rite of spring occurs on March 25, when the Soo Locks re-opens to freighter traffic, bringing the familiar sights and sounds of one of the busiest lock systems in the world.
Summer:
Chippewa County comes alive in summer, as a bevy of area museums and attractions open to the public on May 15. Satisfy your curiosity at area museums featuring maritime history, the construction of the Soo Locks, famous shipwrecks, and early Michigan history. For the experiential traveler, take a ride through the Soo Locks on a Soo Locks Boat Tour. Or visit the Soo Locks on the last Friday in June, when the general public takes a closer-than-normal tour of this engineering marvel. Those who love the outdoors are summonsed by a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches, inland lakes, and forestlands. With idyllic temperatures, Chippewa County makes the perfect get-away from a sweltering summer.
Fall:
Mother Nature works her magic on Chippewa County, as lush green leaves turn to brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. Whether enjoyed by foot, car, boat or train, the fall season is not to be missed. A number of scenic drives guide visitors to spectacular color and beautiful vistas. September and October also bring peak fishing opportunities for Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, and more. Hunters also flock to the Upper Peninsula to pursue a variety of game.
