A Crucial National Landmark in Michigan? Where Do You Think It Is?

What is a crucial part of the United States infrastructure, is essential to U.S. manufacturing, our national security, and is located here in Michigan?

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. Who knew?

And now the Soo Locks are ready for the 2023 shipping season, having opened this past weekend.

Why are the Locks so vital to the United States? For one thing, at least 95% of U.S. Iron Ore moves through the Soo Locks. Also, they are the only way for the massive freighters to navigate the Great Lakes and go from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan.

Fox17 wrote that over the course of each winter, the Locks are shut down for maintenance and inspection by the U.S Army Corp of Engineers.

The Locks do play a critical role in our national defense since roughly 10,000 ships pass through the Locks each year. They are hauling cargo essential for many industries, 86 millions tons of cargo, to the U.S. and Canada.

Without the Locks, ships would not be able to pass through the Great Lakes since there is a 21-foot drop in elevation between Lake Superior and Lakes Michigan and Huron.

I hate to admit it but I have never been to the Soo Locks, and have always wanted to go since they have become a huge tourist attraction in the United States. Nearly 500,000 people visit the Locks each year with the park open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SOO LOCKS/DAVIS LOCKS 1914

For all history buffs, the Locks were built in 1855 and were designated a national landmark in 1966.

Time for a road trip!