If you’re driving through the Upper Peninsula and hit Sault Ste. Marie, you can’t miss it. It’s this massive, somewhat brutalist concrete pillar sticking out of the skyline like a sore thumb. People call it the Tower of History. Honestly, from the ground, it looks a bit like a Cold War relic or maybe an air traffic control tower that lost its way. But once you actually get up there? Everything changes.
The view is wild.
You’re standing 210 feet above the oldest city in Michigan. From the observation decks, the Soo Locks look like toy sets. You see the massive lake freighters—those thousand-footers—sliding through the water with just inches to spare. It’s quiet up there, breezy, and it gives you a perspective on the Great Lakes that you just can't get from a sidewalk or a car window.
The Weird Backstory of the Tower of History
Most people assume the city built this as a tourist trap. That’s actually not true. The Catholic Church originally planned it. Specifically, it was supposed to be the "Shrine of the Missionaries." Back in the late 1960s, the idea was to commemorate the Jesuit missionaries like Jacques Marquette who paddled through these waters hundreds of years ago.
Construction started in 1968.
But, as it often goes with massive concrete projects, the money ran out. The church couldn't finish the vision of a multi-structure complex. By 1970, they realized they had a very tall, very empty concrete tower and not much else. Eventually, it was handed over to Sault Historic Sites. They turned it into the museum and observation point it is today. You can still feel that mid-century ambition when you walk into the lobby. It’s got that heavy, permanent feel to it.
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What You’ll See from 210 Feet Up
The elevator ride is quick. It takes about 45 seconds to reach the top. There are three different observation levels. The lower ones are glassed-in, which is great if the wind is whipping off Lake Superior—which, let’s be real, it usually is. But the open-air level at the very top is where the magic happens.
You get a 360-degree panorama. To the north, you’re looking right into Ontario, Canada. You can see the Canadian lock, the International Bridge, and the rugged hills of the Algoma district. Look east, and you’re watching the St. Marys River snake its way toward Lake Huron.
It’s the best spot in town to track the ships. Serious "boat nerds" (and I say that with respect) hang out up here with scanners and long-lens cameras. Because the Tower of History sits on a slight elevation, you can see the freighters long before they even reach the locks. You see the smoke on the horizon, wait twenty minutes, and then watch the massive steel hull glide past the downtown buildings. It’s a slow-motion dance of industrial might.
The Museum Hidden in the Base
Don't just sprint for the elevator and leave. The ground floor and the lower levels actually house a pretty decent museum. It isn't just dusty old mannequins, either. They focus heavily on Native American history and the early French settlers.
The Sault Ste. Marie area was a massive gathering place for the Anishinaabe people long before Europeans showed up. The "Bahweting" (the Place of the Rapids) was a hub of trade and culture. The museum does a solid job of explaining why this specific bend in the river mattered so much. You'll see exhibits on:
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- Local indigenous crafts and tools.
- The brutal winters the early missionaries faced.
- How the locks eventually tamed the rapids that used to drop 21 feet in a mile.
Is the Tower of History Accessible?
Yeah, mostly. Since there’s a modern elevator, you don't have to pull a Quasimodo and climb hundreds of stairs. However, the very top open-air deck does require a short flight of steps from the highest elevator stop. If you have mobility issues, the glassed-in levels still provide about 95% of the same view, so you aren't missing out on much.
The wind up there is no joke. Even on a warm July day, it can feel fifteen degrees cooler at the top. If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons—like May or October—bring a windbreaker. Your ears will thank you.
Why It Matters Today
Sault Ste. Marie is a city built on layers. You have the ancient indigenous history, the fur trade, the military history of Fort Brady, and the massive industrial engine of the locks. The Tower of History is the only place where you can see all those layers at once.
You look down and see the modern hydro-electric plant. Then you look slightly to the left and see the spot where Father Marquette likely stood. It’s a physical timeline made of concrete and glass.
Some people complain about the entry fee. Sure, it’s a few bucks. But considering it supports the preservation of the River of History Museum and the Bishop Baraga House nearby, it’s a fair trade. Plus, you can stay up there as long as you want. There’s no "time limit" on the view.
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Practical Tips for Your Visit
Timing is everything. If you want the best photos, go about an hour before sunset. The sun hits the International Bridge and reflects off the water in a way that makes the whole river look like liquid gold.
- Check the Boat Schedule: Use an app like MarineTraffic or check the Soo Locks visitor center schedule. There’s nothing like being at the top of the tower exactly when a 1,000-foot laker is passing by.
- Combined Tickets: Often, you can buy a pass that includes the Tower, the SS Valley Camp (a massive museum ship nearby), and other local sites. It saves you money if you’re doing the whole "Sault tour."
- Parking: There’s a dedicated lot. It’s easy. You don't have to hunt for street parking in the busier parts of downtown.
Beyond the Concrete
While the tower is the star, the surrounding grounds are part of the story. The Bishop Baraga house sits right there. He was the "Snowshoe Priest." Think about that—a guy who traveled hundreds of miles in sub-zero UP winters on wooden shoes to visit remote communities. Seeing his modest house right next to this massive concrete tower creates a strange, beautiful contrast between the humble past and the ambitious future.
The Tower of History isn't just a viewpoint. It’s a landmark that tells you exactly where you are: at the crossroads of the Great Lakes.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip, don't just "wing it." Check the weather forecast for Sault Ste. Marie specifically. If there's low cloud cover or heavy fog, wait a day. You want high visibility to make the ticket price worth it. Once you arrive, start at the museum level to get the context of the land, then take the elevator up to see that land in person. After you finish at the tower, walk three blocks west to the Soo Locks Park to see the ships at eye level. It completes the experience. You see the scale from above, then you feel the power from the ground. That’s the right way to do the Sault.