A 3 Day Fall Itinerary for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Sault Ste Marie and fall color go perfectly together, and while chasing the changing leaves we like to add a bit of adventure time.

If freighters, waterfalls, paddling, scenic drives, surrounded by an abundance of technicolor trees sounds like a good time, then we have put together a three-day itinerary around the way we like to spend our time in the Soo. Getting outside, exploring the area, and fitting in as much as we can.

DAY ONE: ARRIVAL IN THE SOO

Day one starts right in Sault Ste. Marie. After getting into town, the first stop is probably the most obvious one. The Soo Locks. Even after seeing them a bunch of times, there is still something unique about standing that close to a thousand-foot freighter while it slowly moves through the middle of town. The Soo Locks park is great. Make sure to explore the entire park including going onto the observation deck. 

From there, this is a good night to try somewhere new for dinner. The Del-Mar is one of the newer spots downtown, and Black Rock has also opened inside the casino. There are plenty of great spots to go for food.

Then before calling it a night, head down to Rotary Park. This is one of our favorite places in the Soo to sit near the river and watch what comes by. The ships pass close to shore here, and in fall, the trees on the islands add a little color to the whole scene. It is a pretty easy first day. 

DAY TWO: TAHQUAMENON FALLS ROAD TRIP

Day two starts early. Take the scenic byway along Lake Superior on the way to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. In the fall, that drive becomes part of the adventure, with long stretches of color running right alongside Superior. Start at the Lower Falls. The new bridge makes it easy to cross over to the island and walk the trail through the middle of the river. The island is surrounded by cascading falls, so the trail keeps popping out at different drops all the way around. It gives the Lower Falls almost a 360-degree viewing experience from inside the river itself.

Then it is on to the Upper Falls. One of the biggest changes here is the new observation area and boardwalk. It creates a more accessible route down toward the falls and makes it easier for families and visitors with different mobility needs to get close to the Upper Falls. The walkway has this elevated, almost tree line feel as it works its way through the woods.

After spending the day hiking, we suggest stopping at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery for dinner. It is right there in the park, which makes it an easy final stop before heading back toward the Soo.

DAY THREE: PADDLE THE ST. MARYS RIVER

For day three, we stay close to town and finish the trip with one of our favorite ways to experience the Soo. A paddle around Voyageur Island. Before launching, we suggest a stop at The Yooper Pasty Company. Obviously, the main reason is the pasty but the building itself is worth walking through. Part gift shop, part museum, and part giant art installation about life in the Upper Peninsula. There are little scenes built around deer camp, grandma’s house, cabin life, and a bunch of other pieces of Yooper culture. It feels like somebody took a bunch of Upper Peninsula memories and built them into rooms. Grab a pasty, pack it away for later, and head for Rotary Park.

From there, it is a short paddle over to the Voyageur Island dock. The dock is set up specifically for paddlers, which makes it easy to step off and explore the island on foot. The trails meander along the water’s edge, with a few spots that are perfect for watching freighters move through the river. Or you can do it our favorite way and stay on the water. We tuck the paddleboard or kayak in close to the shoreline and watch the freighters pass from river level. There is something about seeing one move by from a small boat that really puts the size of these ships into perspective.

After circling the island, head back to Rotary Park then finally pull out that pasty. Sit along the river for a little while and watch whatever happens to pass by.

After three days of waterfalls, fall color, freighters, paddling, and a lot of time outside, that feels like a pretty fitting way to end a fall trip to the Soo.

Check out the video below!