The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, along with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and several local partners, will host Soo Locks Engineers Day open house events June 26 at Soo Locks Canal Park.

Visitors will not be able to cross the locks this year due to increased construction activity and updated security protocols, according to Corps officials. Instead, the event will feature exhibits highlighting the Soo Locks and the work of participating agencies and organizations.

“Visitors will not be able to cross the locks this year due to increased construction activity and evolving security protocols,” said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Project Office operations manager. “There will be a variety of unique exhibits in the park for visitors to learn about the Soo Locks as well as several stakeholder and partner missions.”

Events will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 26, including Engineers Day activities and vessel dedications by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following the scheduled activities, the viewing platform will remain open until 10 p.m. The Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event is organized in conjunction with the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and Superior Health Systems.

“The first Soo Locks Engineers Day took place on June 16, 1975,” said Soo Locks Archivist Natalie Humphrey. “Then mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Frank Pingatore, declared the day as Army Corps of Engineers Day and urged all good people of the community to give recognition to the people who comprise the Corps of Engineers. Since 1975, the Soo Locks have hosted Engineers Day, except for 2020, welcoming all visitors to share in the Soo Locks history and mission.”

Officials also said clear bag requirements will remain in place for entry into the Soo Locks Park. The policy is intended to speed security screening and support safety during the event.

Feature photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District