The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the city of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, the United States Coast Guard, the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems are hosting open house events for the 2025 Soo Locks Engineers Day on June 27.

Visitors are welcome into the Soo Locks facility and across the MacArthur Lock from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 27.

Engineers Day honors the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ June 16, 1775, birthday. The Corps of Engineers is proud to celebrate 250 years of service to the nation. Since the beginning, the Corps of Engineers has been at the forefront of engineering excellence, responding to the nation’s most complex challenges with unmatched expertise and dedication.

“The Soo Locks are a vital part of our community’s history. Engineers Day lets us celebrate the history and ingenuity behind the Soo Locks,” said Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Over the past few years, we’ve helped grow Engineers Day into an event that involves the whole downtown. We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to downtown for Engineers Day.”

Visitors will not be able to cross the Poe Lock again this year, due to ongoing construction for the New Lock at the Soo project. Visitors will be able to cross the MacArthur Lock and tour the first floor of the historic Administration Building.

Visitors should enter the Soo Locks facility at the east end, crossing the downstream gate of the MacArthur Lock, and exiting the west end, crossing back on the upstream gate. This path equals about a half mile (.5 miles) of walking.

Along with welcoming visitors into the Soo Locks complex, Canal Park and the viewing platform will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Several other events are also scheduled to take place.

• United States Coast Guard open house from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems Arts, Crafts and Family Fun Fair at the City Hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All people entering the Soo Locks are subject to a security search. Firearms, weapons including knives of any size, drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted. Only clear bags will be permitted.

• Clear bags cannot be larger than 12 inches long, 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide
• Diaper bags are not allowed
• Medical bags are exempt
• Wallets must not have a strap and cannot exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches