Soo Locks

    Located in Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks are an integral part of water transport in the Great Lakes.  The locks were first activated in 1855 and have seen constant use since then.  The Locks can accomodate ships up to 105 feet wide and more than 1000 feet in length.
 

Soo Locks: photo by Meg Clark
Freighter in the Soo Locks
(photo by Meg Clark)

    Boats enter the Soo Locks, where a change in water level occurs, either raising or lowering the boat by the 21 foot difference in water level in Lake Huron.  Massive valves allow the water to flow from the lock chamber into the next section.
 

Soo Locks: photo by Meg Clark
Closeup of the Soo Locks
(photo by Meg Clark)
 
    The Soo Locks have proven to be an integral part of transportation for boats of all kinds across the Great Lakes.
 
Soo Locks: photo by Karen Stark
Sailboat in the Soo Locks
(photo by Karen Stark)
 
 
Map of the Area
(Map Source:  US Census TIGER Maps)

 

Other web sites of interest:

Northernway's Soo Locks Page: project..northernway.net/local/soolocks.html

USACE's Soo Locks Entrance:
    http://sparky.nce.usace.army.mil/SOO/soohmpg.html