SAULT STE. MARIE — The Soo Locks Visitor Center is closing for the season Friday evening after another busy summer welcoming thousands of visitors.
The center, which officially closes at 7 p.m., drew more than 210,000 visitors this year, according to the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association. Canal Park, located nearby, saw more than 250,000 visitors as of Sept. 30.
Throughout the six-month tourist season, park rangers hosted interpretive tours, ranger talks and school field trips to educate guests about the history and operation of the Soo Locks.
“The Soo Locks are extremely important to tourism and Sault Ste. Marie,” said Ray Bell, president of the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association. “By having the Visitor Center, people get a chance to look at the displays and learn all about the history.”
While the visitor center will remain closed until May 1, Canal Park will continue to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Nov. 1.