Themed Cruises 2025 - Join the Fun!
Experience the Thrill of Soo Locks Tour Boats! Dive into exciting family fun and entertainment here in Sault Michigan with our special themed cruises on the St. Mary’s River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Join the fun, we would love to have you on board!
Spring Boatnerd Cruise
May 17, 2025 Depature Time 4:30 PM
Join Us for a Great Lakes Freighter Celebration!
Set sail for a 2 1/2 to 3 hour cruise on carefully planned routes, offering prime views of majestic freighters—perfect for photographers and enthusiasts alike. Whether we spot one or two freighters, there's no better place to connect with fellow Boatnerds and Ship Junkies than while cruising the Soo Locks and St. Mary's River.
Adults $26, Kids $8 How to Join: Use Promo Code “CORTSPRING” to join online for this event. Your name will be saved, and a place reserved. It’s that easy! BUY SPRING TICKETS
Note: EVENT PROMO CODES are only accepted during specified events! “CORTSPRING” will be accepted only during the Spring Boatnerd Cruises.
TROPICAL CRUISE
June 21, 2025 All-Day Event
Join us for a Tropical Summer Kickoff Cruise in your best Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, sarongs and floral hats! Let's have some fun and kickoff the summer together!
Special Discounts: Available for kids and adults who dress up in their tropical attire.
Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best dressed in their Hawaiian-themed outfits!
Little Sailors Day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours
June 28, 2025 - Kids Ride Free!
Calling all aspiring Little Sailors! Join us on Saturday June 28th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a fun-filled day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours. Kids aged 5-17 ride free (2 kids per adult). Enjoy activities like throwing life rings, handling lines, learning water safety, designing fleet flags, and more. Meet our captains, win prizes, and take home souvenirs. Special guests include Interlake Steamship Company, Soo Locks Children Museum, and more. Plus, enjoy a sundae bar, face painting, and a showcase by the National Guard with boat rides, demonstrations by the Corps of Engineers, Sault Tribe Law Enforcement, and other local partners.
This year's event coincides with Engineers Day, making it an exciting weekend for the whole family. Additional activities include demonstrations, games, and more partners and special guests to make this day even more memorable.
Don't miss this event, which promises fun for the whole family! Whether your child dreams of becoming a sailor or just loves the water, Little Sailors Day at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is the perfect way to spend a summer day. This is one event you don't want to miss for family fun! Gather your loved ones and join us for an unforgettable maritime adventure!
FIREWORKS CRUISES
July 1 & 4, 2025 Departs At 9:15 PM
Experience a spectacular fireworks display on Canada Day, July 1, and Independence Day, July 4 on a beautiful lower harbor cruise of the St. Mary's River!
- This cruise includes a brief tour on the lower St. Mary's river and viewing the fireworks display.
- This cruise does not go through the Soo Locks.
- The Fireworks Cruise departs at 9:15 pm and lasts 1 1/2 hours
- Cruise departs from Original Soo Locks Boat Tours Dock 1, 1157 East Portage Ave.
- Call the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours at 906-632-6301 to reserve tickets.
- Seating is limited, reservations are recommended.
- Additional tickets will be sold the day of the firework cruise.
ROARING 20S
July 12, 2025 All-Day Event
Step back into the glamour and excitement of the Jazz Age! Don’t forget your flapper dresses, fedora hats, and feather boas. Enjoy some 1920s music in between our professional narrative lock tour, where you'll journey back in time through the historic locks and experience the rich history they hold. Plus, there will be exciting prize! A jolly good time for the entire family!
Special Discounts: Available for kids and adults who dress up.
Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best dressed!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
July 19, 2025 All-Day Event
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season, in the middle of summer! Grab your Santa hats and jingle all the way on our festive cruise.
PIRATE DAY
JULY 26, 2025 All-Day Event
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a swashbucklin’ adventure like no other! Join us for a day of pirate fun as we sail down the river and hunt for hidden treasures. Dress up in your finest pirate attire and dive into the action! Prizes and riches to be had! Yo-ho-ho! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Special Discounts: Available for kids and adults who dress up as pirates.
Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best dressed pirate!
Throughout the day, there will be games, and gift certificates from local establishments up for grabs. It's an all-day event with multiple departure times to fit your schedule: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. So, gather your crew and join us for an unforgettable pirate adventure on the river.
ROCKIN’ N’ ROLLIN’ 1950s
AUGUST 2, 2025 All-Day Event
Relive the vibrant, dynamic era of sock hops, saddle shoes, Elvis Presley, and more in a rockin' good time brimming with nostalgia and fun! Step aboard and be transported back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll, where every moment is filled with lively 50s music played between our engaging narrations. Feel free to shake a leg if the spirit moves you! Perfect for all ages, this tour promises a delightful journey through time, celebrating the iconic sounds and styles that defined a generation.
Special Discounts: Available for kids and adults who dress up.
Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best dressed!
GROOVY 1960s
AUGUST 9, 2025 All-Day Event
Peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll! Dig up your psychedelic patterns, bell-bottoms, mini skirts, and go-go boots for a swinging good time. Step aboard our lock tour and be transported back to the colorful 60s era, where every moment is filled with lively music played between our engaging narrations. Perfect for all ages, this tour promises a delightful journey through time, celebrating the iconic sounds and styles that defined the 60s. Who wouldn't want to dress up like the 60s?
Special Discounts: Available for kids and adults who dress up.
Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best dressed!
WESTERN CRUISE
AUGUST 16, 2025 All-Day Event
Yeehaw! Saddle up and mosey on down to the hoedown cruise. Don’t forget your hat and boots, and be ready to say 'Howdy' to the crew. Step aboard for a rootin'-tootin' adventure filled with Western tunes played between our engaging narrations. Perfect for all ages, this cruise promises a delightful journey through time. Put on your cowboy hat and prairie dress, and do the sidestep with us on a rootin'-tootin' adventure, celebrating the iconic sounds and styles of the Wild West.
Special Discounts: Available for young'uns and grown-ups who dress up in their finest Western gear. Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best-dressed cowboy or cowgirl!
PIRATE DAY
AUGUST 23, 2025 All-Day Event
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a swashbucklin’ adventure like no other! Join us for a day of pirate fun as we sail down the river and hunt for hidden treasures. Dress up in your finest pirate attire and dive into the action!
Special Discounts: Available for kids and adults who dress up as pirates.
Extra Excitement: A special prize for the best dressed pirate!
Throughout the day, there will be prizes, games, and gift certificates from local establishments up for grabs. It's an all-day event with multiple departure times to fit your schedule: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. So, gather your crew and join us for an unforgettable pirate adventure on the river. Yo-ho-ho! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Show Your College Pride!
August 29, 2025 All-Day Event
Join us in celebrating our college pride by wearing your college colors. Participants will enjoy discounted tickets. Don't miss out on this chance to show your spirit and have a great time!
Celebrate the NFL Season Kickoff!
September 4, 2025 All-Day Event
Show off your love for your NFL team by wearing your team's colors. Participants will receive discounted tickets. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate the start of the season in style! Special price for best dressed!
906 Day
Sept 6, 2025 All-Day Event
Welcome to da UP, Eh! Dress like a Yooper on our honorary day of the year. Join us in celebrating the unique spirit of the Upper Peninsula!
"Rock Around the Locks" with Original Soo Locks Boat Tours
September 20, 2025 Depature Time 5:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening on the water with our Rock Around the Locks theme tour! Hosted by the legendary Gentleman George Snider and friends, this unique event is proudly sponsored by the Sugar Island Historical Society and Gentleman George Products.
Event Details:
Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025. Departure at 5 PM (arrive 20 minutes early)
Tickets: $45.00 per person (includes hors d'oeuvres; BYOB)
Limited Seating: Reserve your spot now!
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience the Soo Locks like never before. Call Original Soo Locks Boat Tours at (906) 632-6301 between 10 AM and 3 PM Mon - Friday to reserve your tickets. Hurry, seats will be filling up fast!
Fall Boatnerd Cruise
September 27, 2025 Departure Time 4:30 PM - SUNSET CRUISE
Join Us for a Great Lakes Freighter Celebration!
Set sail on carefully planned routes, offering prime views of majestic freighters—perfect for photographers and enthusiasts alike. Whether we spot one or two freighters, there's no better place to connect with fellow Boatnerds and Ship Junkies than while cruising the Soo Locks and St. Mary's River.
Adults $26, Kids $8 How to Join: Use Promo Code “PRTFALL” to join online for this event. Your name will be saved, and a place reserved. It’s that easy! BUY FALL TICKETS
Note: EVENT PROMO CODES are only accepted during specified events! “PRTFALL” will be accepted only during the Fall Boatnerd Cruises.