By Andrea Bitely
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a small town with a big presence for the U.S. economy. The Soo Locks see 86 million tons of cargo annually, including 95% of the United States’ iron ore.
Along West Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie’s retailers have a view of the locks and the accompanying museums.
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and the Soo Locks Visitors Center, both open from May to October, offer ample opportunity to help visitors learn more about the vast number of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes as well as how the locks work.
Among the many great retail stores in downtown Sault Ste. Marie are Upper Peninsula staples The Mole Hole and Das Gift Haus.
The Mole Hole is a second generation, family-owned business that has been open since 1979. Since the beginning, their focus has remained the same – charm, quality gifts and great customer service. The Mole Hole is located at 201 Osborn Boulevard in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
With three locations in the Upper Peninsula, Das Gift Haus is a family business that offers tourists and local shoppers a great selection of souvenirs, gifts, novelty items, and more. Das Gift Haus is located at 305 W. Portage Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie.
