Linda S.United States
The history and function of the shipping locks was fascinating. Mike personalized the tour. It was a pleasurable, insightful experience.
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Private tour in Mackinaw city Mike F
Sault Ste. Marie and Soo Locks Half Day Tour
5.0
(6) reviews
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Mike F.
5.0
Guide rating
22
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
I am the original tour guide in the Straits of Mackinac region! Since 1992, I have provided guided tours of the most beautiful areas of Northern Michigan. Known for assisting tour bus operators with fascinating local knowledge of the Straits of Mackinac region, I serve North America's leading motorcoach lines, senior tours and school groups with entertaining step-on guided tours. I'm your guide for the best, unusual behind-the-scene experiences at locations in Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Sault St. Marie and the Upper Peninsula. A member of the Historical Society of Michigan, my specialty is in providing customized tours for the most discriminating visitors to my area. The author of five books about area attractions, I will give you personal insights about the Mackinac Bridge, the original U. S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw and the new Mackinaw, its new replacement icebreaker, Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel and the Edmund Fitzgerald. I will take you behind the scenes, to places no one else does! May I customize a tour for you, your family or group in the Straits Area? I offer entertaining tours from 20 minutes to all day! I am fully licensed by the county of Cheboygan, Michigan. An award-winning author of five titles about local history, my book about all the things that have happened on the Mackinac Bridge was named a Michigan Notable Book by the Michigan Library Association. I am a member of the Historical Society of Michigan, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, the Mackinac State Historical Parks Associates, and an Associate member of the Michigan Sheriff's Association. No restrictions. I am COVID-19 compliant.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mike F.
Explore the American Sault on this tour from Mackinaw City with private transportation!
Overview of your Mackinaw City tour
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is the spot where the voyageurs portaged their trade canoes around the rapids, and the place that today's fishermen still catch "the big ones" as they attempt to jump the rocky ladder from the St. Mary's river into the waters of Lake Superior. The Soo Locks are the centerpiece of any visit to this border community. With a combined population of nearly 100, 000 residents, the "Twin Saults" comprise the Ontario and Michigan cities that guard the locks and its equally important border crossing between the United States and Canada. The Locks Information and Visitors Center has clean restrooms and a 20-minute video about construction of the locks. I will take you to a covered viewing platform to watch the freighters as they pass through the locks. Optional visits are available to the Museum Ship Valley Camp*, a 1920s era freighter, and the Tower of History Museum* that provides a panoramic view of the area. *Separate entrance or admission required.
Recent Reviews
Jan L.United States
Mike is an amazing and interesting tour guide. He knows the area and history so well and is an entertaining story teller. I recommend him highly!
Mary Edna L.United States
Michael Fornes is a very interesting, considerate and informed tour guide. His love for this area shines through in his tours. We spent 4 hours with Mike and learned the history and current news of the Upper Peninsula, this city and the Lockes. The museum in Sault Ste. Marie gave us a thorough understanding of the geography and usefulness of these lockes. We enjoyed our drive through the nearby Indian Reservation. Thank you Mike and Toursbylocals. Mary Edna Leedy Sept. 1, 2024
Terry E.United States
5 star tour ++ Highly recommend. Mike was quick to respond to any and all questions that I had about the tour. Communication was great!! His knowledge about the area is incredible. Mike is able to relay any and all facts, but he adds a personal storytelling dimension to the tour that is absolutely fabulous.
Jerome B.United States
Our tour with Mike started with crossing the Mackinaw Bridge and lots of bridge history. We learned a lot about the Upper Peninsula on the way to Sault Ste. Marie and the locks. Mike time it perfectly for us to view a 700 ft. tanker move into and through the locks from Lake Huron to Superior. We had a nice lunch and then learned so much about the lighthouse, Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point area before returning to Mackinaw City. We combined our tour with the Mackinaw City tour so a great day!
Your Mackinaw City tour itinerary
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is about a 45-minute drive from the Mackinac Bridge. Depending on shipping traffic, in the summer season it is likely that a ship will pass through the locks within a couple of hours during our visit. In the meantime, lunch is served at several downtown eateries and just 5 minutes away we can visit the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Reservation. Plan on about 60-90 minutes to visit the locks once we determine the shipping schedule.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv
Transportation is an air-conditioned, 2023 GMC Acadia that comfortably seats 5 passengers. Once we arrive at the locks, minimal walking is required to tour the Information Canter and the Viewing Platform.
What's included
Other: Mackinac Bridge Tolls
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Optional admissions:
Museum Ship Valley Camp -
$15 Adults, $8 17 under
Tower of History -
$8 Adults, $4 17 under
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Mackinaw City, Michigan, 49701, United States
Airport: Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) or Chippewa County Regional Airport (CIU),Cruise: ,ByGuide: Mackinaw Crossings, Michigan Travel Information Center, your hotel, Shepler's ferry dock, Star Line ferry dock, Sault Carbide Dock.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Day Trip
City Highlights
Layover
History
Tour reference number
807553
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Mackinaw City best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the historical and cultural highlights of Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Locks with the convenience of private transportation. It's ideal for families, including those with kids, as well as seniors or anyone with mobility concerns, thanks to its minimal walking requirements and wheelchair accessibility. If you're looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights, Mike F. will provide a personalized experience.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Mackinaw City be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Mackinaw City by Mike F.
Explore more of Mackinaw city
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.