Circle Michigan 2023 - 10

Groups interested in diving into maritime history and the
legacy of many who shaped and influenced Sault Ste. Marie into
what it is today can do so at area museums.
" The River History Museum, located in downtown Sault Ste.
Marie, dives into all of the history of The Sault-from the formation
and significance of the St. Marys River to the history
of the native Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, " Hoath says.
" Groups can also tour the SS Valley Camp, also known as the
Museum Ship Valley Camp. The freighter, which served on the
Great Lakes for over 50 years, now operates as a public museum
at its permanent location on the St. Marys River. "
4
Freighter, Sault Ste. Marie; Top: Museum Ship
Valley Camp exhibit, Sault Ste. Marie
3
Freighter Watch in
Sault Ste. Marie
There's no sight quite like a goliath-size boat floating across the
Great Lakes. Freighters have played a significant role in Michigan's
history of transporting cargo across the Great Lakes and
remain a key part of the state's economic vitality.
In Sault Ste. Marie, the deep rumble of a freighter engine and
the loud blast of its air horn ring across town like clockwork.
The Soo Locks, located in the heart of " The Sault, " have welcomed
freighters, barges, and tugboats traveling between Lake
Superior and Lake Huron for over 155 years.
" We have a lot happening on our river [the St. Marys River]
and within the Soo Locks, " says Linda Hoath, executive director
of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. " Sault
Ste. Marie is a gateway for commerce and is an extremely
important connection point for the United States, Canada, and
many other countries. "
" Groups that visit here can go to our beautiful Soo Locks Visitor
Center to learn about the history and current operations
of Soo Locks-and watch freighters as they travel down the St.
Marys River from the public park and viewing platform on the
site, " Hoath says.
8 | CIRCLE MICHIGAN PREMIER GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE
Embark on an Accessible
Adventure in Muskegon
Groups on the hunt for accessible adventure will find plenty
of options in Muskegon. The city has focused its efforts
recently on building and providing more accessible infrastructure
within its public parks, beaches, and community spaces
throughout the city.
" Muskegon is a great destination for accessible travel and
outdoor recreation, " said Caitlin Hegedus, marketing and operations
manager at Visit Muskegon. " Our partners at the Muskegon
Luge Adventure Sports Park offer adaptive experiences
ranging from an all-terrain track chair on the beach, to sliding
down an 850-foot luge track on an adaptive sled. "
At Muskegon State Park, adjacent to Lake Michigan with over
2 miles of shoreline, visitors have free access to the park's action
track chair. The heavy-duty, electric, all-terrain wheelchair
enables riders to glide over sand, root-filled trails, and rock and
gravel surfaces.
Other Muskegon-area destinations with accessible adventures
include the adaptive zip line at Muskegon Luge Adventure
Sports Park, a 1,400-foot zip line that gives riders a
bird's-eye view of Muskegon State Park while soaring 25 mph
above the tree tops; and the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, a
wheelchair-friendly paved bike, hike, and walking path that runs
12 miles along the southern shore of Muskegon Lake from Pere
Marquette Beach to North Muskegon.
Track chair,
Muskegon
State Park
FROM TOP SAULT AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (2), VISIT MUSKEGON
Circle Michigan 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Circle Michigan 2023
