Michigan UP Lake Superior Circle Tour Travel Planner
Scenic Drive Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan to Paradise, Michigan
Michigan Upper Peninsula Travel

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Recommended places and things to do in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan:

  • The Soo Locks Park where you can see the locks & get an up close view of the huge Lake Superior Freighters as they pass through the locks.
  • Soo Locks Boat Tours and Dinner Cruises
  • St. Mary’s River History Museum
  • Michigan & Soo Visitor Information Center at the Base of the International Bridge
  • Crossing the International Bridge into Canada – Provides an aerial view of the river, the locks, and both cities
Soo Locks Viewing Platform
From the Soo Locks Viewing platform, you can view small and large ships (some 1000 feet long) passing through the locks between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

When leaving the Soo, take I-75 south and exit at Michgan Highway 28; proceed west about 8 miles to the intersection with highway 221, go north through the community of Brimley. Then take the Lakeshore Drive west to travel along the lake towards Paradise. In a few miles you will encounter Bay Mills Casino & Resort. There is an RV park here, a marina, an excellent golf course, hotel, dining and casino gaming.

Restaurant Review – Bay Mills Casino

In 2005 we stopped for dinner at the Casino. A very popular place with a large restaurant overlooking the lake. We secured reservations at the restaurant and retired to the lounge next door. Poor service in the lounge where it was obvious the staff were not getting along with one another. In the restaurant, we opted for the Smorgasbord dinner. Food was lukewarm as if it had been sitting for some time. One of the few times I did not finish my meal – which is rare for a lifetime member of the clean-plate club! Waitress was un-attentive. Had to flag her down just to get the bill. One plus, however, – the price was reasonable. *1/2

Golf Course and RV Park

Although we were dissatisfed with our restaurant experience, a few years later we stayed at the RV Park and played their golf course and both were a positive experience. Both were good values and on the two occasions we have stayed there have had decent service at the RV Park and the Golf Course.

About a mile past the Casino is the Dancing Crane Coffee House. Excellent coffee, sandwiches, ice cream, and a cute gift shop/lounge area.

Going West towards Paradise & Whitefish Point (see pictures & more info here)

The next 30 miles along Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway offer a number of scenic views of the lake. A worthwhile stop is the Point Iroquois Lighthouse. Eventually you’ll intersect with highway 123. Turn right or north and proceed to the town of Paradise, the gateway town to Tahquamenon Falls.

But before you head towards Tahquamenon Falls, a worthwhile side trip is 11 miles straight north to Whitefish Point. There you can tour the Lighthouse and shipwreck museum, walk the sand beach, watch for big ships heading to or from the Soo Locks, and visit the Whitefish Point bird observatory. Figure at least an hour for this side trip – more time if you do the formal tours. Return to Paradise and proceed west (12 miles) on Highway 123 to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
See a video of Tahquamenon Falls