Soo Locks to host Engineers Day 2026

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District in conjunction with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and Superior Health Systems are hosting open house events for the 2026 Soo Locks Engineers Day on June 26.  

“Visitors will not be able to cross the locks this year due to increased construction activity and evolving security protocols,” said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Project Office Operations Manager. “There will be a variety of unique exhibits in the park for visitors to learn about the Soo Locks as well as several stakeholder and partner missions.” 

This year, visitors are welcome into Soo Locks Canal Park from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 26 for Engineers Day activities and new Corps of Engineers vessel dedications. Following the Engineers Day events, the viewing platform will remain open until 10 p.m., and the Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.   

“The first Soo Locks Engineers Day took place on June 16, 1975,” said Soo Locks Archivist Natalie Humphrey. “Then mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Frank Pingatore, declared the day as Army Corps of Engineers Day and urged all good people of the community to give recognition to the people who comprise the Corps of Engineers. Since 1975, the Soo Locks have hosted Engineers Day, except for 2020, welcoming all visitors to share in the Soo Locks history and mission.”

We are continuing the requirement for all bags coming into the Soo Locks Park to be clear. Clear bags will allow park security to quickly inspect bags and assist with making this a fun and safe event for everyone.