Kindness doesn’t have to be big—sometimes it’s just saying hi to someone on the street, holding the door, or checking in on a neighbor. Happy World Kindness Day ☀️

Under the Radar is back with a new episode featuring Sault Ste. Marie! Catch the premiere of it before it hits the airwaves at Bird's Eye Outfitters this upcoming Tuesday night starting at 5. Read more about it ➡️ https://saultstemarie.com/under-the-radar-returns-for-a-pre-premiere-watch-party/

These photos from the Chippewa County Historical Society document the scene following a mechanical failure of the 1881 lock’s north emptying valve at the St. Marys Falls Canal (U.S. Soo Locks).

Did you know it takes 16 locks to go from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean? This is what allows freighters from across the world to travel the Great Lakes. It's also why many Great Lakes freighters don't travel the oceans. They're too large for many of the passages.

Cool days call for something warm (and maybe a little sweet). Here are six Soo spots perfect for waiting out the weather: https://saultstemarie.com/6-spots-for-coffee-and-sweets-in-the-soo/

We're also honoring the Lee A. Tregurtha today— a Great Lakes veteran. 🚢 🇺🇸

On this Veterans Day, we remember the freighter that went to war and the soldiers she carried. 🇺🇸 #veteransday #freighters #leeatregurtha #greatlakes #service

From all of us here in Sault Ste. Marie, thank you to the men and women who have served our country and protected our freedoms. We honor you this Veterans Day and every day.

A Reverend by the name of Richard Ingalls prays in his church and holds a memorial service for the twenty-nine men lost. This service becomes an annual service and is mentioned in the song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot.

William Clay Ford arrives at the scene of the wreck.

The first aircraft arrives on the scene from Traverse City, Michigan.

The USCG, with no available search ships, radios the Anderson requesting assistance. C.G.: "Anderson, this is Group Soo. What is your present position?" Anderson: "We're down here, about two miles off Parisienne Island right now... the wind is northwest forty to forty-five miles here in the bay."

The Anderson calls again and informs the Coast Guard that they have lost the Fitzgerald both visually and on radar.

It is estimated that this was the time period when the ship vanished and sank.

Edmund Fitzgerald disappears from the radar of the S.S. Arthur M. Anderson, prompting a call to the Coast Guard to inform them of the situation.

The Fitzgerald enters a squall while still on Lake Superior; the squall obscures the vessel from radar observation by the Anderson; this is normal when in a squall.

Anderson: "Yes. He is going to pass to the west of you." Fitzgerald: "Well, fine." Anderson: "By the way, Fitzgerald, how are you making out with your problem?" Fitzgerald: "We are holding our own." Anderson: "Okay, fine. I'll be talking to you later."

Radio transmission between the Anderson and the Fitzgerald. The Arthur M. Anderson is still following the Fitzgerald. They are about 10 miles behind the Fitzgerald. Anderson: "Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down?" Fitzgerald: "Yes we have."

Radio transmission between the Anderson and the Fitzgerald. The Arthur M. Anderson is still following the Fitzgerald. They are about 10 miles behind the Fitzgerald. Anderson: "Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down?" Fitzgerald: "Yes we have."

The Anderson is struck by two huge waves that put water on the ship, 35 feet above the water line. The waves hit with enough force to push the starboard lifeboat down, damaging the bottom.

Avafors: "What's that, Fitzgerald? Unclear. Over." Fitzgerald: "I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas I've ever been in." Avafors: "If I'm correct, you have two radars." Fitzgerald: "They're both gone."

Radio transmission between the Avafors and the Fitzgerald. Avafors: "Fitzgerald, this is the Avafors. I have the Whitefish light now but still am receiving no beacon. Over." Fitzgerald: "I'm very glad to hear it."

The Edmund Fitzgerald calls for any vessel in the Whitefish Point area regarding information about the beacon and light at Whitefish Point. They receive an answer by the saltwater vessel Avafors that the beacon and the light are not operating.

The Fitzgerald cannot pick up the Whitefish Point radio beacon. The Fitzgerald radios the Coast Guard station at Grand Marais on Channel 16, the emergency channel.

The Fitz radios the Anderson requesting radar assistance for the remainder of the voyage. Fitz "Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have lost both radars. Can you provide me with radar plots till we reach Whitefish Bay?" Anderson: "Charlie on that, Fitzgerald. We'll keep you advised of position."

"Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I'm checking down. Will you stay by me till I get to Whitefish?" "Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going?" Yes, both of them."

Anderson reports winds coming from the Northwest at 43 knots.

Captain Jesse Cooper, (J.C.) of the S.S. Arthur M. Anderson watches the Fitzgerald round Caribou Island and comments that the Fitzgerald is much closer to Six Fathom Shoal than he would want to be.

Weather report from the Fitzgerald. Winds are at 35 knots, waves of ten feet. This is the last weather report that the Edmund Fitzgerald will ever make.

Starting tonight at 1 AM, we’ll be sharing the real radio transmissions from the night the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was lost on Lake Superior, 50 years ago. These posts will follow the timeline as it happened. We share them in remembrance of the 29 men who were lost.

It was 50 years ago today the Edmund Fitzgerald set out on her doomed trek across Lake Superior. Slide through our detailed images looking back at her final voyage. 🛎️🛎️

The Witch of November is stirring again, and with her comes remembrance. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society will hold a public remembrance for the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald at Whitefish Point on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 2 p.m.  More info: https://shipwreckmuseum.com/

At 729 feet long, she ruled the Great Lakes when she launched in 1958 — the largest freighter of her time.

Caught the cold weather blues? Reel in a walleye dinner at Frank's Place to put those feelings at bay. Frank's Place is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Have you tried their walleye yet?

The Arthur M. Anderson went into long-term layup in Toledo earlier this year. Built in 1952, she’s remembered for her role the night the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost — sailing just miles behind and making the last radio contact before the ship vanished in the 1975 Lake Superior storm.

Look at that Sugar Island Ferry go! Small in comparison to the freighters that pass through, but she has an important job!

Looking for weekend plans? The Soo Theatre is bringing Little Shop of Horrors to the stage this weekend and next! Don’t miss this local take on a classic musical favorite.

The Soo’s quieter this time of year, but that’s part of the charm. Layer up and take a walk at one of these trails ➡️ https://saultstemarie.com/sault-ste-marie-trails-within-city-limits/

November’s a good month to shop small, sip local, and support the folks who make the Soo special. Follow along with our Calendar of Events to keep up with what's happening in town! https://saultstemarie.com/events-calendar/

How large is Big Paulie? The Paul R. Tregurtha is the largest freighter on the Great Lakes at 1,013.5 ft. in length. The Americaborg is 469 ft. long for comparison.

The St. Marys River is sitting in the mid-50°s this week! Looks inviting… until you dip a toe in. Would you still take the plunge? 🥶

Today is National Sandwich Day- something we think should be celebrated. Where is your go-to sandwich place in the Soo?

With the time change, comes easier opportunities to catch stunning sunrises and sunsets. Here are a few places around the Soo to soak it up: https://saultstemarie.com/4-spots-to-see-epic-sunrises-and-sunsets-in-the-soo/

November is here! But this time of year always brings the question: when is it time to put up the Christmas tree? 🌲🎅

We got up close and personal with the American Spirit at Rotary Park on Monday 😎

From trick-or-treating in snow boots to those perfectly crisp October nights, Halloween is always memorable in the Soo. What’s your favorite Halloween memory? Photo by: Ben Sullivan @sullyphotos

Happy Halloween from the Sault Ste. Marie CVB to you! 🎃 We hope you have a fun, safe day!

We here in the Soo are incredibly honored to be supplying the State of Michigan with a spruce to be featured as the state's Christmas tree! A local resident donated the tree in honor of her grandparents. We can't wait to see it lit up in Lansing on Friday, Nov. 21!

Reflection of clouds on the water or sand stirred up from a freighter? What do you think? 🤔

It’s that time of year again in the Soo. Visit our website for hunting and fishing info, licenses, and local tips before you head out. https://saultstemarie.com/ultimate-guide-to-fall-fishing-and-hunting-in-sault-ste-marie/