The Ride Lake Superior route is not just about the open road; it’s also about discovering unique attractions on Lake Superior that you’ll want to visit on your motorcycle journey. The attractions listed below are one-of-a-kind and provide fascinating insights into life on the shores of this great lake.
Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Built in 1895, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site was the final link in an all-Canadian navigation chain stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Superior. Remarkably, it was the first lock to use electricity. Start by parking your bike at the paved lot near the visitor center, where you can greet the friendly Parks Canada staff. Then, embark on a self-guided tour of the historic Stores Building and Blacksmith’s Shop. Afterward, take a guided tour of the grounds and sandstone buildings to learn about the lock’s construction history, its connection to the community and, its current use as a recreational lock. You might even witness a recreational boat locking through!
What to know: ample paved parking, fee for guided tours, souvenir shop, restrooms
Amethyst Mining
Ontario’s official gemstone, the amethyst, can be found in abundance in Thunder Bay, which is located on the Ride Lake Superior route. These glittering semi-precious gems are plentiful in and around the city. You can either try a pick-your-own experience at one of the many open-pit mines or purchase a polished amethyst from a gift shop as a keepsake or gift. Click here for a list of Amethyst Mines
What to know: self-guided and guided tours are available per site, amethysts come in purple, lavender, red and black
Minnesota
Great Lakes Aquarium
The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth showcases animals and habitats found within the Great Lakes Basin and other freshwater ecosystems, such as the Amazon River. Its galleries also feature marine (saltwater) animals and habitats. One particularly captivating exhibit, Origins, delves into the geology, and natural and cultural history of the Lake Superior area. You’ll see fossil casts, ancient mollusks, and even molten rock pouring over the earth. Notably, the aquarium is home to North America’s largest sturgeon touch pool. This is an ideal attraction for all ages and groups interested in local and global aquatic life.
What to know: ample paved parking with a fee, ticketed attraction (tickets can be purchased online too), restrooms
Michigan
Laurium Manor Mansion Tours
Built in 1908 by Thomas Hoatson, the Edwardian Era Laurium Manor is now a historical bed and breakfast offering tours. This mansion is a unique piece of local copper mining history from the time of the copper mine boom in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Laurium Manor boasts 13,000 square feet and 45 opulently decorated rooms. Touring this mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy during this historical period.
What to know: admission fees for tours, audio tours available through your smartphone and earbuds, stay at the manor and enjoy the luxury of the mansion and a delicious breakfast buffet in the morning
Museum Valley Camp
The Museum Valley Camp, located on the waterfront in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a museum housed inside a Great Lakes freighter. Visitors can tour the deck and massive cargo hold with 20,000 square feet of museum space and over 100 exhibits. Explore the crew’s quarters to see what life was like for sailors on a Great Lakes freighter. View aquariums housing fish species from the Great Lakes region. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial displays two of the ship’s original lifeboats, among the few artifacts recovered from the tragic loss. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring this unique attraction.
What to know: admission fees for self-guided tours, ample paved parking, next to the Soo Locks Boat Tours
The Soo Locks
(our featured photo)
Much like Niagara Falls, the St. Marys River features two sets of locks: one in Canada and one in the United States. The Soo Locks connect Lakes Superior Huron, serving as a commercial lock system for recreational watercraft, shipping freighters, and cruise ships. Visitors enjoy watching shipping vessels lock through from the observation platform, set in a park with a lit fountain, gardens, a Japanese archway, and native trees. The Visitor Centre provides extensive information about the area.
What to know: there is no admission to watch boats locking through, the visitor centre has friendly staff and restrooms, Soo Locks is within a short distance of the Tower of History
Wisconsin
Big Top Chautauqua
The Big Top Chautauqua is a premier entertainment venue on the Ride Lake Superior route in Wisconsin. From June to September, the all-canvas tent hosts concerts, shows, and events, featuring regional talent, original productions, and international headliners. Annual events such as Big Top Idol (similar to American Idol) and Big TAP ChautauquaFest (a beer fest) also take place here.
What to know: The event calendar can be found on the website, tickets can be booked online, free shuttle rides are available, food and drink on site, restrooms
By visiting these unique attractions on Lake Superior, your motorcycle journey will be filled with unforgettable experiences and rich history. Enjoy the ride and the remarkable sights along the way!
