Basically a structure that helps controls the traffic between the lower Great Lakes and Lake Superior, the US Soo Locks is the US counterpart of the structure that is located in the border between the United States and Canada in between the cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie Ontario.

The US Soo Locks sees about 10,000 ships yearly, despite closing down during the winter when the Great Lakes freezes and prevents shipping in the area.

The US Soo Locks is also the site of the annual Engineers Day. Held every last Friday of June, this celebration is also known as the Engineers Day Open House. On these days, the public is allowed to go behind the security fence and be close enough to the passing ships to touch them.

The US Soo Locks is a US National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site.