We recently took our grandsons on a mini U.P. tour, after our nine year old grandson mentioned that he'd like to someday go and see the Soo Locks. We figured we'd better get that done before school started, so off we went on an exploring adventure.

Our first stop was at the Tahquamenon Falls. Neither my hubby, nor I realized how far off the beaten path it is to get there, but it was well worth the side trip, if for nothing else than to say "we've been there". It was fun going for the first time with the boys. What surprised me the most was the amount of people there. I'm used to visiting the Hungarian Falls and being the only people UP there.

Next stop was the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, which disappointingly enough was already closed for the day, so we were only able to walk around the grounds and check out the windmills across the bay, over on the Canadian hillside.

Then we finally arrived at the Soo Locks and went inside the information building to find out when the next boat through the locks was going to be. We picked out our spot on the upper level of the observation deck and waited in the windy weather (hold on to your hats, boys!) for the BBC Manitoba to arrive in the Lock. We were told that she was carrying grain and headed to Portugal. We found it interesting that several of the storage hoppers were part way open and we could actually see the heaps of grain inside.

After that we headed over to the dock for the Sugar Island Ferry and hopped on board with our bikes. No pictures from there, as I didn't want to carry my camera and I forgot my phone in the truck. But on our return from riding around the Island, the Lee Tregurtha was headed downbound in the St. Mary's River, to our grandson's delight, because he had wanted to see one of the BIG boats while we were there. He proudly proclaimed that another one of his goals has now been met. I think we may have a young boatnerd on our hands.

After getting back to the Soo side of the River, the Hon. James L Oberstar came through and I grabbed my camera for a picture of that and snapped one of the Sugar Islander II as it made its way back over to the Island with another load of cars and people.

If you're wondering about the size difference in the boats mentioned here today. The Manitoba is 450 feet long, while the Tregurtha is 826 feet long and the Oberstar is 806 feet long.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, to see where in the U.P. world the Drew's went next.

Great tour. The stuff the U.P. is made of.

What a fun getaway, Mary. Looks like the boys had
a good time and what great pictures. We haven't
been to the Falls or to Point Iroquois. Some day,
I hope. Would have loved to be able to do that but
it wasn't meant to be this summer. Glad you all
had a good time and thanks for sharing them with
us.

Great tour Mary, thanks for taking us along! Have fun and be safe. Bet you and the boys would love a Vango's Pizza on 3rd street in Marquette on the way back!! lol

What a wonderful idea it was to take the grandkids along to explore
the U.P. There really is so much to see.

Hi Mary,

Thanks for coming to and featuring our end of
the UP.

Too late for this trip but let me plug a couple
local drive-ins for others that might come this
way.

The West Pier Drive-in Near the locks and
Clyde's Drive-in near the Sugar Island ferry.

I'm not affiliated with either in any way. I
just like their burgers and they are both great
places to watch boats.

These are all great pics. I have to admit the Canadian scene would look a lot better if those power windmills weren't there. I just think they're an eyesore.

PHENOMENAL!!! You guys are the BEST
Grandparents!!!

Mary great pictures of a great time at a great
place on the greatest great lake!! Bob and my twin
brothers will be rumbling into the Soo in 3 weeks
for their annual motorcycle great lakes vacation.

Great adventure you took the boys on. I am sure they will remember it for a long time. A nice trip that they can take their grand children on.

The first time I visited Tahquamenon Falls I was about 8 or 9. And I still remember it. You sure made some great memories for your grandsons. And they have one UP on me, I've never been to Point Iroquois Lighthouse but it is still on my list. Thanks for sharing.

What a great tour! Sorry you weren't able to climb the tower and tour the lighthouse; maybe next trip. I agree with UC ~ a Vango's pizza would have been a perfect stop!

Alex, Are you out of town on vacation, without your computer??

Hey-those kids look familiar. Looks like a great
trip! Certainly great pics!