NEWS RELEASE
ORIGINAL SOO LOCK BOAT TOURS
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A maiden season under new ownership is officially underway this Sunday for the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours when its signature white-and-green boats begin ferrying hundreds of daily passengers through the awe-inspiring Soo Locks.
With a vision to preserve and build on the legacy started by the Welch Family in 1934, the tour boat’s new parent company, Interlake Maritime Services, is privileged to be at the helm of such a popular and prominent tourist attraction.
“We have an impressive, dedicated team in the Soo, from the ticket office to the crews on the vessels,” said Mark W. Barker, president of Interlake Maritime Services, which is also a family company with strong and longtime ties to the Soo. “We are thrilled for opening day and are looking forward to a busy, fun-filled season of delivering a great maritime adventure to our guests.”
New and returning passengers will enjoy a narrated 1.75-hour river and lock tour chock full of history and the chance to get up close and personal with Great Lakes freighters. The highlight of the tours is the upbound and downbound lockage through the U.S. and Canadian Locks. These engineering marvels lift and lower vessels the 21-foot differential between Lake Superior and the Lower Lakes.
“We know firsthand the vital role the Soo Locks play in Great Lakes shipping and our nation’s manufacturing,” said Barker, adding that Interlake Maritime Services also owns and operates The Interlake Steamship Company, the largest privately-held U.S. flag fleet on the Great Lakes. “We are happy to bring that important story to life through these engaging and educational tour experiences.”
Original Soo Locks Boat Tours run through October 15 and leave from Dock #1 at 1157 E. Portage Ave., rain or shine. Visit the website for more information and to buy tickets.
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