Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a compact, scenic riverfront city built around the famous Soo Locks with boat tours, freighter-watching, fishing, trails and seasonal festivals — a friendly, affordable place where multi‑week assignments feel like a real short‑term hometown rather than being stuck in a dead zone.
You’re also just across the river from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for extra dining, arts and services, and roughly a 60‑mile drive south to Mackinaw City (the gateway for Mackinac Island), so larger‑scale attractions and day‑trip variety are easily within reach.