Photo by Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society presents Shay Days, a celebration of inventor Ephraim Shay and his contributions to the Harbor Springs community. In addition to his geared locomotive that made him famous, Ephraim Shay (1839-1916) designed and built the Harbor Springs Water Works, a stamped-steel building called the Hexagon House, and a steel yacht called the Aha.
The family-friendly, two-day Shay Days features small scale live steam locomotives in Shay Park, kids games and self-guided tours of the Shay Hexagon House, crafts at the Harbor Springs History Museum, and more. Bring your whole family to enjoy this special celebration of Ephraim Shay’s genius and to learn more about how Shay’s inventions shaped Harbor Springs.
From spring days with a landscape covered in trillium to a summer afternoon on the beach or water, Harbor Springs is the place. Read the stories below or go to the Harbor Springs destination page.
Harbor Springs is situated on a natural, deep harbor, and this tiny, beautiful community offers great events and festivals for all.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
Harbor Springs is situated on a beautiful deep harbor. It has great downtown businesses, as well as activities and attractions for all ages.
Harbor Springs, Michigan has a vibrant, beautiful downtown business district complete with a beach, waterfront, shopping, dining, parks, and more!
Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
The arts, history and many types of entertainment in Northern Michigan mean visitors can enjoy fabulous music, theatre, and culture.
The natural beauty that helps make Harbor Springs special today was a part in drawing visitors to Harbor Springs generations ago.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 526-9771
People come from all over to celebrate the July 4th in Harbor Springs for the gorgeous setting along the water and many great activities.
Apple Fest. Held each year on the second weekend of October, Apple Fest turns downtown Charlevoix into a festive and fun place to be.
Boyne City’s Harvest Festival is held each September and fills the downtown with music, crafts, and fall produce.
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
The Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson produces three strains of brown trout and one strain of rainbow trout.
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.