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.
Harbor Springs, Michigan has a vibrant, beautiful downtown business district complete with a beach, waterfront, shopping, dining, parks, and more!
Harbor Springs is situated on a beautiful deep harbor. It has great downtown businesses, as well as activities and attractions for all ages.
Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
The arts, history and many types of entertainment in Northern Michigan mean visitors can enjoy fabulous music, theatre, and culture.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
The natural beauty that helps make Harbor Springs special today was a part in drawing visitors to Harbor Springs generations ago.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 526-9771
Each August, the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates this delight with music and activities throughout the weekend.
Charlevoix, Michigan celebrates Ground Hog Day with this celebration that includes games, food, music, prizes, awards, and more.
Apple Fest. Held each year on the second weekend of October, Apple Fest turns downtown Charlevoix into a festive and fun place to be.
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
Founded in 1875, Bay View in Petoskey is a National Historic Landmark community with community-owned buildings, cottages, and two inns.
The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.
Northern Michigan builder Earl Young created the unusual mushroom houses in Charlevoix. Tours are available.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.