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The Little Traverse Lighthouse. | Photo by the Harbor Springs Area HIstorical Society
Activities & Attractions in 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.
This tiny community has a great downtown business district and lots of activities and attractions to enjoy.
Here’s a sampling of the many activities and attractions Harbor Springs has to offer:
Little Traverse Conservancy
The Little Traverse Conservancy protects significant land and scenic areas and provides opportunities to appreciate and understand the environment. With more than 40,000 acres of land and 70 miles of shoreline protected, the Conservancy encourages the use of the preserves for hiking, photography, and other types of recreation. There are over 8 nature preserves located on the conservancy.
Andrew J. Blackbird Museum
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a man who was born in what is now Harbor Springs around 1815. His father was an Ottawa chief of the Arbor Croche, or Middle Village band of the Ottawas. Andrew was trained as a blacksmith but enjoyed education and attended Twinsburg Institute in Ohio and Michigan State Normal School, now Eastern Michigan University.
During the 1850’s, Blackbird was a counselor for both the U.S. and Ottawa and Ojibwa peoples and worked to help Native American veterans receive pensions. He helped settle land claims and worked to achieve citizenship for Native Americans.
M-119 Tunnel of Trees
The “Tunnel of Trees,” also known as the M-119 Heritage Route goes from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The tunnel is a display of northern hardwoods located next to the road which creates the feeling of traveling through a tunnel.
The Tunnel of Trees is a scenic route along the Lake Michigan shoreline. While this drive is spectacular all year ’round, the fall colors along the route bring people back year after year to experience the glorious foliage.
Experience Mackinaw City
Destinations Up North
More Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
The Headlands: An International Dark Sky Park
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.
Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.
McGulpin Rock Near Mackinaw City
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
Downtown Mackinac Island
Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.
Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw’s History
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Cheboygan Opera House
The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.
Andrew J. Blackbird Museum in Harbor Springs
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
Ride the Breezeway Scenic Highway Between Atwood & Boyne Falls
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.