History Abounds in Harbor Springs
The natural beauty that helps make Harbor Springs special today was a part in drawing visitors to Harbor Springs generations ago.
Photo by the Harbor Springs Historical Society
History has a home in Harbor Springs: the Harbor Springs History Museum. The facility offers a unique look at the history of the community and is housed in the restored building that was once City Hall and the first Emmet County Courthouse. The museum looks at the area’s first residents, the Odawa, and the Local History exhibit transports visitors through time. Stories of the first Catholic missionaries are followed by those of homesteaders, loggers, and resorters.
Wrapping up the experience is a look at how the town and waterfront progressed, the development of the ski resorts, and a celebration of Harbor Springs’ traditions. In the Discovery Gallery, kids of all ages will be introduced to inventor Ephraim Shay, light keeper Elizabeth Whitney Williams, and postmaster Andrew Blackbird.
Visitors also will meet merchants from Harbor Springs early days and step inside a fish shanty for a fun look at wintertime activities. Throughout the exhibits, guided interactive displays allow youngsters to experience topics from Shay’s locomotive to the Odawa language.
The Harbor Springs History Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 526-9771
The natural beauty that helps make Harbor Springs special today was a part in drawing visitors to Harbor Springs generations ago.
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 Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
Harbor Springs is situated on a natural, deep harbor, and this tiny, beautiful community offers great events and festivals for all.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.