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.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
Harbor Springs, Michigan has a vibrant, beautiful downtown business district complete with a beach, waterfront, shopping, dining, parks, and more!
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.
The natural beauty that helps make Harbor Springs special today was a part in drawing visitors to Harbor Springs generations ago.
Harbor Springs is situated on a natural, deep harbor, and this tiny, beautiful community offers great events and festivals for all.
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 Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.
The arts, history and many types of entertainment in Northern Michigan mean visitors can enjoy fabulous music, theatre, and culture.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 526-9771
There are many Easter Egg Hunts and activities to be enjoyed by families throughout Northern Michigan each spring.
Hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity automobiles take part in the internationally acclaimed St. Ignace Car Show Weekend.
East Jordan’s Freedom Festival has food, music, fun, entertainment, carnival, dancing, and more. Fun for the whole family!
Why do people enjoy being up north so much? Find out what makes being up north feel special with our list of Northern Michigan specialties.
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.