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.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
The natural beauty that helps make Harbor Springs special today was a part in drawing visitors to Harbor Springs generations ago.
Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.
Harbor Springs is situated on a natural, deep harbor, and this tiny, beautiful community offers great events and festivals for all.
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!
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
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.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 526-9771
An amazing array of activities like parades, fireworks, and more, make the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.
At this Boyne City festival, hundreds of mushroom lovers from around the country come to seek that elusive delicacy-the marvelous morel.
Thanksgiving week in Northern Michigan is packed with several special events kick off the holiday season in style.
The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.
The arts, history and many types of entertainment in Northern Michigan mean visitors can enjoy fabulous music, theatre, and culture.
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Charlevoix has beaches on Lake Michigan and also offers the warmer swimming waters of inland lake beaches on Lake Charlevoix.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.