Photo by Harbor Springs Area Historical Society

Shay Days in Harbor Springs

July 2026

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.

Here's what happened in 2025:

Friday

  • 11am-3pm – Log Hewing Demonstrations in Shay Park. Interpreter/historian Kyle Bagnall from Mackinac State Historic Parks will demonstrate how trees were felled, cut, and turned into boards by hand in early Michigan. Includes a historic tool display and crosscut saw activity for all ages.

Saturday

  • 1pm – Shay Locomotive Talk & Birthday Party in Shay Park. A short talk at 1pm on the history of the Shay locootive followed by a birthday party and cake at 2pm with THE Ephraim Shay.

Happening Both Days

  • 10am-3pm –  Model Steam Trains in Shay Park- E. Main St. Meet the Michigan Small Scale Live Steamers, model train experts who will be running their trains all day.
  • 10am-3pm – STEAM Innovations Craft Area in Shay Park. Create a variety of STEAM crafts and projects.
  • 10am-3pm – Electric Train Layouts at the Harbor Springs History Museum- 349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Visit the Northern Michigan Railroad Club and enjoy their electric train layouts. Also learn about the Junior Engineer Program.
  • 10:30am – “In Shay’s Day” Walking Tour, beginning at the Harbor Springs History Museum. Guests learn what town was like town was like during Shay’s time in Harbor Springs. Registration required.

Experience 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.

Stay tuned for info on Shay Days 2026!

For more information on the Shay Days, please contact the event organizer:

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society

349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740

(231) 526-9771

harborspringshistory.org

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