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.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Harbor Springs, Michigan has a vibrant, beautiful downtown business district complete with a beach, waterfront, shopping, dining, parks, and more!
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
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 beautiful deep harbor. It has great downtown businesses, as well as activities and attractions for all ages.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
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 is situated on a natural, deep harbor, and this tiny, beautiful community offers great events and festivals for all.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
The arts, history and many types of entertainment in Northern Michigan mean visitors can enjoy fabulous music, theatre, and culture.
Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740
(231) 526-9771
The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix has been a highlight of summer in Northern Michigan for more than 80 years.
Harbor Springs is situated on a natural, deep harbor, and this tiny, beautiful community offers great events and festivals for all.
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it’s own set of awesome festivals and events.
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.