Photo by Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
With a beautiful, trillium-accented spring to a summer afternoon on the beach or water, Harbor Springs is the place to be. Situated on a beautiful natural, deep harbor, this tiny, beautiful community has a wonderful downtown business district with fabulous shopping and dining overlooking the water. And as if all that wasn’t enough, Harbor Springs offers fun events and festivals during every season.
May
This event is a 25-year-old rite of spring in Northern Michigan. The Zoo-de-Mack is a leisurely bike ride from the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands, to Harbor Springs, to Mackinaw City. The ride takes cyclists through the Tunnel of Trees to Cross Village for lunch at Legs Inn and onto Mackinaw City. In total, the trek is 51 miles. Hundreds of people participate every year.
September
A Taste of Harbor Springs invites attendees to enjoy the best from participating restaurants, food and beverage retailers, and wine distributors. Complimented by the beautiful fall season and located on the waterfront, this event is a must for a perfect Northern Michigan fall. The event is also held for a good cause as two $1,000 scholarships are given out to Northern Michigan culinary students at the culmination of the event.
September
This unique event is a three-day gathering of nationally known presenters where they and participants celebrate what makes their works great. Harbor Springs Festival of the Book brings authors and readers from around the country. Registration begins in July and those attending can expect a full schedule of events by mid-August.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.