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.
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
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.
Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.