Harbor Springs

Surrounded by numerous inland lakes, miles of sandy beaches, and countless acres of forests, Harbor Springs is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Whether boating, skiing, hiking, or the arts, culture, and history are your jam, there is sure to be something for everyone in "Harbor".

Harbor Springs is a picturesque harbor town located in Emmet County, MI. The city of Harbor Springs sits on a sheltered bay on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. On the tip of Harbor Point peninsula, home to a gated summer-only community, you will find the historic Little Traverse Lighthouse. This lighthouse marks the entrance to the deepest natural harbor on the Great Lakes. The area is known for its landmark summer resorts, such as  Wequetonsing , which was founded by Illinois businessmen and lawyers Henry Stryker III and Henry Brigham McClure. They were both connected with the Jacob Bunn industrial dynasty of Illinois.

Although the city of Harbor Springs has a year-round population of only 1,194, according to the census of 2010, and a total area of 1.30 square miles, the vibrant downtown, warm locals, and award-winning schools make this a small town like no other. The downtown offers numerous award-winning restaurants, coffee shops, unique boutiques, and the charming, non-profit LyricTheater. Harbor Springs is close to the other Lake Michigan towns of Petoskey, Boyne City, and Charlevoix. The proximity of these different communities gives plenty of restaurants, trails, and shops to explore, and the closely connected communities make the area feel much more extensive.

You will find a year-round vibrant boating community here in Harbor Springs. Little TraverseYacht Club was founded in 1895 and continues to be a premier sailing organization to this day. Each summer, sailboats from across the country flock to Harbor Springs for a notable sailing tradition, the "Ugotta" Regatta. For more than 60 years, this race has brought the best racers in the country to Little Traverse Bay. This event takes place the weekend following the Mackinac Races, which see teams race from Port Huron to Mackinac and then Chicago to Mackinac. Little Traverse Sailors runs incredible, summer-long programs for those interested in developing a life-long love of boating. Whether you are looking for group lessons, private lessons, or race teams, Little Traverse Sailors is a great place to connect with. For sales and service of all boat types, you can look to Irish Boat Shop and Walstrom Marine, located on Little's shores Traverse Bay, steps from downtown Harbor Springs. If paddleboarding or kayaking is more your speed, don't fret! The city offers kayak racks for rent down by the city launch, and for sales and rental, visit The Outfitter on Main Street. Josh and his crew will surely set you up with all the equipment you need – they even offer delivery!

Skiers from all over the Midwest flock to the Harbor Springs area each winter. You will find two award-winning ski resorts in the hills just outside of town. Nubs Nob has been a family-owned ski resort since 1958. With 53 runs, two lodges, three peaks, and 315 snowmaking guns, Nubs has skiers of all abilities skiing from late November through March.  They focus on families and even offer free skiing for kids eight and under with a paying adult. Boyne Highlands is just across the valley from Nubs Nob. Boyne Highlands is an all-season resort and family-owned destination that has been in operation for nearly 60 years. World-class skiing with the first and fastest 6-person bubble chair in the Midwest is available all winter, and downhill biking and golfing take the stage the rest of the year. On-site accommodations and lodging are available at Boyne Highlands.

If public schools are on your radar, then you'll be pleased to hear that the Harbor Springs Public Schools are ranked #68 in the State of Michigan and #1 in northern Michigan. With a graduating class size of around 60 students, the kids have a tight bond with each other and have the chance to develop very close relationships with teachers and administrators. The school system has a community pool available to the students during the day and boasts strong athletic and extra-curricular programs.

The residents of Harbor Springs are very active in historical preservation and intellectual development. The Harbor Springs Historical Society hosts several special events throughout the year. The most well-known is the annual Blessing of the Fleet, which celebrates the area's maritime history and is held in the Harbor in June every summer. The Harbor Springs History Museum features dynamic exhibits aimed at educating people of all ages, and the temporary exhibits ensure that there is always something new to explore. The Harbor Springs Festival of the Book has the mission to inspire readers of all ages and to celebrate the culture of books in a beautiful part of the world. This event transforms the Harbor Springs area during this annual three-day event.

Harbor Springs is a small but mighty community with much to offer its residents and visitors, no matter your interests.