Harbor Springs on Lake Michigan

Harbor Springs lies in a sheltered bay on the northern shore of Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. Several specific topics can help you plan a stay: a paved route between Charlevoix and Harbor Springs, another route that begins in the historic downtown, opportunities for activities on the water, seasonal market and event dates, and a historic building in the center. Depending on whether you are more interested in routes, water sports, events, or architecture, you’ll find different points to consider when choosing when to travel.

Routes and Scenery

The Little Traverse Wheelway runs 26 miles from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. The route is paved and mostly separated from traffic; bicycles, pedestrians, and skiers are permitted. Its length, surface, and permitted uses are concrete details to consider when planning your trip. The route between the two towns and the permitted modes of travel can help you decide whether the Wheelway fits the focus of your stay.

The Tunnel of Trees begins in the historic downtown of Harbor Springs and extends 22 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan. In comparison with the Wheelway, different features take center stage here: the start in the historic downtown and the coastal route. For the Wheelway, length, surface, and permitted uses are the specific points of comparison; for the Tunnel of Trees, they are the starting point and the stretch along the lake. This can help you weigh whether your trip should focus more on a paved route with several permitted uses or the described route along Lake Michigan.

Things to Do on the Water

You can launch paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes at Zoll Beach. Conditions and rules may change seasonally. If one of these activities is important to your trip, check the applicable guidelines for your planned travel dates.

Paddlesport Rentals offers high-quality paddleboard rentals, allowing you to explore Harbor Springs from the water. Along with the launch options mentioned at Zoll Beach, Harbor Springs also has a named paddleboard rental provider.

Markets and Events

The Harbor Springs Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May through October. This seasonal window can help you choose your travel days; market days may change. So check the dates for your stay if you want the market to be a set part of your itinerary.

Shay Days in Harbor Springs is a family-friendly, two-day event scheduled for the last Friday and Saturday in July. If you’re planning to travel for Shay Days, check the specific event dates; the program may change.

More than 30 ice sculptures and live ice carving are scheduled in downtown Harbor Springs for the first weekend in February. Dates may change each year. Before traveling for this weekend, check the current event dates.

These events are spread throughout the year: the seasonal market runs from May through October, Shay Days is scheduled for late July, and the ice sculptures are part of the first weekend in February. If a particular date is important to you, you can compare the relevant dates with your planned travel period.

Historic Architecture Downtown

The Shay Hexagon House is located in downtown Harbor Springs and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is clad inside and out with embossed steel panels. The listing gives the building a historic connection; the steel cladding adds a specific architectural feature. If you’re considering historic architecture, you can include the Shay Hexagon House as a distinct point of interest in the town center.

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