Housed inside the remarkable Shay Hexagon House, the Ephraim Shay Works Museum celebrates the inventive spirit of Harbor Springs resident Ephraim Shay—creator of the world-famous Shay geared locomotive.

Rather than simply telling Shay’s story, the museum invites visitors to explore how curiosity, engineering, and innovation shaped both local history and industries around the world. Interactive exhibits let guests compare locomotive designs, experiment with mechanical concepts, and discover how one person’s ideas changed railroading forever.

Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, railroad fans, and anyone interested in STEM, the museum blends hands-on learning with one of Michigan’s most architecturally unique historic homes.

Part of the Harbor Springs Historic Corridor, the museum is located within walking distance of the Harbor Springs History Museum, the Andrew J. Blackbird Museum, and Shay Park. For additional information, a list of events, and more, please go to https://www.harborspringshistory.org/

Discover more Harbor Springs History Locations:

• Harbor Springs History Museum
• Shay Park
• Andrew J. Blackbird Museum

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

The museum explores Ephraim Shay’s work and life as well as features hands-on exhibits. Learn more about the museum in our blog: A Visit to the Ephraim Shay Museum