I would describe Harbor Springs as a small town with huge charm and lots of little gems to discover. This little lake town is special for so many reasons, and it’s not just me who thinks so – Travel + Leisure has recently named Harbor Springs as America’s Best Small Laketown of 2024. What an honor! This little lake spot is beloved by most in the height of summer when it is bustling with things to do but all of the other seasons have a uniqueness all their own.

Shopping in any season is available downtown along Main Street and Third Street as well. Some of my favorites to browse are HANNI Gallery, Little Traverse Tileworks, Rocking Horse Toy Store, all of the local art galleries, and several boutiques like Ivy Harbor Springs or Dressed.

 

Two cross-countries skiers at Offield Family Viewlands in Harbor Springs. Photo credit: Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

Winter

When you think of a small lakeside town you may not think of loads of snow. Lying on Lake Michigan brings us blankets of white “lake-effect” snow that is good for all of those fun winter things when we get enough of it! Ski, snowboard, cross-country, snowshoe, shopping, and dine your winter in Harbor Springs.

Ski Resorts

Home to two of the three Petoskey Area ski resorts, Harbor Springs’ quaint downtown atmosphere decorated with fluffy snow is so peaceful. The Highlands and Nub’s Nob Ski Area are just 1.5 miles from one another but separately owned and also visible from the summit of each other.

The Highlands is a full-fledged resort with onsite offerings like lodging, dining, and other winter activities like The Enchanted Trail, a unique winter dining experience on North Peak, Nordic trails, ziplining, horseback riding, and more. Their property’s 435 skiable acres are home to 55 downhill runs (for skiers and snowboarders), 3 terrain parks, and more than 16km of Nordic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Highlands is also home to the longest run called North Peak Pass which is 1.25 miles long. In the past couple of years they have added new snowmaking capabilities, a 6-person bubble lift with heated seats called the ‘Camelot 6’, and continue to look towards the future. Experience dining options like the Main Dining Room, Slopeside Lounge, Champions Pizza, Zoo Bar Cantina, Bluebird Lounge, the Waffle Cabin (ski in – ski out offering), and Prime & Vine winter pop-up steakhouse at the Country Club of Boyne.

Nub’s Nob Ski Area is known for its fine focus on ski terrain and classic cafeteria dining. Nub’s Nob 248 skiable acres is home to 53 downhill runs, 2 terrain parks, and a free beginner area. Classic is nothing to shrug your shoulders at as you haven’t lived until you try Nub’s famous chili and their curly fries are often dreamed about by annual visitors. Nub’s Nob does not offer lodging and other resort amenities like The Highlands, but you will leave with a top-notch skiing and riding experience.

Nordic Trails and More

Aside from the two top-tier ski resorts to visit in Harbor Springs, there are several trails that are fun for things like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Offield Family Viewlands has great trails that can be enjoyed in the winter season with views of Lake Michigan too! Winter is also a great time to check out some shops in downtown Harbor Springs and stop by some favorite foodie spots like Tom’s Mom’s Cookies for some huge cookies like their famous chocolate chunk, the historic New York Restaurant for a more upscale experience, or maybe a warm beverage from Birch Tree Bakery while you walk around.

 

Spring

The snow melts away, the ice thaws and flowers bloom around Harbor Springs. It’s such a refreshing time to visit and is considered a slower season so it is seen as less during this time. A great way to think of spring in the Petoskey area is “early summer” as it can be exactly that and you’ll be able to do much of what you can do during a summer visit.

Petoskey Stone Hunting

Named the Michigan State Stone, Petoskey Stones are prehistoric fossils that are found in bounty in northern Michigan’s Lake Michigan beaches. There is no one specific beach to find them but Petoskey State Park just outside of Harbor Springs is a great place to start. With two miles of shoreline along Little Traverse Bay this gives first-timers a huge area to explore. If you’re looking for tips on how to find these famous stones check this out: Petoskey Stone Hunting Tips.

Hiking & Biking

The Petoskey area is home to the Little Traverse Wheelway which connects Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs with a paved pathway that is enjoyable for biking, walking, or jogging. This trail winds along the lakeside, follows safely along main roadways and passes by some amazing pitstops for shopping, dining, and enjoying nature. There are also several nature preserve trails worth experiencing within city limits and just outside it as well.

Shopping & Art Galleries

Spring in Petoskey area can be rainy so it’s good to have some indoor options for things to do. Harbor Springs is home to some great local shops to not only find souvenirs but that one thing you didn’t know you were looking for. Check out HANNI Gallery for a ton of local and Michigan-made art, jewelry, home goods, pottery, and more. Little Traverse Tileworks parallel to Main Street on Third Street is a great place to browse for special Harbor Springs and nature-themed tile souvenirs and other local items. Looking for a culinary gift? Check out American Spoon of Harbor Springs. These locally made jar goods like jams, cocktail mixes, spoon fruits, sauces, mustards, and more will surely elevate any dish or toast you add them to. Need a place full of fun toys and games? Check out Rocking Horse Toy Company for the little kids and little at hearts. There are so many fun toys, games, and craft kits to check out here. On top of retail outlets, Harbor Springs is home to MANY beautiful art galleries like Tvedten Fine Art Gallery and Ahrens Gallery and Studio.

 

Summer

Summertime in northern Michigan is unrivaled and especially in the small town of Harbor Springs. From water sports to other outdoor activities to the classic 4th of July festivities downtown, there are so many great experiences that await during summer.

Boating

In the height of summer, Little Traverse Bay has a busy little harbor in Harbor Springs with two marinas, transient dockage, kayakers, stand-up paddle (SUP) boarders, and more! To get out on the water without renting a boat yourself you can do so by taking a ride on the Little Traverse Bay Ferry or on The Pier Restaurant’s Pointer Boat for a leisurely tour around the bay. If you’re looking to rent a kayak or SUP from The Outfitter in Downtown Harbor Springs with gear drop-off available at Josephine Ford Park.

Mountain Biking

Along with the great leisurely biking trails mentioned in the other seasons, there are also great Mountain Biking Trails in Harbor Springs. The Highlands Bike Park is a ton of fun for mountain bikers of all skill levels to explore different terrain. It is a lift-served mountain biking experience with 22 miles of terrain.

Beaches

What better way to spend a beautiful day in America’s Best Small Laketown than at a beach? The Zorn Park City beach is just a short walk from downtown making it easy destination to get your feet wet or spend an afternoon at the beach with the family. This beach has a grassy area with picnic tables and open space to enjoy, sand for building sand castles and sunbathing, a bath house with restrooms, an outdoor shower for rinsing, and a playground. This beach is a great little swimming beach with a raft just offshore but a bit colder as it is spring-fed. Just north of Harbor Springs, you can find more great beaches to check out like Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, Middle Village Beach, and Sturgeon Bay Beach to name a few.

The Young Americans’ Dinner Theatre

The Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs has hosted the Young Americans Dinner Theatre since 1978. This is an entertaining and enchanting evening for all ages! With performances in June, July, and August only at The Highlands, this is truly a magical addition to Harbor Springs in the summertime. You can expect on-stage performances from young talented singers, dancers, and musicians who attend the Young American College of Performing Arts in California. The performers are also your servers as you enjoy a 3-course dinner during their performance. Don’t skip out on the included cocktail hour of hours d’oeuvres and pre-performance singing numbers from the cast as well.

 

Tunnel of Trees on Scenic M 119 starts in Downtown Harbor Springs and runs north to Cross Village with beautiful views of foliage and Lake Michigan too. Photo credit: Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

Fall

The changing leaves are the main event in Harbor Springs! But there are so many things to do: scenic color tours, nature walks, farms, and a festival or two.

Pond Hill Farm

Lying along M119 and the famous Tunnel of Trees scenic route, Pond Hill Farm is a year-round destination for family fun. This place particularly comes alive in the fall months with their Fall Fest Weekends. During fall festival weekends you get not only the regular offerings of Pond Hill Farm: brewery, café, market, wine tasting, livestock viewing, and trails. You also get fall festival special offerings like giant pumpkins, pumpkins for purchase, hot apple cider, donuts, pumpkin bowling, apple cannon, bounce house for the kids, hayrides, and more! Want to avoid the chaos of the fall festival weekends? Visit on a Friday for Pond Hill favorites at the café, grab a beer or wine tasting, and browse the market.

The Tunnel of Trees

Although not just for the fall, this is most certainly the most popular time for visitors to drive this scenic route. You’ll start downtown and make your way north past a few great stops on the Tunnel of Trees like Otis Harbor Springs – for their Fireplace Lounge, Pond Hill Farm, Trillium Woods Coffee, Good Hart General Store and you’ll end in Cross Village home of the famous Legs Inn restaurant. This narrow winding road is beautifully tree-covered but also gives amazing bluff views of the Lake Michigan coast along the ‘tip of the mitt’.

Fun Hikes and Biking

Near downtown Harbor Springs you can find Raunecker Walking Trail within a nature preserve at the west end of 4th Street.

Offield Family Viewlands is a great place to view fall colors. What was once a golf course has been turned into a nature preserve with more than 4.5 miles of trails, a pond, a labyrinth, and views of Little Traverse Bay and the Inland Waterway.

Harbor Springs Harvest Festival

In downtown Harbor Springs each fall the Harbor Springs Farmers Market throws a Harvest Festival in October. Along with all of the bounty of the fall harvest at the farmers market, you can expect pumpkins, crafts, cider, and games.

 

About the Author: Ellen Hillier is a native of Harbor Springs and loves to promote the next fun thing to do in the Petoskey Area – but also loves giving out local favorites and learning opportunities for all. She hopes to help in your planning process for your next trip to the Petoskey Area of northern Lower Michigan.