Looking for a charming lakeside town with year-round appeal? Head to Harbor Springs! Nestled on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs offers a classic Up North Michigan experience with beautiful beaches, boutique shops, and four-season outdoor fun. Whether you're sailing in summer or skiing in winter, Harbor Springs is a cozy and elegant escape.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Harbor Springs is from late spring to early fall (May–October) for warm-weather activities, waterfront dining, and boating. Fall brings vibrant foliage and harvest festivals. Winter is ideal for snow sports with nearby ski resorts and festive town charm.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Harbor Springs is located off M-119, about 35 minutes north of Petoskey and 1.5 hours from the Mackinac Bridge.
- By Air: The closest airport is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), about 30 minutes away. Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is around 2 hours away.
- By Boat: Harbor Springs Municipal Marina welcomes seasonal and transient boaters on Little Traverse Bay.
Where to Stay
- The Highlands at Harbor Springs – Four-season resort with golf, skiing, biking, and on-site dining.
- Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast – Quaint historic inn in the heart of town with homemade breakfast and vintage charm.
- Stafford’s Pier Restaurant & Lodging – Waterfront rooms and suites steps away from downtown shops and dining.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Downtown Harbor Springs – Walkable shopping district filled with boutiques, galleries, and ice cream shops.
- Little Traverse Bay – Sail, kayak, or paddleboard on the crystal-clear waters of the bay.
- Harbor Point – Historic residential area with classic architecture and lake views (gated, viewable from outside).
- Thorne Swift Nature Preserve – Hike wooded trails, walk the beach boardwalk, and enjoy birdwatching.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Drive the Scenic Tunnel of Trees on M-119 for Stunning Lake Views
The M-119 Heritage Route is also known famously as the “Tunnel of Trees” and travels from Cross Village to Harbor Springs, Michigan. This route features a beautiful display along the roadway of northern hardwoods, thus creating a feeling of driving through a tunnel of sorts. The M-119’s dramatic curves and turns, stunning vistas, and rolling terrain have made the Tunnel of Trees a popular drive for visitors to Northern Michigan. It’s also designated as a Scenic Heritage Route of the state due to the views, which include Lake Michigan outlooks among many other sights, along the approximately 27.5-mile drive.
⮕ Ski or Hike the Slopes Year-Round at Nub's Nob
Nub's Nob is one of the most award-winning ski resorts in Michigan over the past two decades, known for delivering a friendly and first-class snowboard and ski experience for people of all skill levels. More than fifty slopes are spread out across three peaks, ranging from gentle trails to legendary steeps. The friendly crew, the Midwest’s most highly decorated snowmaking and snow grooming, and varied terrain provide something for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. In addition to the slopes, Nub’s Nob offers snowboard and ski lessons, rental recruitment, both day and night cross-country skiing, and night skiing.
500 Nubs Nob Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, Phone: 231-526-2131
Where to Eat
⮕ Dine in Style at The New York, a Historic Harbor Springs Favorite
Located in downtown Harbor Springs, The New York Restaurant serves a menu of eclectic cuisine within a comfortable setting that overlooks the waterfront of Little Traverse Bay. This local dining establishment is known in the area for its talented bartenders, attentive and professional wait staff, and fine gourmet dining. The New York opens for dinner seven days a week starting at 5:00pm and offers nightly dinner and appetizers specials in addition to its regular menu, and while the food may be considered upscale, diners don’t need to worry about any fancy dress code to have a meal here.
101 State St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, Phone: 231-526-1904
⮕ Start Your Day Right at Sam's Graces Cafe with Fresh-Baked Goodness
Sam's Graces Café operates on the belief that the additional effort in making homemade food rather than something from a box or bag is “well worth the extra effort.” This local eatery in Harbor Springs, Michigan uses the most minimally processed and highest quality ingredients they can find to create tasty dishes. The meat they use comes from small Michigan family farms, and the dairy and produce used is as local and seasonal as the cafe can get. The menu at Sam’s Graces Cafe is focused on dishes that let the food speak for itself instead of complicated recipes.
324 E Mitchell St, Petoskey, MI 49770, Phone: 231-489-8278
More Places to Eat
- Stafford’s Pier Restaurant – Elegant waterfront dining with fresh Great Lakes fish and harbor views.
- Turkey’s Café & Pizzeria – Family-friendly favorite for casual meals, coffee, and homemade pies.
If you are interested in local events:
- Fourth of July Celebration – Parade, fireworks, and family fun in classic small-town Americana style.
- Harbor Springs Festival of the Book (September) – Literary event featuring authors, readings, and workshops.
- Street Musique (Summer Thursdays) – Live music along Main Street with rotating local performers and street food.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Harbor Springs, Michigan:
- Petoskey (15–20 min) – Browse historic Gaslight District shops, hunt for Petoskey stones, or dine with bay views.
- Boyne Highlands Resort (10–15 min) – Ski, bike, zipline, or golf at one of Michigan’s premier adventure resorts.
- Good Hart (25 min) – Charming stop along the Tunnel of Trees with a tiny general store and scenic beauty.
- Wilderness State Park (30 min) – Hike, swim, or camp along remote Lake Michigan shoreline near the Mackinac Bridge.
- Cross Village (30 min) – Stop for Polish food at Legs Inn and enjoy the Lake Michigan views from the bluff.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What makes Harbor Springs, Michigan a charming destination?
- A: Harbor Springs, Michigan is a charming waterfront community, home to the Great Lakes region’s deepest freshwater harbor, culinary attractions, art galleries, and more.
- Q: Where is Harbor Springs located?
- A: Harbor Springs is located along the Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, offering natural beauty year-round.
- Q: What activities can visitors enjoy in Harbor Springs?
- A: Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at an award-winning resort, delicious food at places like The New York or Sam's Graces Café, and scenic drives along the "Tunnel of Trees".
- Q: What is the atmosphere like in Harbor Springs?
- A: Known for its welcoming and warm community, Harbor Springs is a place where time slows down and offers a relaxed atmosphere.
Plan Your Trip