Summer vacations in historic Harbor Springs
Sitting on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs is a charming waterfront community that's been luring vacationers for over a century. With 4 seasons of outdoor activities to enjoy and an array of cultural and culinary attractions on offer, Harbor Springs showcases some of Michigan's best assets. While historic summer resorts like Wequetonsing once stole the spotlight, today Harbor Springs vacation rentals unlock access to waterfront cottages, secluded forest chalets, and a host of other luxury properties.
History and wine in Harbor Springs
Once home to Michigan's legendary Odawa tribe leader, the Chief Andrew J. Blackbird House is now a fascinating cultural museum. After a day of sightseeing, you'll probably work up a thirst, so why not stop by Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery at Pond Hill Farm? With terraced vineyards, an elegant tasting room, and an onsite garden cafe, it's a beautiful slice of Harbor Springs. Sip on something you like? With many featuring wraparound verandas and wooden rocking chairs, Harbor Springs vacation rentals are the perfect place to uncork a bottle of your favorite local wine.
Cruise Under a "Tunnel of Trees"
From organic cafes and farm-to-table restaurants to designer boutiques and glassworks studios, downtown Harbor Springs is a great place for a stroll. There are a handful of beaches within walking distance of Main Street which makes it easy to cool off in the lake, unpack a picnic, or soak up the sunshine. Winding from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, the scenic M-119 shows off Michigan's natural beauty. It's also known as the Tunnel of Trees, and is cloaked under a lush canopy of hardwoods and evergreens. Planning a golf getaway? Harbor Springs vacation rentals put you just steps from Michigan's most coveted courses, including historic Harbor Point and architecturally designed Boyne Highlands Resort.
Fiery fall displays in Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs is known for its Indian summers, which means the warm weather can often last well into fall. Thanks to the Tunnel of Trees, Harbor Springs is regularly voted one of America's best towns to view fiery foliage. It's also stunning in spring, when snowy trilliums carpet the forest floor. Foodies shouldn't miss the annual Taste of Harbor Springs festival held every September. Running for decades, the palate-pleasing event showcases local food, wine, and craft beer. Things don't slow down in the winter, when Nub's Nob and Boyne Highlands serve up some of Michigan's best downhill skiing.
Exploring the natural features in Harbor Springs
Travelers enjoy Harbor Springs for its lakeside setting and beaches. Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to take in the scenery, Harbor Springs is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's most stunning features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Harbor Springs Beach (1.4 mi / 2.2 km)
- Petoskey State Park (4.6 mi / 7.4 km)
- Tunnel of Trees (7.4 mi / 12 km)
- Lake Charlevoix (14.1 mi / 22.8 km)
- Charlevoix Beach (14.9 mi / 24 km)
- Castle Farms (15.6 mi / 25.1 km)
Traveling to and around Harbor Springs
The nearest airport is in Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional), located 13.9 mi (22.4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Mackinac Island, MI (MCD), which is 34.5 mi (55.5 km) away.