Historic Harbor Springs

A Main Street that stands the test of time

By Geri Dietze | June 14, 2025

Simply put, this place is gorgeous. From indigenous village to lumber town to its century-plus role as a premier resort destination, Harbor Springs enjoys pride of place on the northern shore of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, approximately 10 miles from Petoskey.

With one of the most beautiful—read: unchanged—downtowns running adjacent to a sheltered deep-water harbor and tucked in at the base of a high bluff, Harbor, as it is known locally, is home to a citizenry that is more likely to protect, restore, and repurpose their buildings rather than replace them. Main Street is a prime example, with its collection of authentic storefronts, brick landmarks, and tidy clapboard businesses, all of a certain age.

Main Street’s eastern end is anchored by two historical restorations, the Harbor Springs Historical Society and the Ephraim Shay Works Museum. Close by is the Andrew J. Blackbird Museum, slated for future updates and improvements. Read on to learn all about these local treasures, and then continue down Main Street to experience one-of-a-kind shopping.

Read the full article here: https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/historic-harbor-springs/