Shay Days

Shay Days is the Historical Society's longest running event, celebrating its 28th anniversary in 2026. This two-day family-friendly event focuses on STEAM education, highlighting the ingenuity, innovation and history of inventor Ephraim Shay. Shay lived in Harbor Springs from 1888 until his death in 1916. Famous for his patented, geared locomotive, Shay also designed Harbor Springs’ first city water works system, constructed a logging railway and built his iconic Hexagon House.

A schedule of events is below. For the walking tours, please visit this page to register. All other activities do not required advanced registration. While there is an admission fee for the Ephraim Shay Works Museum (unless you are a member of the Historical Society) all other activities are admission by donation, which can be made at the main check in tent in Shay Park or at either the Harbor Springs History Museum or Ephraim Shay Works Museum. 

Read the 2026 press relase here.