Harbor Springs Michigan Things To Do | By Sherry of Traveling Michigan with Sherry and Chris
Harbor Springs is a fantastic Michigan vacation getaway any time of year! Chris and I love visiting there especially in the fall as it is the gateway to the famous Tunnel of Trees!
We always spend several days exploring, hiking, shopping and going for scenic fall color tour drives. Keep reading for lots of inspiration!
For Chris and I, Harbor Springs is the gateway to exploring northwest Michigan!
There's great hiking trails, golf, breathtaking Fall Michigan Color Tours through the Tunnel of Trees, boating, beaches, ferries to Petoskey and so many fun things to do throughout the spring, summer, fall and winter!
Harbor Springs is perfect for weekend getaways in Michigan!
Harbor Springs Michigan is located in northwest Michigan. This lovely lakeside town is located on Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Harbor Springs is north of Petoskey, Charlevoix and Traverse City.
Be sure to use our Interactive Google Map of Harbor Springs as you drive!
Helpful Map Tips:
Take the time to wander along E. Main Street in downtown Harbor Springs. There are lots of boutique shops, restaurants and fun stores to pop into-who knows what you might find? Harbor Springs is perfect for weekend getaways in Michigan!
It's free to park along the street.
There are public restrooms at the Marina, just south of Bay Street (corner of Bay Street and S. Spring Street). You can see the location on the map above.
We love to visit Harbor Springs Michigan throughout the year. If visiting in the fall, you will be greeted with cheerful fall décor featuring pumpkins, gourds and spooky witches!
Wandering along lovely marinas are seriously one of my favorite things to do in the summer.
I love the energy (yet peacefulness) of the bobbing boats and Chris and I always play the game of, "which one is your favorite?" Then we take turns imaging the perfect day on "our" boats.
Did you know you can travel by boat Bay Harbor or Petoskey from Harbor Springs? Now you can!
to Catch the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co. from Josephine Ford Park, E. Bay St. Harbor Springs, MI and enjoy the water views to Bay Harbor or Petoskey.
(This is a great idea for this summer's romantic getaways in Michigan!)
Buy your tickets as early as possible as they often sell out. I wouldn't wait to buy tickets the day of as you might be disappointed.
If you love golf, check out these Harbor Springs Michigan Golf Courses!
Because I'm a sucker for any restaurants along the water with outside seating, we chose Stafford's Pier for lunch and we loved it! I mean look at this view!
We ordered chicken salad, fruit salad with candied nuts, burgers and chicken sandwiches. The views couldn't be beat, the food was great and our server was friendly so we give it a thumbs up!
Other Harbor Springs restaurants that have been recommended to us include:
Is Harbor Springs Michigan Nice? Yes! It's a great safe place to visit with friends and family. Lots of water views, a beach, shops, restaurants, golf, hiking, skiing and so much more!
Is Harbor Springs worth visiting? Absolutely! Chris and I enjoy the area throughout the year and keep discovering new things to do and see.
What is there to do in Harbor Springs in the fall? Visiting Harbor Springs in the fall is amazing as you can visit Pond Hill Farms (cute café, buy some pumpkins, enjoy hot chocolate), go hiking at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, go shopping and of course, drive the famous Tunnel of Trees! There are so many things to do in in the fall in Northern Michigan!
The Harbor Springs Chamber has lots of info about events also.
If you love winter downhill skiing, check out:
Nubs Nob Ski Resort
Address: 500 Nubs Nob Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
If you are looking for great skiing near Petoskey, check out Nubs Knob! If you want a great place that is focused on incredible skiing, this is the place.
Claim to Fame: 53 ski runs. 3 Separate Peaks. 9 Experts only. 8 Most Difficult. 21 More Difficult. 15 Easiest. 1 Terrain Park. 315 Snowmaking guns. 8 Chair lifts. 1 Rope tow.
Make their own snow? Yes! So you can go skiing earlier in the year.
Does Nubs Nob Ski Resort Have Day Care: Yes! Reserve early! This is a rarity, so having childcare makes Nubs Nob one of the best ski resorts in Michigan for families with small children.
Does Nubs Nob Ski Resort Have Rental Packages? yes, there are several packages
Is Nubs Nob Ski Resort a Good Resort for Beginners? Yes! They have a ski academy for junior alpine and cross-country skiers. Just like swim lessons, skiers learn in small groups with the same instructor and friends each week. Learn all aspects of the ski area, including race, terrain park, bumps, and powder. One of the best ski resorts in Michigan for beginners.
On-Site Lodging/Resort: Nub’s Nob does not have lodging on-site. See our recommendations below.
General Store: Yes! Tons of apparel and anything you may need during your adventure.
Boyne Highlands
Boyne Highlands Address: 600 Highland Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Definitely on our list of one of the best ski resorts in Michigan.
Claim to Fame: The northern most slops has a great view of the Mackinaw Bridge on a clear day.
Rental Packages at Boyne Highlands Michigan? Yes!
Is Boyne Highlands Michigan a Good Resort for Beginners? yes! Boyne Highlands has snowboard and ski lessons.
On-Site Lodging/Resort at Boyne Michigan ski resort: Yes! The Highlands at Harbor Springs offers lots of room types from single rooms to full living areas for families. There are also pet friendly rooms. You can also stay at the Highlands and ski at Boyne Mountain too.
Related Story: Best Ski Resorts in Michigan!
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The Highlands at Harbor Springs offers lots of room types from single rooms to full living areas for families. There are also pet friendly rooms. You can also stay at the Highlands and ski at Boyne Mountain too.
There's also a cute VRBO at the Highlands too!
Cottages at Bay Harbor - 3600 Village Harbor Dr, Petoskey, MI 49770-8577. Located in Northern Michigan, the Cottages at Bay Harbor is a perfect Michigan getaway for couples, families and friends. The spacious cottages offer plenty of space and many have kitchens. They are located close to Lake Michigan and Crooked Tree Golf Club. Perfect Michigan vacation spot if you are a golfer, skier, or beach goer.
Inn at Bay Harbor - 3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, Petoskey, MI 49770-8577. Stunning water views, pool, beach, golf courses and spa! You will love this luxury Michigan hotel!
Stafford's Bay View Inn - 2011 Woodland Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770-5069 If you love bed and breakfasts, you will love the Stafford's Bay View Inn. Guests will feel the romance of a nostalgic era with lovely views of Little Traverse Bay. Experience fine dining at their Roselawn Dining Room.
Best Western Of Harbor Springs - 8514 M 119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Pool, fitness center, free parking, free breakfast, bicycle rental and close to downtown Harbor Springs!
(So many great ideas for this summer's romantic getaways in Michigan!)
Pond Hill Farms: 5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Oh my gosh you guys, I so love Pond Hill Farm! You can stroll through the vineyards (their grapes are gorgeous!), enjoy a glass of their beer and wine, or shop the farm store!
Oh, and they are open all year so it's one of our favorite places to go in Michigan.
During the winter, they are open for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, or hiking their miles of groomed trails.
How about sledding?
The Vineyard Sled Hill is so fun and they have sleds available for you to use.
Not only are they THE spot to get pumpkins in Northern Michigan, but they have super cute critters!
See our video at the top of this page to see their cute piggies! Squeal!
Their Biergarten Tent is outdoors and has heaters during the colder months. Also be sure to grab a meal at their cafe! I hear the Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese is super yummy!
Address: 6696 Lower Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
If you love hiking and boardwalks, you will love Thorne Swift Nature Preserve! This lovely preserve has three trails winding through woods, past small ponds and overlooks. Oh, and one of the trails takes you right to the beach!
Read More: Thorne Swift Nature Preserve!
Michigan's Tunnel of Trees isn't just breathtaking in the fall, it's beautiful all year! You will see sneak peeks of Little Traverse Bay and drive through the tiny village of Good Hart where you can't help but stop at the cute shops and General Store.
If you love city overlooks (and boardwalks), check out the Spring Street Bluff Boardwalk and Overlook! It's fun and a great photo opportunity!
Where is the Harbor Springs Boardwalk? At the corner of Spring Street and Bluff is a boardwalk and platform offering great views of the city and Little Traverse Bay.
It's a great view any time of year but we love it the most in the fall as it's a great way to see the changing colors!
Chris and I always stop here during our Tunnel of Trees tour. Isn't it pretty?
This boardwalk leads down to the main city level and up to Bluff Street.
Boyne Highlands is a mecca for fantastic Michigan Getaways.
Boyne Highlands has fantastic restaurants too, so fine or comfort food dining is always at your fingertips!
Zoll Street Beach - This is a very dog friendly beach complete with gorgeous views of Little Traverse Bay.
Zorn Beach - located on W. Bay St. just to the west of State St. The Zorn Beach is a quite popular beach in the summer. There are lifeguards.
Odawa Casino Resort Address: 1760 Lears Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Odawa Casino Resort features multiple restaurants and retail stores, a concert venue called Ovation, Ozone nightclub, and a circular lounge bar in the middle of the gaming floor.
Odawa Casino is owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Stop on out and have a fun afternoon or evening playing, eating and dancing! I hear the buffett is awesome!
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What is there to do in Harbor Springs in the fall? Not rated yet
We want to play golf in Harbor Springs this early fall and wondered what else there is to do in the area. Thank you for any suggestions!
Answer …
Is Harbor Springs worth visiting? Not rated yet
We will be in Glen Arbor and Petoskey this summer and can't find a lot of info about Harbor Springs. I wondered if we should take an additional day and …
What is Harbor Springs Michigan known for? Not rated yet
We wondered what things Harbor Springs is known for and if it's a cool town to visit! Thanks!!
Answer
Hi Jen,
Oh, we love to visit Harbor Springs! …
Is Harbor Springs Michigan Nice? Not rated yet
We are thinking of visiting there this spring, what do you think about Harbor Springs?
Answer
Hi Rebecca,
Oh, we love Harbor Springs! If you …