The One Great Lakes Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes a fresh wave of travel plans. For those looking to explore the Great Lakes, there is no shortage of unique and exciting destinations. The tricky part is narrowing that list down to just one!
This year, Harbor Springs, Michigan, stands out as a phenomenal place to visit. Home to roughly 1,300 residents, its location along Little Traverse Bay makes it a spectacular destination for water activities, with ski trails and cozy resorts taking over in winter. Its festivals throughout the year are equally entertaining, celebrating the town's love for books, ice, and sailing. So pack your skis, or maybe even your swimsuit, and get ready to explore all that Harbor Springs has to offer.
Summer Recreation
As a waterfront town along Lake Michigan, you’d better believe the summers in Harbor Springs are incredible. Right in town, you have beaches like Zorn Park City Beach, which attracts countless visitors with its soft sands, grassy lawns, picnic areas, and floating dock. If you’re looking to get out on the waters of Little Traverse Bay, you can also book a charter cruise aboard the Pointer, which has been providing private tours of the bay for decades.
If you drive about 10 minutes southeast of town, you’ll also hit the gorgeous Petoskey State Park. This park is also on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, boasting a mile of sandy beaches, a network of hiking trails, and two campgrounds. It’s an excellent destination if you want to hunt for Petoskey stones as well, a pebble-shaped rock that is made of fossilized coral. Hikers, meanwhile, can explore the Old Baldy Trail, a half-mile loop that leads to panoramic views atop the Old Baldy Dune. Although this park is currently closed for renovations and enhancements, it will reopen in mid-May, just in time for summer.
Winter Recreation
Harbor Springs is just as captivating a destination in the winter as it is in the warmer months. You’ll find some great ski spots in the area, starting with Nub’s Nob, a family-owned ski hill that has been operating since 1958. With 248 acres of skiable terrain, 53 ski runs, 3 peaks, and 427 feet of vertical drop, the setting is a fantastic option if you are hoping to spend a weekend on the slopes. As a bonus, if you have any new skiers in your group, the beginner’s area is free to access and use.
The Highlands is another wonderful option for winter recreation. Here, you’ll be able to participate in various snow-based activities, starting with downhill skiing and riding. The resort’s ski area is composed of more than 400 skiable acres and 55 runs, suitable for skiers of all levels. They also offer well-groomed trails for Nordic skiing, NASTAR racing, and a three-hour guided excursion atop a sno-go bike.
Annual Festivals
Consider planning your visit to Harbor Springs around one of the quirky festivals they host each year. Even in the dead of winter, the town fills with warmth and cheer for the annual Ice Fest. Taking place in February, activities include nearly ice sculptures displayed throughout downtown, a Dueling Chainsaws Show, an interactive ice park, ice carving demonstrations, a horse-drawn wagon, and much more. In the summer, the Ugotta Regatta attracts eager sailors to town, with spectators able to enjoy the race from either Petoskey State Park or Petoskey’s Sunset Park.
If you are an avid reader, make sure to visit Harbor Springs during the annual Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. Occurring over the course of three days, up to 50 nationally published authors and illustrators come to town for events including readings, panel discussions, solo presentations, and authors in conversation. You can also head out to The Highlands again in the fall for their annual Harvest Fest, a Harbor Springs tradition that features activities like pumpkin bowling, cookie decorating, face painting, yard games, homemade donuts, and fresh apple cider.
Unique Hotels & Resorts
If you travel out to the surrounding countryside of Harbor Springs, you will find some absolutely gorgeous and original places to stay. The first is Otis, just a quick drive northwest along the coast. Located on a historical 10-acre property, this luxury boutique hotel has a mid-century design, with each room featuring curated art and unique details. There are plenty of common spaces to relax, including a fireplace lounge, an outside seating deck, an open-air courtyard, a general store, and a modern cafe.
If you enjoy skiing or mountain recreation, you’ll also love booking your night away at The Highlands, where you can stay right in the heart of the action. This resort offers several accommodation types, like a main lodge, an inn, and vacation rentals, depending on your travel needs and preferences. In addition to the ski areas, some activities are available only to lodging guests, such as bonfires, s’mores, and several outdoor pools and hot tubs. A mountain stay has never felt so cozy.
An Exciting Town To Visit Year-Round
Some towns excel in the summer, while others take the spotlight once the snow flies. Harbor Springs, however, manages to offer an excellent lineup of activities year-round, whether that entails a day on the beach, a chilly morning on the slopes, or even a weekend at the literary festival. And these activities are just the tip of the iceberg, really. Get ready to plan a trip of your own to Harbor Springs to discover everything that awaits!
