About Harbor Springs
Yachts and sailboats swinging at moorings in the sapphire blue water of Little Traverse Bay and docked along the shores of a post card-perfect waterfront village. Gulls calling and people lazily strolling tree-shaded side-walks where an intriguing assortment of casual eateries, candy and ice cream stores, specialty shops and art galleries line both sides of short streets in the center of town. Commerce and history coalesce. Serenity prevails. And the magic of Harbor Springs remains palpable and continues throughout the winter. With two of the premier ski resorts in the Midwest just outside of town, it’s little wonder that Harbor Springs still bustles when cold and snow have made implausible memories of sailboats and ice cream cones.
Nestled on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay, directly across from Petoskey, “Harbor” (as locals refer to it) got its start in the late 1820’s with Franciscan mission and some log cabins. Today it is homeport for generations of same-family resorters and must-visit destination for travelers. With a population of less than 1,700, it’s a small town known for a it’s wonderful natural resources, from crystal clear water and one of the deepest natural harbors on the Great Lakes, to vibrant fall colors, to winters seemingly fashioned by Norman Rockwell.
Harbor Springs is also a community of close-knit, hard-working year-round residents and public schools that meet the educational needs of about 1,100 students. The district is made up of a pre-K-2 elementary school, a grades 3-5 elementary school, a middle school, a traditional high school and an alternative high school.
While primarily a residential enclave, Harbor Springs is justifiably proud of its vital and progressive business community, as well as the many civic and charitable organizations that attract participation by both year-round residents and visitors. General aircraft are accommodated at Harbor Springs Municipal Airport and Northern Michigan Hospital is nearby Petoskey provides the highest levels of specialty care. Harbor Springs is as much a state-of-mind as it is a Little Traverse Bay landmark. Once you walk down the street and enjoy smiles from strangers and welcoming “hello’s”, the memories will stay in your heart forever.
