History has a new home in Harbor Springs: the Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community. Housed in the restored building that was once City Hall and the first Emmet County Courthouse, the new museum looks at the area's first residents, the Odawa, and the Local History exhibit transports visitors through time. Stories of the first Catholic missionaries are followed by those of homesteaders, loggers, and resorters.

Wrapping up the experience is a look at how the town and waterfront progressed, the development of the ski resorts and a celebration of Harbor Springs' traditions. In the Discovery Gallery, kids of all ages will be introduced to inventor Ephraim Shay, light keeper Elizabeth Whitney Williams, and postmaster Andrew Blackbird.

Visitors also will meet merchants from Harbor Springs early days and step inside a fish shanty for a fun look at wintertime activities. Throughout the exhibits, guided interactive displays allow youngsters to experience topics from Shay's locomotive to the Odawa language.

For information about the current exhibit at the Harbor Springs History Museum, read our story: Anishnaabek Art: Gift of the Great Lakes on Display at Harbor Springs History Museum.

The Harbor Springs History Museum is open Wednesdays-Saturdays during the summer; Fridays and Saturdays the rest of year. It is located on Main Street, across from the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information:
Harbor Springs History Museum
349 E. Main St.
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
231-526-9771
www.harborspringshistory.org

More Northern Michigan History Links...

Uniquely Harbor Springs...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in Northern Michigan:

Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.
Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.
Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.
Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!
Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.
Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!

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