Why Harbor Springs is the best small town in MI to spend a fall day in

Stars Hollow may be a fictional town, but you’ll find all the fall charm in the real-life Michigan small town of Harbor Springs.

As a native Michigander, I may be naturally biased, but I fully believe there is no greater place to enjoy the fall season than in Michigan. The air is just crisper, the colors more vivid, and the water more sparkling in the “ber” months of fall in Michigan. 

There are countless places in Michigan to enjoy the fall weather and colors, but if you’re looking for a suggestion to make the most of a weekend small-town visit, we recommend planning a fall trip to the small town of Harbor Springs, Michigan. The waterfront town of Harbor Springs has just over 1,200 residents, but it’s packed with plenty of charm, and access to many amenities and entertainment options, and it might just be the best small town in Michigan to spend a day in during the fall. 

Here are some attractions you may want to consider adding to your fall itinerary in Harbor Springs, from leafy color tours to strolling a charming downtown to getting a taste of the spooky with a ghost tour. Plus, there’s plenty of family fun to be had, like ferry rides,  trick-or-treating, or enjoying a day at the farm with local hot apple cider and freshly baked pumpkin donuts. 

Tunnel of Trees

The Tunnel of Trees may be one of the most famous sights in Harbor Springs, and it’s a beloved fall attraction. With 20 miles of scenic driving along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Tunnel of Trees offers both colorful leafy fall foliage and unparalleled views of Lake Michigan’s blue waters. There are also plenty of points to stop and stretch your legs along the route, such as Beavor Island, lighthouses, and charming shops and restaurants.  For instance, you might want to stop at Motchimanitou, also known as the “Devil’s Elbow,” which was said by the Odawa Indians to be the home of the spirits who emerged in the darkness.

North Country National Scenic Trail

Nature lovers can hop on the North Country National Scenic Trail, the longest National Scenic Trail in all of America, which stretches 4,8000 miles across eight states—including a stop right here in Harbor Springs. The trail is for hikers, and you are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch to stop and break when you need to nosh. And could there be a more perfect time to enjoy the trail than when it’s bursting forth with fall colors?

Little Traverse Wheelway

Speaking of fall colors, you can enjoy them from the seat of your bike while pedaling along the 26-mile paved trail that runs between Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Charlevoix. Rent bikes if you need them, or bring your own and hit the trail with the whole family to enjoy the views along Little Traverse Bay’s shores. There are also plenty of beautiful small parks along the way to stretch your legs or have a picnic. 

Ferry Rides

If boating is more your style, check out Harbor Springs from the water by booking a boat cruise around the harbor. The ferry runs daily and you can purchase tickets ahead of time online or by walking up to a ferry operator. Each ferry ride is about 25 minutes long.  If you want even more waterfront fun, you can also book a sunset or dinner cruise that departs from nearby Petoskey. 

Pond Hill Farm 

Located just five miles north of Harbor Springs, Pond Hill Farm is a local cafe, winery, brewery, and farm market. It’s an ideal destination for people who are passing through or as a day trip all on its own. Families can enjoy a full day of fun at the farm and starting on September 21, every weekend is a Fall Fest weekend with live music, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, seasonal drinks, and even games like pumpkin bowling and pumpkin smashing. 

Highlands Harvest Festival

Held at the picturesque Highlands resort in Harbor Springs on October 12, the Highlands Harvest Festival features a full day of festive fall fun. Kids ages 5 and under can enter the festival for free while those of all ages can enjoy fall fun like face painting, cookie decorating, burlap sack racing, live music, and of course, local apple cider and donuts. Tickets to the event also include a scenic chairlift ride and additional activities, like zipline rides and horseback riding can be purchased for an extra five dollars. 

Scenic Chairlift Rides

If you can’t make the Highlands Harvest Festival on October 12, you can still enjoy the fall-filled sights and views of the Harbor Springs areas thanks to scenic chairlift rides available at Boyne Mountain and Highland Resorts. When the ski resort is out of season, you and your family can purchase chairlift rides to get the most epic views of the trees changing colors—all from the air. 

Wine Tastings

While you can enjoy a glass of chilled wine at Pond Hills Farms, if you fancy a longer wine-tasting tour, you can head a little way out of Harbor Springs to the nearby Petoskey Wine Region. The area offers 15+ wineries, along with special events like wine pairing dinners, a harvest showcase, and a winding wine trail that you can enjoy on foot, bike, or by car. 

Downtown Harbor Springs

Recently voted as a “real-life Christmas movie town,” downtown Harbor Springs boasts a picturesque scene set to colorful leafy trees, sparkling water, and countless boutiques, shops, and dining to make a whole day to enjoy crisp fall weather. Grab a pumpkin spice coffee and hit Main Street to spend a simple fall day downtown. 

Petoskey Ghost Tours

If you’re feeling like taking a walk on the spooky side, nearby Petoskey also offers a whole host of different themed tours—including a “haunted” ghost tour. According to the Petoskey Yesterday website, which lists different available tours, the “Haunted Petoskey” tour walks visitors through “unexplainable happenings” at different Petoskey buildings and locations, as well as covering the history of the area. The tour is a walking tour that lasts about 90 minutes and participants will need to be able to walk approximately two miles with some gentle hills. 

Haunted Halloween Weekends

The first and second weekends of October are a great time to visit Harbor Springs—Camp Petosega hosts Haunted Halloween Weekends where campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites for a chance at winning the coveted best decoration prize. Trick-or-treating is free and open to the general public from 5-7, so bring the kids for plenty of fall fun. After the trick-or-treating, enjoy the free Haunted Trail through the woods from 7:30-8:30 PM, along with free hot dogs, chips, and drinks. 

Harbor Harvest Fall Festival

Harbor Springs hosts a farmer’s market every weekend at the marina, where visitors and residents alike can stroll and shop by the water, sample local fare, and pick up some fresh farm finds. October 12 marks the final outdoor farmer’s market of the season, so the town goes out in style, hosting a Harvest Fall Festival featuring pumpkins, cider, kids’ crafts, and plenty of fall fun. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.