Thanks to several new business owners investing their time and efforts, and long-standing community leaders with a renewed passion for progress, Harbor Springs—the quaint town with Currier-and-Ives appeal—is freshening up its look and offering even seasoned visitors new things to explore and discover. The town, however, hasn’t forgotten its history as one of Northern Michigan’s most classic vacation destinations.

Schooners of old made their way into Little Traverse Bay guided by the Little Traverse Lighthouse—which was kept by one of the few female keepers of the time, Elizabeth Whitney VanRiper Williams. Sitting at the end of a private peninsula, this is one of the hardest of Michigan’s 120 or so lighthouses to see up close. While the light is visible from the water, the grounds around the brick beacon are private. The Harbor Springs Historical Society occasionally hosts trolley tours to the point, typically once every other year.

With its dense hardwood forests and the deepest natural harbor on the Great Lakes, Harbor Springs was well positioned to take on the lumbering and shipping industries that were building up the state of Michigan in the late 1800s. Docked not far from these freight vessels were massive steam ferries and passenger ships that traveled through the fresh waters of the Great Lakes from Detroit and Chicago, bringing hundreds of tourists to experience the wonders of Northern Michigan.

Earlier passenger ships, such as the Manitou and the Northland, have since been replaced by the likes of the Blue Moon and the Seaquest. Although not open to the public, these and other mega-yachts are on display all summer along the marina dock. Not surprisingly, the dock area and surrounding beaches are must-see attractions for visitors.

One of the best views of the historic marina basin and the countless boats that moor here is at the town’s only public waterfront restaurant, The Pier, built on the original harbor pilings in the 1930s and once the boathouse for the Harbor Point Association’s water taxi, The Pointer. Drinks have been served here since the repeal of prohibition, although in those days it was known as Al’s Pier Bar, owned by local nightclub owner William “Slim” Gerhart of Detroit. The Pier received a makeover, offering expanded al fresco options in 2016. The Pointer is also back on the water, offering a relaxing and informative 2-hour historic tour around the bay aboard the restored 1934 Scandinavian-inspired wooden boat.

Downtown offers a growing number of shops, eateries, galleries and attractions, lined up neatly along M-119. Take in a flick. One of the town’s newest attractions is the Lyric Theatre, housed in a former Packard auto dealership on Main Street. Featuring three screens, moviegoers can enjoy wine or local craft beer while watching the latest film releases. Several new restaurants have opened, giving Harbor Springs a contemporary feel. Harbor Springs is also home to a growing number of festivals and events including the Waterfront Wine Festival in June; Red, White & Brew in July; Festival of the Book in September and Harbor Springs Brew Festival in October. Dig into more about the area at the Harbor Springs History Museum, with both permanent and temporary exhibits, archives and community programs.