Harbor Springs, Michigan Voted Best Small Lake Town in US by Travel and Leisure
Harbor Springs Charm Earns Top Spot
The picturesque town of Harbor Springs, Michigan has been voted best small lake town in the U.S for 2024, according to renowned travel publication ‘Travel and Leisure’. The ranking, which is hotly contested each year, highlights the most desirable small towns in a range of categories.
“What an incredible acknowledgment for our area,” said Jim Powell, executive director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau. “Harbor Springs is steeped in rich history, unparalleled hospitality, and its location on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay is unparalleled. It’s wonderful to see this beautiful town garner such recognition.”
Selection Based on Charm and Natural Beauty
Factors contributing to Harbor Springs’ win include its “captivating combination of natural beauty and and quaint, eclectic charm,” as stated by the West Michigan Tourist Association. The town’s thriving small businesses, seasonal activities and natural attractions also made it a top contender in the rankings, according to the association.
Harbor Springs: More Than Just A Beautiful Lake Town
Harbor Springs isn’t just a picturesque waterfront town – it’s a hub of culture and community that reflects in its restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. The town is also set amidst an array of natural wonder, including Petoskey State Park, multiple nature preserves, and the famous Tunnel of Trees. The mesmerizing Little Traverse Bay forms a major part of the town’s charm, establishing Harbor Springs as a truly idyllic location.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Every year, Harbor Springs hosts a variety of seasonal events that provide both locals and visitors an immersive experience into the town’s culture. These include the Harbor Springs Ice Fest in winter, the Blessing of the Fleet to officially kickstart the boating season and weekly summer farmers markets.
Diverse Small Town Rankings
The annual ‘Best Small Towns’ ranking by Travel and Leisure features ten nationwide categories that showcase the best of small-town America. The categories include best small beach town, best small mountain town, best small arts and culture town, best small food and wine town, best retirement town, best small college town, and best small shopping town among others. The objective of these rankings is to celebrate unique and charming towns that may not find a place in mainstream tourism guides but hold their own magic.
With Harbor Springs’ newfound recognition as the best small lake town in the U.S, it’s bound to see a spike in interest and visitors, keen to discover the charm of this quaint Michigan haven.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
