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.