So, Where is Harbor Country?

"There are only 8 towns in this official region.."

This is the true story of the sleepy once forgotten region known as Harbor Country that survived the previous century of logging and colonization, then  in later decades resisted the onslaught of urban sprawl and development.

In the late 1970's, local community leaders formed the "Harbor Country Council" as a research panel to establish recognition for eight southwest Michigan communities closely huddled near the shores of Lake Michigan. This council examined the richness of the area's heritage, it's natural resources and peaceful setting as positive factors in re-igniting interest in the area that was previously experienced in the early 1920's and 30's.

Harbor and Country
Harbor Country Council member Dick Downing (originally a realtor from Chicago) was the person credited for coming up with the name “Harbor Country” to represent the area’s scenic ‘harbor’, and the bountifully lush ‘country’ landscapes filling the spaces between the lakeshore towns and inland to Three Oaks. Therefore, contrary to some incorrect public perceptions it's not "Harbor Country" (with emphasis on Harbor, as in a 'country of harbors') but rather Harbor Country, equally crediting the one harbor in New Buffalo, and the countrysides between the lakeshore and Three Oaks.

	Local business owners Nadra Kissman and Larry Bubb are credited as the area co-founders in establishing Harbor Country as a recognized geographic region.
Nadra Kissman, Co-Founder		Larry Bubb, Co-Founder

Chamber Offices, New Buffalo, MI The Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce is formed The Harbor Country Council that laid the foundation for formal State recognition when the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce in New Buffalo, MI was formed in 1981. In the years that followed, public relations efforts were initiated to invite visitors into the region. Soon, a resurgence of getaway visitors fell in love with this quiet oasis just a 70 minute drive away from Chicago. By the mid 80's, the media began to pick up on this area becoming known as the 'Hamptons of the Midwest'. Large full page spreads in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, The New York Times, and Midwest Living began describing this unique getaway for those looking to find some solace from their hectic lives. Harbor Country® is a Federally Registered Trademark Once established as the area’s authority and driving force, the Chamber eventually sought for and was granted exclusive rights to the name by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as Harbor Country® - a federally registered trademark. This action was taken in part to fend off nearby locations that were not part of this legacy and wanted to ride the coat tails of the emerging notoriety and success by attempting to expand the Harbor Country name and region into other areas south into Indiana and north to St Joseph, Benton Harbor, South Haven, or even east to Buchanan and Niles. Those efforts were challenged and abated, and since its conception in 1981, Harbor Country has remained intact as a uniquely defined geographic region within its eight original southwest Michigan towns and now protected under a US Trademark. For more about the founding of Harbor Country and its legacy, Click Here. For more on the area's colonial history, Click Here.

Click map for zoom-in view There are only 8 towns in the Official region of Harbor Country®: Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer. Located in the southwest corner of Berrien County, the Harbor Country region stretches 15 miles north from the Michigan state line and inland 6 miles to Three Oaks. Contrary to some incorrectly published media reports, Harbor Country does not extend beyond these eight quaint towns. This little unsuspecting corner of southwest Michigan has become a destination of choice for travelers who want to experience lifestyles that are seemingly frozen in time, when things were simple, less complicated. Here you will only find the inconvenience of small town life that is not panicked by the lack of technology or the instant gratification of cosmopolitan amenities.

So, when you're looking through the ads, search engines, or media coverage, and want to visit the original Harbor Country, look for our logo,  or find us here in the southwest corner of our water wonderland state of Michigan. Discover the tranquility of quaint small town life that's a simple and a peaceful retreat for all seasons.