HBRA History

Harbor Beach Resort Association (HBRA) is a small, family-oriented summer resort located on the shores of Lake Huron in Harbor Beach, Michigan. Harbor Beach is approximately 110 miles north of Detroit, Michigan.

Map Showing Harbor Beach, Michigan

HBRA was founded in 1896 as a summer resort for families from Detroit and other cities in the Midwest area of the United States. There are now about 40 summer cottages in the resort, and many families which come to the resort every year are 5th and 6th generation descendants of the original resort families.

The resort sits on the shore of Lake Huron, but is protected in a large harbor -- along with the adjacent town of Harbor Beach -- by a long breakwall located nearly one mile from shore at its farthest point. The breakwall has a center 'gap' which allows ships and boats to enter its protected waters, and towering over the gap is a large lighthouse, which can be seen from all areas of the town and resort.

The HBRA summer season runs from late June through late August. Some resorters also use their cottages during the off-season. The weather during the summer season is usually warm and sunny, but the prevailing breezes off the lake keep the temperatures cool as compared with more inland locations.

During the summer season the resort serves three meals per day in 'The Clubhouse,' a large common building and the focal point of the resort. The resort also has a 'Casino' building which sits out over the water on a point of land next to the beach; the Casino is used for weekly dances and other special events.

The resort features many family activities: a 9-hole golf course; three all-weather tennis courts; a swimming pool; sailing; boating; beach games; children's programs; a playground for small children; and much more.

The town of Harbor Beach -- which is within walking or bike riding distance -- offers some limited shopping and dining.