Localism Harbor Country

Today, the communities of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Three Oaks (see page two) and Sawyer are collectively known as Harbor Country, named by the local Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce.

The number one reason Harbor Country exists today are the miles of pristine beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan and the lush surrounding countryside; however, it was not always this way. About 150 years ago, the area was a dense forest that was harvested to build much of the Midwest, especially Chicago after the great fire. Primeval forest gave way to neat and orderly rows of orchards and vineyards. The land cleared of it's trees became an agricultural powerhouse! Hot summer days with cool nights made the perfect recipe for some of the best fruit available at the time . Just after the turn of the 20th century, another bumper crop sprouted up...tourists. To meet the demand for a cool place to escape Chicago's brutal summers, landowners quickly built seasonal cottages and resorts with developers building entire communities. "Harbor Country" was born and it took nearly 100 years to name her!