Fishtown Dock
A Charming Waterfront Village
Some places in Northern Michigan have a way of making you slow down, look around, and appreciate all the little things. Historic Fishtown in Leland is one of those places. Seems every time we visit I find something new!
Tucked along the Leland River, just a short drive north of Traverse City, Fishtown is a charming collection of weathered fishing shanties, wooden docks, historic fish tugs, and little shops that seem to belong to another era. The smell of smoked fish drifts through the air, boats bob gently along the waterfront, and visitors wander between buildings that have stood for generations.
But what makes Fishtown especially interesting is that it isn’t simply a collection of historic buildings preserved for tourists. It’s still a working fishing village, a place where commercial fishing traditions continue alongside the shops, restaurants, and visitors enjoying the waterfront.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite Northern Michigan destination, Fishtown is a wonderful place to spend the day exploring.
A Little Fishing Village with a Lot of Character
Fishtown sits near the mouth of the Leland River, where the water flows into Lake Michigan. Its rustic buildings and narrow wooden walkways are a reminder of the days when commercial fishing was central to life along the Great Lakes and Leland.
Many of the shanties once served as net repair sheds, icehouses, smokehouses, and storage buildings for fishing equipment. Today, several have found new life as shops and galleries, while others continue to support the fishing industry.
As you wander through Fishtown, you’ll notice that the buildings haven’t lost their original character. Weathered siding, fishing equipment, and wooden docks give the village an atmosphere that’s difficult to recreate.
And that’s part of the appeal. Fishtown doesn’t feel like a manufactured tourist attraction because it isn’t. It was and is a real fishing village that was discovered by tourists visit northern Michigan. Fishtown is a place with stories to tell.
Take a Walk Along the Historic Docks
One of the best things to do in Fishtown is also one of the simplest. Just walk around.
Follow the wooden walkways past the old fishing shanties, stop to watch the boats in the river, and enjoy the views toward Leland Harbor.
You’ll find plenty of interesting details along the way, from old fishing equipment and weathered buildings to colorful boats tied along the docks.
Keep your camera handy. Between the rustic architecture, reflections on the river, and fishing boats, Fishtown offers plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.
Remember that this is still an active working waterfront. Some areas are used by commercial fishermen, so be mindful of equipment and respect any restricted spaces.
Meet Fishtown’s Historic Fishing Tugs
Among Fishtown’s most recognizable sights are its historic commercial fishing tugs, the Janice Sue and the Joy.
The Janice Sue was built in 1958, while the Joy was built in 1981. Both are owned by the Fishtown Preservation Society and represent an important part of the community’s fishing heritage.
And here’s something visitors might find surprising. These aren’t simply old boats sitting in the water for photographs. They’re operational commercial fishing vessels.
Depending on when you visit, you might see activity around the boats as fishermen prepare equipment or return from working on Lake Michigan. And if we are being honest, you may hear some colorful language coming from the fishing boats. 😊
Seeing these tugs up close is a reminder that Fishtown’s fishing traditions aren’t entirely in the past. They’re still part of everyday life along the waterfront.
Explore Fishtown’s Unique Shops
Part of the fun of visiting Fishtown is discovering what’s tucked inside the old fishing shanties.
What once served as working buildings for fishermen now includes a collection of small businesses offering clothing, handmade goods, artwork, jewelry, and Northern Michigan souvenirs.
You’ll find everything from locally inspired gifts to pieces featuring Petoskey stones, beach glass, and Leland Blue stones.
Some shops worth exploring include Tug Stuff, known for its fishing tug inspired merchandise, and Leelanau Artisan Pottery, which features goods created by local artists and makers.
The shops are small, and that’s part of their charm. Take your time browsing, strike up a conversation, and see what catches your eye.
For an updated list of businesses, visit the shops and charters page on Fishtown Preservation Society website.
Come Hungry! Fishtown Has Some Great Local Favorites
You certainly won’t have to venture far to find something good to eat. Fishtown has several longtime favorites that have become part of the experience for visitors.
Village Cheese Shanty
Village Cheese Shanty
If you enjoy a good sandwich, this little shop deserves a stop. Known for its made to order sandwiches on homemade pretzel bread, the Village Cheese Shanty has been a Fishtown favorite for decades.
Grab a sandwich to go and find a comfortable spot to enjoy lunch.
Carlson’s Fishery
You can’t visit a historic fishing village without checking out the fish!
Carlson’s Fishery has been part of Leland’s fishing tradition for generations. It’s a wonderful place to pick up smoked whitefish (a family favorite), fresh fish when available, or other locally prepared fish products.
Even if you’re not planning to take anything home, stopping by offers another glimpse into the commercial fishing heritage that makes Fishtown so special.
The Cove
For a sit down meal with a view, The Cove overlooks the Leland River and its picturesque waterfall.
It’s known for its seafood and its famous Chubby Mary, a Bloody Mary garnished with a smoked fish.
Even if that’s not your preferred beverage, the waterfront setting makes this a memorable place to relax and enjoy a meal.
And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, look for the Dam Candy Store, where you’ll find candy, chocolates, and ice cream.
The Dam Candy Store
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, The Dam Candy Store is a stop you won’t want to miss!
This cheerful, old fashioned candy shop is filled with all kinds of tempting treats, from classic candies and chocolates to taffy and ice cream. One of the fun parts is picking out your favorites and creating your own mixed bag of candy, sold by the pound.
Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or letting the kids discover something new, The Dam Candy Store is a sweet little stop that just might become one of your favorite Fishtown traditions.
Take a Short Walk to Van’s Beach
After exploring Fishtown, consider taking a short walk to Van’s Beach, a lovely stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline near the village.
It’s a great place to kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes, and enjoy the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan.
On a warm summer day, you might want to spend some time swimming or relaxing on the beach. During cooler weather, it’s still a wonderful spot for a shoreline walk or simply enjoying the view.
And if you’re someone who enjoys looking for interesting stones along Michigan beaches, keep your eyes open. The Leland area is known for Leland Blue, a colorful material formed from historic iron smelting slag that has become a favorite among local rock collectors.
Even if you don’t find a special stone, the lake views make the short walk worthwhile.
Discover More of Downtown Leland
Fishtown may be the best-known attraction in Leland, but don’t overlook the rest of this charming community.
Just a short stroll from the waterfront, downtown Leland offers additional boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops, and places to eat.
It’s a pleasant area to explore on foot, especially when you’re not in a hurry.
You can spend a little time shopping, stop for coffee, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this small Northern Michigan community.
The Gateway to the Manitou Islands
Leland has also long served as a departure point for visitors traveling to North and South Manitou Islands, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
These remote Lake Michigan islands are known for their natural beauty, hiking opportunities, historic sites, and quiet beaches.
The Manitou Island Transit ferry has traditionally operated from Leland, making the village a familiar starting point for island adventures.
Ferry service was suspended for the 2026 season because of dock closures on the islands. Before planning an island visit, check the Manitou Island Transit website for current information about future service.
A Little History Makes Fishtown Even More Interesting
Visiting Fishtown
Long before Fishtown became a favorite Northern Michigan destination, the area was home to an important Ottawa community known as Mishi-me-go-bing.
The location along Lake Michigan provided access to fishing, transportation, and the surrounding natural resources.
European settlers arrived in the 1850s, and the community gradually developed around lumbering, shipping, and commercial fishing.
As fishing became an important local industry, shanties, smokehouses, docks, and fishing vessels became familiar sights along the river.
Over the generations, the fishing industry changed, but much of the waterfront’s character remained.
Today, the Fishtown Preservation Society works to protect the historic buildings, fishing vessels, and working waterfront so future generations can experience this special place.
If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Northern Michigan’s historic communities, the Fishtown Preservation Society is a wonderful resource for learning more.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Fishtown
Location: Fishtown is located along West River Street in Leland, Michigan, approximately 25 miles north of Traverse City.
Best time to visit: Late spring through fall is ideal for enjoying the shops, restaurants, and waterfront activity. Summer is especially lively, while spring and fall can offer a quieter experience. Many shops shut down during the winter months.
How much time to allow: Plan on a few hours to explore Fishtown, browse the shops, and enjoy something to eat. Allow additional time for downtown Leland or Van’s Beach.
Admission: There’s no admission fee to walk through Fishtown. Shopping, dining, and charter activities have their own costs.
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. Some of the waterfront walkways are wooden and uneven, and Lake Michigan breezes can make the air feel cooler.
Seasonal hours: Fishtown’s public waterfront is accessible throughout the year, but most shops operate seasonally, generally from May through October. Individual business hours vary, so check ahead if there’s somewhere specific you want to visit.
Why Fishtown Belongs on Your Northern Michigan Adventure List
There’s something special about places that manage to hold on to their history while continuing to be part of everyday life.
Fishtown is one of those places.
It’s where old fishing shanties have become charming little shops, where commercial fishing boats still have a place along the river, and where visitors can enjoy a sandwich, browse local artwork, or simply watch the activity along the waterfront.
You don’t need an elaborate itinerary to enjoy it. Sometimes the best way to experience Fishtown is to wander, explore, and see where the afternoon takes you.
So the next time you’re traveling through the Leelanau Peninsula, make a little time for Leland and its historic fishing village. You may come for the scenery, shopping, or smoked fish, but you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for this special corner of Northern Michigan.
Image Credit
Sunset in Fish Town Banner. Fishtown at sunset, on Lake Michigan at Leland, MI 06-21-2019 006, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=105146433
Fishtown Docks. By Teemu08 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17978060
Village Cheese Shanty. By GregMcCollum – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131397426
