Fishtown Preservation
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We Are Fishtown Preservation

What Is Fishtown

Fishtown is a collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter boats along the Leland River in Leland, Michigan. The heart of a commercial fishing village, Fishtown is where we can still see and feel a connection to the long tradition of Great Lakes maritime culture.

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What We Do

Fishtown Preservation Society exists to assure public access to Fishtown and to maintain its historical integrity, working waterfront, artifacts and stories through preservation, education and stewardship.

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You Can Help

Few places are as real as Fishtown. Here we can preserve a living link to a long Great Lakes maritime heritage, as well as to our own families and memories. We want to ensure that Fishtown remains alive for future generations. Your participation will make all the difference for Fishtown.

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fishtownmi

Fishtown Preservation a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that preserves and manages the Historic Fishtown site. For more info and to donate visit:

Thank you to @bridge.michigan for highlighting the Thank you to @bridge.michigan for highlighting the heroic efforts of Professor Bootsma and his team!

Fishtown Preservation Society is a proud license holder in the Great Lakes commercial fishing industry, which means we depend on healthy waters and thriving native fish, like whitefish — a species now on the edge of collapse.

The clear blue waters of Lake Michigan may look pristine, but beneath the surface, they tell a different story. Invasive quagga mussels have overtaken the lakebed, stripping it of nutrients and turning vital whitefish spawning grounds into wastelands.

A small, dedicated group of scientists is fighting back with everything from underwater mussel-mashing machines to experimental removal plots, paint scrapers, and even support from an unlikely ally: the invasive round goby. One of the important study sites is right here in Northern Michigan, in Good Harbor Bay—which is part of our licensed fishing grounds.

But the scale of the problem is vast, and the clock is ticking. Without urgent action, we risk losing not just the whitefish, but an entire underwater ecosystem — and with it, a key piece of our region’s cultural, ecological, and economic identity.

What can you do?
•	Learn about invasive species threats
•	Share this article to raise awareness
•	Support research and restoration efforts
•	Advocate for increased funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

It’s time we stand up for the waters — and fish — that have sustained our communities for generations.

Link to Bridge Michigan article in bio
If you’re all about that naturalist life, @natur If you’re all about that naturalist life, @naturewalkstudio is your crew. Earthy, chill, and all about the outdoors. Whether you’re into hiking, foraging, or just love exploring nature, they’ve got something for you. Swing by and catch the vibe — they’re at Art Shanty through August 25th!
Pete Carlson on the top of Good Will ~ June 1964. Pete Carlson on the top of Good Will ~ June 1964.

Just received this gem—and a handful of other wonderful vintage photos of Fishtown from our friend @rlinsmith .

If you have photos of Fishtown from a bygone era and are looking for a lasting place for them or would like even to share them with us, we would be honored to see them—and possibly add them to our archives!
Fan favorites—Markie of Silver, Slag & Stone and Fan favorites—Markie of Silver, Slag & Stone and Katie Bramlage—are back at the Art Shanty this week!

Since their last visit, both artists have expanded their work, incorporating new northern Michigan stones and fresh color palettes into their stunning creations. Whether you're looking to adorn yourself or your home, you'll find an array of beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces to choose from.

You won’t want to miss it!
We could not have been happier to see this beautif We could not have been happier to see this beautiful couple in Fishtown on their wedding day! Dryden was commercial fishing crew on the Joy not too long ago and had to bring his bride Kaylee to his old stomping grounds. Congratulations you two!
We’re thrilled to welcome @katiebartlestudios ba We’re thrilled to welcome @katiebartlestudios back to the Fishtown Art Shanty this week! 

Katie, the talented artist behind the wheel, brought a wonderful collection of functional, whimsical, and nature-inspired pottery with some made uniquely for her time in Leland and Fishtown. Each piece is thoughtfully made and infused with her love for the outdoors woven in.

Come say hello and discover her latest creations—perfect for gifting or keeping as a reminder of your time in Fishtown.
Agnes watching over a fish delivery. ❤from Fisht Agnes watching over a fish delivery.
❤from Fishtown
Your favorite linocut artist is back—Big Mitten Your favorite linocut artist is back—Big Mitten Linocuts returns to the Art Shanty!

Betsy, the artist behind Big Mitten Linocuts, handcrafts every piece from start to finish. She sketches her designs directly onto linoleum blocks, carves each image in relief using woodcarving tools, then rolls on ink and prints onto paper or fabric—entirely by hand.

As a naturalist deeply inspired by the woods, waters, and wildlife of the Midwest, Betsy creates limited, numbered editions of her prints. You might even catch her carving live on site! Some of the blocks she was working on last year are now fully produced and available for sale.

Betsy is only in Fishtown through August 4th - or online at https://www.bigmittenlinocuts.com/
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(c) 2013 Fishtown Preservation - Web Design by History By Design and Alyeska.
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