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

We’re delighted to welcome @marellamorrisfineart We’re delighted to welcome @marellamorrisfineart to the Art Shanty this week! Deeply inspired by nature—the rhythm of water, the flicker of light through trees, and the ever-changing colors of the sky—Marella’s work captures the immersive beauty of the natural world. Her ultimate goal is to recreate the feeling of being surrounded by nature, and in person, her paintings feel almost transportive—as if you could step right into them. Come experience it for yourself! Marella will be in the Art Shanty through July 7th.
It's as perfect in Fishtown today as it looks. Wha It's as perfect in Fishtown today as it looks. What an incredible beginning to the long 4th of July holiday week!
At the beginning of June we announced that the Gra At the beginning of June we announced that the Grand Traverse Distillery had just unveiled a special single barrel limited release bourbon, with a portion of the proceeds of each bottle sold to benefit the Fishtown Preservation Society. We've just learned that, in less than a month, they are are down to the land handful of the 164 bottles!  This release is only available in the Leland tasting room at 101 N. Lake Street. 

The bourbon is Barrel #1132, made up of 60% corn, 30% rye and 10% malted barley. In the bottle at 118.3 proof and aged little over 5 years in a first use #4 char American White Oak barrel. The corn and rye all came from Send farms in Leelanau County and the malt from Great Lakes Malting in Traverse City. This bourbon is warm and complex and filled with of the tastes and rich history of this region. We're honored to have Grand Traverse Distillery partner with us for this very special offering, and that they treasure Fishtown!
It's a big day for the hull of Mary Ann, Janice Su It's a big day for the hull of Mary Ann, Janice Sue's sister fish tug. She's getting an ultrasound as part of a marine survey to discover what work would be needed to bring her back to Fishtown as a floating exhibit and presentation space at the dock. Thank you to Capt. Jojo Chacon-Lontin and Brian Price for your dedicated all day today in warm weather!
We're thrilled to welcome a first-timer to Art Sha We're thrilled to welcome a first-timer to Art Shanty — Emily Winkel! 

A Michigan native now based in Indiana, Emily creates her work primarily in watercolor and pastels, capturing the delicate beauty of gardens and the wildlife that calls them home. Her lakeside perspectives evoke a sense of calm and serenity — something we could all use a little more of.

Emily has brought a lovely selection of originals, prints, and seasonal cards, and she also accepts commission work if you're looking for something uniquely yours.

Come say hello and see her work in person — she's in Fishtown through June 30th, or you can visit her online at emilyandraillustrations.com. or on Instagram @emilyillustrations
🏃‍♀️ 17TH ANNUAL—FISHTOWN 5K — JULY 1 🏃‍♀️ 17TH ANNUAL—FISHTOWN 5K — JULY 19TH 🏃‍♂️
Register Today! Registration link in bio
We’ve ordered extra T-shirts, but sizes are now limited — register soon to guarantee you get the one you want!

Can’t be here on race day?
No problem! Choose our “Can’t Be Here” option and still get all the awesome race swag delivered right to your door.

All registration fees, sponsorships, and donations support the ongoing care and preservation of historic Fishtown. 🐟❤️

Register Today! Registration link in bio
This is your sign to get registered for the 17th A This is your sign to get registered for the 17th Annual Fishtown 5K and guarantee you get a t-shirt! Cut off is midnight tonight😎
PEACE, LOVE & JOY – Register TODAY! Registration link in bio
Fishtown is excited to welcome Chris Schmidt of St Fishtown is excited to welcome Chris Schmidt of Studio 13, back to the Art Shanty!

Chris was this year's featured artist on the Leland Wine Festival poster, with an incredible design of one of everyone’s favorite tugs: Janice Sue.

Originally from Leelanau County and now based in Houghton, MI, Chris blends the spirit of the Upper Peninsula with the beauty of Leelanau in his bold, outdoor-inspired artwork. His pieces reflect the landscapes, sports, and moments that make both places unforgettable.

Chris will be at the Art Shanty through June 23—don’t miss your chance to meet him and check out his work in person! Can’t make it? You can always shop online: https://www.xmaticdesign.com/
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(c) 2013 Fishtown Preservation - Web Design by History By Design and Alyeska.
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