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:

There's so much more to the Leland River than meet There's so much more to the Leland River than meets the eye.

In this week's blog, FPS summer '26 intern Emma Nelson explores the ecology of one of Fishtown's most treasured natural resources alongside Matt Heiman of the Leelanau Conservancy. From native fish and invasive species to changing weather patterns and the river's role in supporting Lake Michigan's ecosystem, Emma discovers just how much life exists beneath the surface.

Whether you've strolled the docks countless times or are discovering Fishtown for the first time, this week's story offers a fresh perspective on the river that has shaped our community for generations.

Read this week's blog...and discover why, sometimes, the smallest places have the biggest impact. Blog link in bio ~or~ https://www.fishtownmi.org/?p=5674
The smoke has cleared (for now) and it’s a beautif The smoke has cleared (for now) and it’s a beautiful morning for a race! Fishtown Rocks!
We wanted to provide an update regarding tomorrow' We wanted to provide an update regarding tomorrow's Fishtown 5K.

WE ARE A GO!

After closely monitoring the air quality, reviewing the latest forecast, and consulting with our local health and safety officials, the Friends of Fishtown 5K will PROCEED AS SCHEDULED - TOMORROW @ 9AM. We're encouraged that conditions have improved today and are expected to continue improving through race morning.

We look forward to welcoming everyone who is able to join us for a safe, fun, and memorable morning in Fishtown and cheering along the race route!

See you at the starting line!

Interested in being a part of it? Register link in bio
until 6pm tonight or tomorrow in Fishtown starting at 7:30am
If you've participated in the Fishtown 5K over the If you've participated in the Fishtown 5K over the past decade, chances are you've worn a JenTees shirt.

For the past 10 years, @jenteesgear  has helped bring race day to life by printing the shirts that have become a favorite keepsake for so many runners, walkers, and volunteers. Their commitment to quality, attention to detail, and dependable service has made them a valued partner of the Fishtown 5K year after year.

This year, JenTees is once again going above and beyond with a generous $1,000 in-kind sponsorship, helping offset the cost of printing our race shirts. Their support allows more of every race registration to directly support Fishtown Preservation.

We're incredibly grateful for their decade of partnership and proud to recognize JenTees as a sponsor of the 2026 Fishtown 5K!
Sponsor Spotlight: Some of the best moments in Nor Sponsor Spotlight:
Some of the best moments in Northern Michigan are shared around a table—with great wine, good company, and beautiful views.

We're grateful to recognize @harmonyestateleelanau  Wineries as a $1,000 Buoy Sponsor of this year's Fishtown 5K. Through its family of wineries—Bel Lago Winery, @fvvineyard , and @dunebirdwinery —Harmony celebrates the unique character of Leelanau County and the people who make this region so special.

Whether you're discovering a new favorite vintage or enjoying an afternoon in wine country, each winery offers its own experience while sharing a commitment to quality, hospitality, and community.

Thank you to Harmony Estate Wineries ~Bel Lago Winery, French Valley Vineyard, and Dune Bird Winery for supporting Fishtown Preservation and helping preserve one of Northern Michigan's most treasured places.

 Learn more:
• Bel Lago Winery – bellagowine.com
• French Valley Vineyard – fvvineyard.com
• Dune Bird Winery – dunebirdwinery.com
This year's Overall and Masters Overall awards fea This year's Overall and Masters Overall awards feature Fishtown's beloved weathervane, Agnes, handcrafted in stained glass by local artist Alana Slanek of @sklo.glassandothercompositions 

These are more than race awards—they're a celebration of the artistry, history, and character that make Fishtown so special.

Four Rock-ys will take home an Agnes this year. Could you be one of them?

Be a Rock-y and register today! Registration link in bio

Race begin 9AM - Saturday, July 18
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