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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Fishtown Preservation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historical integrity of Fishtown and ensuring that it continues as a publicly accessible and authentic connection to local and regional history, Great Lakes commercial fishing, and maritime traditions and experiences.
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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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Common Fishtown Questions Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation While working in the Fishtown Welcome Center this summer, I have been asked a wide range of questions. Some visitors ask for more details on the history of Fishtown, while others are interested in the ecological factors that influence the commercial fishery. I have enjoyed getting to […]
Leland Blue Stones Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation I spent countless summer days as a child exploring rock beaches around Michigan’s coastline. If it was colorful or had an interesting pattern, I added it to my collection. I loved finding bits of frosted sea glass as well, each one a small treasure. It wasn’t until […]
A Busy Time in Fishtown Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation It is the height of the season in Fishtown, and Leland is at its busiest. In my experience this summer, I have found that each week is a new adventure. There are new opportunities, new people passing through, and few quiet moments. After such a […]
Discovering the Manitou Islands Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation The Journey: Arriving at the docks thirty minutes prior to the posted departure time of 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 23rd, I could tell it was going to be a beautiful day for hiking. The sun was out with only a few puffy clouds in the […]
Fishtown Then and Now Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation Fishtown Preservation Society aims to preserve the past and future of Fishtown. Many of the historical shanties built near the start of the 20th century are still standing today, with only a few minor renovations. Starting as a booming fishing town and transitioning to a beloved […]
Let’s Talk Fish Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation Fish are underrated creatures. With stunning diversity and complex life histories, they inspire well-deserved appreciation. Staring at the Leland River that runs through the heart of Fishtown, I was amazed at the world that lies right below my feet. To learn more about the river in Fishtown, […]
Discovering Fishing Tales and Art Inspiration Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation Fishtown is a place built upon endless stories. After digging through a few history books on Fishtown, I realize I have only touched the surface. The characters and tales I’ve read about are beginning to stray from the pages as I continue to explore, […]
The First Week in Fishtown Gabrielle Grobbel – Fishtown Preservation I can’t help but feel at home as I am guided among the bustling Fishtown shanties for the first time. The worn docks and buildings speak of the strength of this ever-changing village, but also of the love that goes into keeping them there. I […]
We are pleased to present our Fishtown Video, featuring YOU! We asked for recent and special photos and received over 500 submissions, featuring everything from glimpses of summer 2020 to treasured family memories spanning decades. One thing is certain, Fishtown is a place that lights up faces. Your smiles are contagious. Thank you to everyone […]
