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:

If you've ever wandered into @twofishleland after If you've ever wandered into @twofishleland after a stroll through Fishtown, you know it's one of those places that feels distinctly Leland.

Located near the entrance to Historic Fishtown, Two Fish has welcomed locals and visitors for decades with a thoughtful collection of art, gifts, and treasures that celebrate the history, creativity, and character of Leland. Housed in a historic downtown building dating back to the 1880s, its story is woven into the fabric of our community.

We're grateful to have Two Fish as a $1,000 Buoy Sponsor of this year's Fishtown 5K. Their support helps us continue preserving the history, character, and traditions that make Fishtown such a special place.

Thank you, Two Fish, for helping keep Leland's creative spirit thriving and for supporting Fishtown!
Shop: twofishleland.com
Follow: @twofishleland
We are thrilled to have two new artists to Art Sha We are thrilled to have two new artists to Art Shanty that you don't want to miss! 

@danacfear metalsmith and jeweler is known for her distinctive kinetic “fidget” jewelry—handcrafted pieces designed with movement in mind. Her bracelets, rings, and pendants feature intricate, movable elements that invite interaction, blending innovative design with a sense of play and elegance. Each piece is as engaging as it is beautifully made.

@lucylowejewelry work blends clean design with natural stones and a love of color—each piece shaped by curiosity, experimentation, and a desire to create something meaningful.

And don't miss the  fun Jaded Fowl corner;)

If you can't make it to Fishtown this week to meet Dana and Lucy in person, you can find them online as well
shop Dana Fear online at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanaCFear
shop Lucy Lowe online at: https://lucylowejewelry.square.site/
Meet Emma Nelson, our Summer ’26 intern and Leelan Meet Emma Nelson, our Summer ’26 intern and Leelanau County native!

A University of Michigan student studying Earth Sciences and Conservation Biology. Emma will be documenting her time in Fishtown through a blog series—sharing stories, reflections, and a behind-the-scenes look at life, history, and the environment that shape this special place.

Follow along all summer. Her first entry is up on the web now - Check it out! Blog link in bio
CONGRATULATIONS to KIRA SAGE! KIRA is the winner o CONGRATULATIONS to KIRA SAGE!
KIRA is the winner of our last monthly drawing for registering early for the 18th Annual Fishtown 5K. Kira has won an amazing gift basket donated by Buoy Sponsor  @twofishleland containing two Amy Gilmore pottery mugs, a tall Polka Dot Mitten insulated travel cup, a Fishtown-themed cross body bag, a silver wrap ring with Leland gems, and a gift certificate for $25!

AND Thank you to everyone that has registered so far. Keep 'em coming - we want to break our registration record of 998 and hit at least 1,000 registrants! 🚀
REGISTER TODAY: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Leland/Fishtown5K
❤from Fishtown
We are coming up on a some DATES TO WATCH for the We are coming up on a some DATES TO WATCH for the Fishtown 5K!

May 31: Register by 11:59 PM you will be entered into a chance to win our last early bird drawing prize AND you'll beat the price increase! 

June 1: Registration goes up from $40 to $45 if you've been on the fence, make it official and REGISTER TODAY! https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Leland/Fishtown5K

June 18: Is the last day to guarantee your t-shirt size. We always order extra, but getting the numbers and sizes right takes a magic formula. We know that getting the right size matters, so this is your heads up!

Get in on the drawing, beat the price increase, and lock in your shirt size!

https://mailchi.mp/fishtownmi/the-may-1st-fishtown-5k-early-bird-drawing-is-a-biggie-17998233
Art Shanty season is officially underway in Fishto Art Shanty season is officially underway in Fishtown—and we’re starting strong with fan favorite Daisy Mae Designs!

Think pillows, mugs, stickers, ornaments, and more… all featuring fun maps and sweet nods to this place we love. The perfect little “I was here” treasures.

Can’t make it this week? You can still shop online: https://daisymaedesigns.net/
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(c) 2013 Fishtown Preservation - Web Design by History By Design and Alyeska.
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