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:

Just beyond the shores of Fishtown lies islands ri Just beyond the shores of Fishtown lies islands rich in history, beauty, and legend.

In her latest blog, FPS Summer '26 intern Emma Nelson heads out on Lake Michigan to explore the Manitou Islands—where her childhood memories, local legends, deep history, and breathtaking views connect the past with the present.

Whether you've visited the islands before or only admired them from the shores of Fishtown, Emma shares an adventure that deepened her appreciation for one of Northern Michigan's most treasured landscapes.

Read this week's blog and discover why these islands continue to capture the hearts of so many. Link in Bio -OR- https://www.fishtownmi.org/?p=5654
If you're searching for the perfect gift, somethin If you're searching for the perfect gift, something beautiful for your home or to wear make sure to visit The Find North .

With locations in both Leland and Northport, The Find North has become a favorite stop for both locals and visitors. With thoughtfully curated clothing, home décor, and gifts for all ages every visit offers something new to discover, making it one of those shops that's hard to leave empty-handed.

We're grateful to have The Find North  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.

Shop: thefindnorth.com
Follow: @thefindnorth 

Thank you to The Find North, for helping celebrate the beauty of Northern Michigan and for supporting the Fishtown community.
Have you visited Fishtown and wished that you coul Have you visited Fishtown and wished that you could learn more about what makes it unique in the Great Lakes? Join us tomorrow morning, Friday, July 3, to learn more with our guided tour of Historic Fishtown. This 60-minute tour will give highlights of the past, present, and future of life in Fishtown. The tour starts at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Welcome Center, in the heart of Fishtown.
Last week Fishtown lost one of its greats. Bill Ca Last week Fishtown lost one of its greats. Bill Carlson, of the Carlson's Fishery family, was a man of vision, energy, warm friendships, and charisma. When the biology of the lakes and the economics of fishing changed, beginning in the 1970s Bill was key in fighting for commercial fishing and preserving Fishtown, making it into what we know today. He is often in our minds, and we look forward to sharing more about Bill in the future. The community of Leland and beyond will forever be in his debt, and a piece of him will forever live in Fishtown.
We're delighted to welcome Marella Morris back to We're delighted to welcome Marella Morris back to Art Shanty!

Inspired by the Michigan landscape, Marella's oil paintings capture more than just beautiful scenery—they reflect the quiet wonder, connection, and sense of place found in the natural world. Through shifting light, peaceful waters, and expansive skies, her work invites viewers to slow down, be present, and experience the landscape in a deeply personal way.

Seeing Marella's paintings in person is almost transportive, as if you could step right into the scene and linger for a while.

Stop by the Art Shanty through July 6 to explore Marella's original oil paintings and reproductions, meet the artist, and experience the beauty of Michigan through her eyes.

Can't make it to Fishtown this week? You can explore more of her work at marellamorris.com.
Summer in Leelanau is here, and there's no shortag Summer in Leelanau is here, and there's no shortage of ways to enjoy it! 

In her latest blog, Fishtown summer '26 intern, Emma Nelson shares a local's guide to making the most of the season. From Fishtown favorites and Fourth of July traditions to hiking trails, art fairs, and the upcoming Friends of Fishtown 5K, Emma rounds up some of the experiences that make this corner of Northern Michigan so special.

Whether you're planning your next visit or looking for something new to explore, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this week's blog. Link in bio -OR-https://www.fishtownmi.org/?p=5645

What's on your Leelanau summer bucket list?
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