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:

🏃‍♀️ One Week to Go! 🏃‍♂️ The 17 🏃‍♀️ One Week to Go! 🏃‍♂️
The 17th Annual Fishtown 5K is happening Saturday, July 19th at 9am—and you won't want to miss it!

Join us for a scenic run through Leland’s charming neighborhoods and along the beautiful Leland River—Starting and finishing right in the heart of historic Fishtown. Whether you're a serious runner or looking for a fun family event, this race has something for everyone, including:
✅ Chip timing by @newtontiming 
✅ 5-year age categories
✅ A course like no other!

All proceeds go toward preserving and maintaining the historic integrity of Fishtown.

Don’t wait—register TODAY! Link in bio OR https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Leland/Fishtown5K

 #fishtown5k #runforfishtown #ajoyfulrun
The girls enjoying a pleasant summer evening on th The girls enjoying a pleasant summer evening on the river in Fishtown.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Holly of @wanderi We’re thrilled to welcome back Holly of @wanderingwaters.designs to the Art Shanty — this year paired with newcomer Riley of @pseudodudo!

Holly, a jewelry silversmith inspired by the outdoors, transforms Northern Michigan beach stones into stunning pieces using silver and gold—earthy, organic textures drawn straight from the shoreline.

Riley, a self-proclaimed microiconographer—a maker of bold, bite-sized imagery stitched with clean lines and bold color. His work shines on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats that are as wearable as they are artful.

Catch their creative fusion at the Art Shanty in Fishtown through July 14th!
From 2-4 this afternoon, July 7, please join famil From 2-4 this afternoon, July 7, please join family and friends for a Celebration of the Life of Keith Burnham at the Leland Lodge. He loved all of Leland, but he brought extra joy to all who met him when exploring the Fishtown docks.
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!
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