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:

Sponsor Spotlight 😎 Whether you're chasing a pers Sponsor Spotlight 😎

Whether you're chasing a personal best or enjoying a round with friends, @bahlefarmsgolf offers an unforgettable golfing experience. Nestled alongside a picturesque cherry orchard, the course is known for its beautifully maintained fairways, welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of Northern Michigan setting that makes every round memorable.

A longtime supporter of the Fishtown 5K since 2021, Bahle Farms has been helping make race day possible for years, and we're incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.

We're proud to recognize Bahle Farms as a $1,000 Buoy Sponsor of this year's race.

Learn more: traversecitygolf.com

Thank you, Bahle Farms, for your continued support of the Fishtown Preservation and everyone who laces up for race day!
What do the Leland Blue, the Petoskey stone, and H What do the Leland Blue, the Petoskey stone, and Historic Fishtown have in common?

They're all Northern Michigan treasures—and the inspiration behind this year's race theme: Fishtown Rocks! 

Join us on Saturday, July 18, for the 18th Annual Fishtown 5K as we celebrate the unique stones found along our shores and the community that makes Fishtown such a special place.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply looking for a fun way to spend the morning supporting Fishtown, we'd love to have you join us!

Be a Rock-y and register today! Registration link in bio
Sponsor Spotlight 😎 There's something special abou Sponsor Spotlight 😎
There's something special about working with people who know a place because it's always been home.

Born and raised in Leelanau County, Tim, Roger and Melanie Schaub have developed an top notch team—bringing generations of local knowledge, trusted guidance, and genuine care to every client they serve. Their passion for this community shines through in everything they do.

We're grateful to have @schaubteam Premier Realty as a Buoy Sponsor of this year's Fishtown 5K. Their support helps us continue preserving Fishtown, it’s stories and the Great Lakes fishing tradition.

Learn more: schaubteam.com
Follow: @schaubteam

Thank you, Schaub Team, for investing in the community you proudly call home.
We're thrilled to welcome back Holly of Wandering We're thrilled to welcome back Holly of Wandering Waters Designs and Riley of Pseudodudo to the Art Shanty this week!

Inspired by Northern Michigan's shoreline, Holly handcrafts beautiful silver and gold jewelry featuring locally gathered beach stones. Each piece celebrates the natural textures, colors, and character that make our Great Lakes so special.

Sharing the space is Riley, a self-proclaimed "microiconographer," whose bold, bite-sized illustrations come to life on t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. With clean lines, vibrant color, and a playful style, his wearable artwork is sure to catch your eye.

Together, their work offers a unique blend of Michigan-inspired craftsmanship and creative design.

Stop by the Art Shanty through July 13 to meet both artists in person! Can't make it to Fishtown? You can explore Holly's work at wanderingwatersdesigns.com and Riley's at pseudodudo.com.
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.
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