Fishtown is a unique historical attraction composed of weather-beaten fishing shanties and small shops lining the mouth of the Leland River. The site has endured and adapted over the last 150 years as an ever-evolving working waterfront that still operates as one of the only unmodernized commercial fishing villages in the state of Michigan.
Click to see the shanty photo gallery
One of the most important characteristics of Fishtown is its core of historic shanties. Though only a few are still used for commercial fishing operations, most of the structures in Fishtown had their origins as commercial fishing buildings. These buildings served many purposes, including net-mending sheds, ice houses, smoke houses, and storage. Though processes like ice-making are now mechanized in a commercial fishery, running a fishery still requires extensive space for equipment storage and net repairs.
Many buildings have come and gone from the Fishtown landscape with the changing fortunes of the industry, yet Fishtown survives as a rare working waterfront and an authentic and active commercial fishing village.
Fishtown has a timeless presence that leaves its mark on people of all walks of life, and it’s amazing just how much of an impact a small place can have on a person. In the words that Matt Heiman used to describe the Leland River “a very small area becomes very important.” As a local, […]
The first thing I think of when I hear the word Fishtown is fish (duh), but more specifically, the SMELL of fish. Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to deny that this distinct aroma characterizes the town. If you have a keen sense of smell, you may be able to pinpoint where the scent […]
If you drive 15 minutes east of Leland on M-204, you’ll find yourself in another charming little village. Sitting along West Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay is a water focused town, much like Leland. Last week I took a break from my routine of exploring out of Fishtown and paid a visit to Suttons Bay […]
Stepping into the office last Monday morning, I could feel the nervous energy bubbling around me. The Friends of Fishtown 5K was upon us, meaning the entire week was to be filled with preparation. My only experience with 5Ks are the ones I ran (walked) during my years participating with Girls on the Run in […]
