Leland Michigan: The Complete Guide to Fishtown and the Best Things to Do

Last Updated: April 2026

Leland, Michigan — known as Fishtown — is one of the most distinctive small towns on the Leelanau Peninsula, and one of the only working commercial fishing villages still operating in Michigan. The weathered shanties, smokehouses, and fish tugs along the Leland River are listed on the National Register of Historic Places — and unlike most “historic districts,” this one is still very much alive. Carlson’s Fishery still brings in daily catch from Lake Michigan, charter boats still run out of the docks, and the Manitou Islands ferry still departs from here every summer.

I’ve been coming to Leland twice a year for years — once in summer and again in fall when the maples along Lake Leelanau turn gold and the salmon are running up the Carp River. Every visit, I find something I missed before. The grilled cheese at the Village Cheese Shanty. A new piece at Two Fish Gallery. The way the Carp River waterfall sounds in the middle of October when the town quiets down. This guide covers everything worth doing, eating, and seeing — including a few things most visitors walk right past.

Leland is the county seat of Leelanau County and sits between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau — a pristine 21-mile lake divided into north and south sections by the Leland Narrows. The town is genuinely walkable: park once and you can reach every restaurant, shop, beach, and attraction on foot. Here’s everything worth your time.

Historic Fishtown: What It Is and Why It Matters

Fishtown is a collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs, and charter boats along the Leland River at the point where it meets Lake Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and the surrounding Fishtown Historic District received an updated National Register designation in 2022. The Fishtown Preservation Society — a 501(c)3 nonprofit — now manages the site to ensure it remains a working waterfront, not just a museum.

What makes Fishtown different from most “historic districts” is that it’s genuinely still in use. Carlson’s Fishery still operates as a commercial fishery. Two working fish tugs — the Joy and the Janice Sue — are still part of the fleet. Charter fishing boats still run daily in summer, and the Manitou Islands ferry still departs from these same docks. The shops in the shanties are boutiques now, yes, but the bones of the place are real.

Eating and Drinking in Leland, MI

The food in Leland is one of its strongest arguments for a full day visit rather than a quick stop. The Fishtown docks alone can handle breakfast, lunch, a wine tasting, and a snack — and the waterfront setting makes everything taste better.

Carlson’s Fishery

Carlson’s is the reason to visit Fishtown. One of the last commercial fisheries on Lake Michigan, Carlson’s smokes whitefish on-site and sells it fresh off the docks. I pick up smoked whitefish and a loaf of fresh bread, find a spot along the Leland River, and call that lunch. It’s simple, it’s local, and it’s something you genuinely can’t get anywhere else. Plan to get there before noon on summer weekends — it sells out.

• 📍 205 W River St, Leland, MI 49654

Village Cheese Shanty

The grilled cheese sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty is one of those things that sounds simple until you eat it on the docks with the Leland River ten feet away. Fresh-made, excellent cheese, and exactly what you want for lunch in Fishtown. The line moves fast and the menu is short — that’s the point.

• 📍 Fishtown docks, Leland, MI | 🌐 villagecheeseshanty.com

The Cove Restaurant

The Cove is Leland’s waterfront sit-down restaurant — Rick’s Cafe at the Cove offers dockside dining with cocktails and fresh catch in a setting that feels exactly like what Northern Michigan dining should be. The Chubby Mary (their signature bloody mary) on the warm-weather deck is a Leland institution. Reservations recommended in summer — this one fills up.

• 📍 Fishtown docks, Leland | 🌐 thecoveleland.com

Verterra Winery Tasting Room

Verterra Vineyards, four-time winner of best dry white wine in Michigan, has its tasting room right here on the Fishtown docks. Their sparkling Pinot sells out regularly — if it’s available when you visit, get it. This is a small, friendly tasting room with no pretension, which fits Leland perfectly.

• 📍 103 River St, Leland, MI 49654 | 🌐 verterrawinery.com

Shopping in Fishtown and Downtown Leland

The shops in and around Fishtown are genuinely worth your time — not the chain gift shop experience, but actual small businesses with things you won’t find anywhere else. The whole area is walkable from a single parking spot, so give yourself a few hours. A few favorites:

• Leelanau Books — good selection of best-sellers and local Michigan lore
• Two Fish Gallery — handmade jewelry and art; I always find something here I didn’t plan to buy
• Leland Gal — home goods, clothing, and petwear in whimsical prints
• Dam Candy Store — salt water taffy, old-fashioned candy, ice cream. Kids will not let you walk past this one.
• Madcap Coffee — the Leland outpost of Grand Rapids’ best-known specialty roaster
• Great Lakes Chocolate & Cafe — ethically sourced chocolate bars and bon bons, fresh baked goods, coffee. The bon bons are worth a detour.

Leland Michigan Beaches

Leland has more public beach access than most visitors realize — and several beaches are within easy walking distance of downtown. The Lake Michigan beaches face west, which means they’re also some of the better sunset spots on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Van’s Beach — and the Leland Blue Rocks

Van’s Beach is Leland’s most popular public beach, located minutes from downtown off Cedar Street, right behind Van’s Garage. It’s a good Lake Michigan swimming beach — but the real draw for many visitors is beachcombing for Leland Blue Rocks. These distinctive blue stones are slag — a waste product from the Leland Lake Superior Iron Company, which operated in the late 1800s. After the smelting industry failed, the slag was dumped into the harbor, and over more than a century it has tumbled in the lake into the smooth, glassy blue stones now found along this stretch of shore. They’re unique to Leland and one of the more interesting things to hunt for anywhere on Lake Michigan.

• 📍 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654 | 💰 Free | 🐕 Off-season dog-friendly

North Beach

Quieter than Van’s Beach and less visited, North Beach is at the end of North Street. One of the better sunset spots in Leland — clean, uncrowded on most evenings, and easy to get to on foot from downtown.

Hidden Beach and Christmas Tree Beach (South Beach)

Hidden Beach sits at the end of Thompson Street on Lake Michigan. South Beach — also called Christmas Tree Beach — is at the road end of Reynolds Street. Both are smaller, less known, and genuinely quieter than Van’s on summer weekends.

Nedow’s Beach and Schneiders Beach — Lake Leelanau

For a Lake Leelanau swim instead of Lake Michigan: Nedow’s Beach on a private inlet off Pearl Street is shallow and warm with a dock and picnic tables — good for families and kids. Schneiders Beach and Park off Popp Road (about 1.5 miles east of Lake Leelanau village) has a sandy beach, picnic area, boat launch, and is dog-friendly year-round.

The Narrows: Lake Leelanau Wineries and Waterfront

The Narrows is the section of Lake Leelanau where the lake pinches between its north and south halves — and it’s where some of Leland’s best non-Fishtown experiences are concentrated. Plan a separate stop here if you’re spending more than a day.

• The Narrows Natural Area — a protected wetland area for birding, kayaking, fishing, and boating. One of the more peaceful outdoor spots in the Leland area.
• Boathouse Vineyards — a waterfront winery on Lake Leelanau with live music during summer and early fall. The setting alone earns a stop.
• Dick’s Pour House — family-friendly restaurant known for Friday Night Fish Fry, hand-tossed pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. A local institution rather than a tourist spot.
• Peninsula Provisions — wine selection, gourmet prepared salads, charcuterie boards. My go-to for grabbing picnic supplies before heading to the beach.

Watch the Lake Michigan Sunset

Lake Michigan sunsets from the Leelanau Peninsula are among the best in Michigan — and Leland is one of the better places to watch one. My approach: grab takeout from the Cove or a smoked fish spread from Carlson’s, find a spot at Van’s Beach or North Beach before 8pm, and stay through the full color change. Bring a blanket or a pair of camp chairs. It’s one of those things that sounds modest until you’re actually there.

Leland Michigan Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Leland Michigan called Fishtown?

Leland has been a commercial fishing village since the 1800s. The collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, and docks along the Leland River became known as “Fishtown” as the commercial fishing industry grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and the Fishtown Historic District received an updated National Register designation in 2022. It remains one of the only working commercial fishing villages in Michigan today.

How far is Leland Michigan from Traverse City?

Leland is approximately 35 minutes northwest of Traverse City via M22. It’s an easy day trip from Traverse City or a natural stop on a M22 scenic drive.

Is there a fee or paid parking in Leland Michigan?

Parking in Leland is free. Park in the public lots near Fishtown and walk to every restaurant, shop, and beach in town — the entire area is easily navigable on foot.

Can you take the ferry to the Manitou Islands from Leland?

Yes — the Manitou Islands Ferry departs from the Fishtown docks in Leland and provides summer service to both North and South Manitou Islands. South Manitou Island is a popular day trip with a historic lighthouse, shipwrecks, and backcountry hiking. Check the ferry schedule and book ahead in summer as it fills quickly.

What are Leland Blue Rocks?

Leland Blue Rocks — also called Leland Blue Stones — are distinctive smooth blue stones found along the shores near Leland, particularly at Van’s Beach. They’re actually slag from the Leland Lake Superior Iron Company, which operated in the late 1800s. After the smelting industry closed, slag was dumped in the harbor and has been tumbling in Lake Michigan ever since, developing a glassy blue appearance. They’re unique to Leland and a popular beachcombing find.

What is the best time of year to visit Leland Michigan?

June through August for the full Leland experience — all shops and restaurants open, the ferry running, warm beach weather. Late September through October for fall color, salmon running up the Carp River dam, and the same beautiful town with meaningfully fewer crowds. Both are excellent; fall is my personal preference.

Leland is close to Northport at the tip of the peninsula and Suttons Bay just across the Narrows — both worth adding if you’re spending more than a day. Use our Leelanau Peninsula guide to plan the full loop.