Leland Michigan: Travel Guide to Fishtown

Some of my favorite memories have been made in the tiny town of Leland, Michigan, also known as Fishtown. I try to visit at least twcie a year: once in the mid summer and again in the mid-fall, because I love to see the colorful, leafy trees with their bright gold and reds that line the streets of the little town and Lake Leelanau.

I wrote a guide to some of my favorite things to do when I visit, along with handy map to help you enjoy your visit, too.

Where Is Leland, Michigan, Home of “Fishtown”

about Leland, Michigan’s Fishtown

One of the most popular tourist destinations on Northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, Leland is a little more than a half hour from Traverse City and just north of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Leland offers shopping in historic fishing shanties, a variety of waterfront restaurants, and boat excursions to the Manitou Islands all while relaxing to the rumbling roar of the Carp River waterfall dropping into the center of Fishtown, Leland.

There’s more to Leland than just Fishtown, though. Lake Leelanau is here, too, providing even more water activities and fun. Lake Leelanau is a pristine lake that is 21 miles long, divided into two parts ( Noprth and South) by the Leland “Narrows.”

Read on to discover more about picturesque Leland, MI.

Why Visit Leland, MI

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, a romantic destination, or a recreational adventure filled with outdoor activities, this charming resort town offers commercial fishing charters, quaint gift shops, local art galleries, and waterfront dining options specializing on the fresh catches of the day.

If you’re not interested in fishing, it’s fine! Leland, MI offers something for everyone. Sit and enjoy a Chubby Mary on the warm and welcoming deck at the Cove Restaurant, or enjoy a scrumptious sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty. I like to pick up some fresh bread and smoked fish from Carlson’s Fishery and picnic along the beautiful banks of the Leland River, while hearing the bubbling blue waters running down from the nearby waterfall.

No matter what floats your boat, a Leland vacation offers countless options to experience and enjoy the beauty of Northern Michigan.

All About Historic Fishtown

Leelanau County was established in 1863 with the state of Michigan. The Leelanau Historical Society was created to preserve and protect Leelanau’s history and settlers in 1957.

As the county seat of Leelanau County, Leland Michigan, is a historic fishing village showcasing a charming downtown filled with local art galleries, many specialty shops including the Fishtown shanties, and the backdrop of the delightful crystal blue waterfall. In the fall, you can see the salmon jumping out of the water as they swim upstream against the current! It’s so much fun to watch and be sure to have you camera ready for capture this!

EXPERT TIP: Leland is centrally located on the Leelanau Peninsula with close proximity to many other fun Northern Michigan tourist stops like Traverse City, Maple City, Suttons Bay, Lake Leelanau, Northport, Omena, Empire, and Glen Arbor. be sure to take some side trips to visit these popular Michigan travel destinations.

Leland Michigan Attractions

Explore Fishtown Michigan

This active fishing village offers waterfront lodging, dining and shopping in the shanties that line the weathered, wooden docks. I enjoy browsing the shops mingled with the fishing shanties and fresh catches from the boats coming in off of Lake Michigan. Highlights here include the Grilled Cheese sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty and anything from the Cove, which offers dockside dining at Rick’s Cafe. Spend a sunny summer or fall afternoon sipping a cocktail under tiki hut and take in the quaint beauty of northern Michigan at its finest.

Shopping and Restaurants in Leland

The quaint downtown shops surrounding Fishtown offer a fun shopping experience ranging from bookstores, upscale boutiques and gift shops to art galleries and shops featuring handmade jewelry and home decor. You can spend a full day here wandering the shops, so wear comfortable shoes and bring you wallet

Some of my favorite spots, all within easy walking distance of each other, include:

• Leelanau Books has a nice collection of best-sellers and local lore
• Two Fish Gallery is where I browse endlessesly over the hand-made jewelry and art
• Leland Gal offers a collection of homegoods, clothing and petwear in whimsical prints
• Dam Candy Store is where I go for a salt-water taffy fix, and they have a mix of old fashioned candies, ice cream and more
• Madcap Coffee is the local outpost of Grand Rapid’s favorite rich, roasted coffee
• Great Lakes Chocolate & Cafe has some of the best-atsting ethically-sourced chocolate bars and bon bons; you can even grab a cup of coffee and and some fresh baked goods

Visit the Verterra Tasting Room

Verterra Vineyards, winners of the best dry white wine in Michigan for four years running, has a tasting room here that is a must. It’s a friendly little place, and I tried my first sip of their sparkling Pinot here. It’s a favorite (and not just of mine since it sells out quickly) and I highly recommend it.

Watch a Lake Michigan Sunset

Lake Michigan’s sunsets are legendary, are there’s nothing quite like watching the sun drop into the lake from a beach along the Leelanau Peninsula. I like to make an evening of it: grab a blanket of a couple of lawn chairs, pack a little basket filled with delicious treats or takeout from one of the local eateries, head to the beach and simply watch show!

Explore The Narrows

Loacted on Lake Leelanau at the point where the lake divides into North and South, you’ll find wineries, distilleries, restaurants and more here. Highlights include:

• The Narrows Natural Area, a sprawling, protected wetland for birding, boating, kayaking and fishing
• Dick’s Pour House, a family-friendly restaurant with an incredible Friday Night Fish Fry, hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches burgers and more
• Boathouse Vineyards is a waterfront winery that featurs live music during the summer and early fall months
• Peninsula Provisions has a nice selection of wine, gourmet prepared salads, charcuterie boards and more. This is a great spot ot grab some-to-go snacks and head to Lake Michigan to watch the sunset

Visit A Lake Michigan Beach

Van’s Beach
This popular public access beach is located minutes from downtown Leland, right behind Van’s Garage. A perfect location for hunting Petoskey stones, picnicking, or sunbathing.

Nedow’s Beach
This beach is located on a private inlet on Lake Leelanau, shallow and warm with a boat launch, dock and picnic tables. Nedow’s Bay is straight down Pearl Street about 7 blocks past the Leland Country Club.

Schneiders Beach and Park
Lake Leelanau public access beach is at the end of Popp Road (right off M-204) about 1.5 miles east of the village of Lake Leelanau. There is a sandy beach, picnic area and boat launch. Dog-friendly!

Christmas Tree Beach (South Beach)
South Beach is a Lake Michigan beach formed by the public road end of Reynolds Street.

Hidden Beach
This beach is located on Lake Michigan at the end of Thompson Street in Leland.

North Beach
This quiet and less busy beach is located at the end of North Street. Clean and excellent spot for a sunset.

More to Explore in Leland MI

I’ve just shared some of my favorite spots in Leland, but there are so many more places to see, shops to explore and things to do here. If you plan to stay a few days, be sure to allow some time to visit the nearby town of Northport at the tip of the Leelanau Pensinula, and Suttons Bay, which is just a quick trip across bridge the narrows.

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