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Fishtown

N River St · Leland, MI

Why you should go…

This row of gray-shingled shanties along the Leland River dates to the late 1800s, when commercial fishing was Leland's main industry. A handful of shanties still house working fish markets and charter operations, while others hold shops and galleries.

  • #historic village
  • #fishing
  • #shops
  • #waterfront

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Fishtown, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Black Star Farms

    Under $25

    A Leelanau Peninsula winery and farm estate with tastings, a creamery, and an inn.

    6.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Chateau Grand Traverse

    Under $25

    One of the founding wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail, on a narrow strip between two bays.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

    Free

    A 7.4-mile paved loop through Sleeping Bear Dunes with overlooks 450 feet above the lake.

    16 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Grand Traverse Lighthouse

    Under $25

    An 1852 lighthouse at the tip of Leelanau Peninsula, now a maritime museum with a climbable tower.

    17 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

    Free

    A former 19th-century asylum campus reborn as shops, restaurants, and gardens.

    18 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Traverse City

    Free

    Northern Michigan's Cherry Capital, wrapped around Grand Traverse Bay with wineries and sandy beaches.

    19 mi awayMore like this