The Leland Michigan Experience

Leland is one of those rare villages which really is different than all of the others. For those who enjoy history, Leland’s Historical District (known as Fishtown) is a “must see”; but even in addition to Fishtown, the village is both unique and beautiful.

The entire village of Leland encompasses only three “full” blocks, plus a number of businesses down M-22, within four blocks of the main shopping area. Many of the businesses are in turn-of-the-century buildings, others are interspersed with them. The dining is upscale in most cases, and the retail establishments include numerous art galleries, specialty shops, and clothiers. During the summer months, most retail businesses remain open until 9:00 or 10:00 in the evening.

The Leland River winds one mile from Lake Leelanau into Lake Michigan past an historic boathouse, the Riverside Inn, and historical homes. As the Leland dam prevents boat traffic from one lake to the other, a boat launch is provided on both sides of the dam.

Leland is a great “walking around” town! All of the businesses are within walking distance for most individuals, and visitors will experience numerous private flower gardens and mini-gardens along the way. The Village Green, one of three public parks near the village center, includes a spectacular rose garden on one corner, and flowers throughout. There is also a public beach on each lake.

And of course, there is Fishtown. Fishtown began in the 1800s. The buildings in Fishtown were first used as the equipment sheds for the old-time fisherman. Beginning in the 1960s, it slowly transformed into one of the most unique shopping areas and Charter Boat dockages to be found anywhere. Most of the buildings are repaired versions of the originals, and the place looks similar to what it has for one hundred years. These grey, weather-beaten buildings along the Carp River, are one of the largest attractions of Leelanau County and of the Traverse City region.

After a long northern Michigan winter, spring in Leland is welcomed with open arms. The streets are cleaned, the beaches are picked up, and business owners begin to prepare to welcome our many seasonal residents and guests. Summer is busy, with both Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau becoming warm enough for water sports of all kinds. The Leland Marina holds over fifty boats, with rafting sometimes necessary as the Harbor is designated a “Federal Harbor of Refuge”.

Autumn in Leelanau County is as legendary as the charm and unique shopping and dining experiences of Leland. The air is often warm, the fall colors mixed with the blue of the water is truly memorable.

Fall colors begin to appear in earnest in mid September with a peak during the beginning to middle of October (weather conditions can vary this schedule). Even more exciting is that fall color near the coast changes a week or two after inland locations for some of the same reasons that fruit trees thrive throughout the area. After colors are past their peak at locations further inland, the Lake Michigan coast fall colors are still at the height of beauty. An additional attraction during the fall in Leland is found at the Leland dam. Salmon which have not remembered which river they were spawned in, try to jump the Leland dam offering spectators a great show.

While visiting Leelanau county, visitors will enjoy farmland, woodlands and water vistas almost entirely free from stoplights, billboards, strip malls, and fast-food restaurants. Visitors enjoy an abundance of scenic beauty, great photo opportunities, numerous hiking trails, relaxing villages, water, dunes, forests, historic farms, and a unique shopping experience! Visit peaceful, hospitable Leelanau County; the “Up North” you hope to see.

For most of the year, Leland’s “Fishtown” is the stepping stone to the historic beauty of North and South Manitou Islands. Launch your boat through the Leland Marina, or hop on the Manitou Island Transit from the west end of Fishtown for a leisurely ride. Once at the island, stroll to the South Manitou Island Lighthouse, the virgin cedar forest, or to the Francisco Morizan shipwreck. Take a tour aboard open tour trucks to the antique farming area, or stay and camp overnight. While camping, visitors have time to hike to the dunes.

During the Summer months, Manitou Island Transit offers a two hour sunset cocktail cruise most evenings. Transportation is also available for deer hunters wanting to experience the hunt on North Manitou. Call (231) 256-9061 for details regarding island trips or evening cocktail cruises.

Around the end of October, many businesses will begin to close in the Fishtown area; but still walk through as the historic beauty and serenity still exists...and you may even find a few stores still open. Throughout the rest of town, most stores will maintain hours through the end of the year, and a few...all year long!

A Leland Grand Tour

Whether a local or part-of-the-year resident, a seasonal visitor, or a day-tripper, Leland offers numerous attractions and activities for young and old; and of course, the beauty of the area and the history of Fishtown is unsurpassed anywhere in Michigan. Below is our listing of things to do in and around Leland; however, if you know of more, please let us know.

· Dining and adult beverages can be enjoyed at The Cove, the Bluebird or the Bluebird Bar, the Leland Lodge, or at the Riverside Inn. Serving early, but without adult beverages include the Early Bird, Stone House Café, and Sisson’s Main Street Specialties. Village Cheese Shanty opens early, and offers adult beverages (to go).

· Those dining or enjoying a drink can sit on an outdoor deck or patio at The Cove, the Riverside, or at the Leland Lodge.

· Benches are also available throughout Fishtown, the Marina Park, and in the Village Green.

· Wine tasting is available at Good Harbor Vineyard just three miles south of town and at Gill’s Pier Winery, a few miles to the north.

· Leland shopping includes a number of stores that are “around the corner” or “down an alley”. In addition, back rooms, little corners, and the occasional outdoor porch can be found. The sidewalks are not “rolled up” after Labor Day. Almost all stores are open through the end of October, many remain open through the end of the year, and a few are open to serve customers all year long.

· Picnic locations include the Leland Harbor (also offers playground equipment), a grassy area between the Bluebird Restaurant and the Riverside Inn (also featuring a boat launch to the Leland River with access to Lake Leelanau), the beach (cross the river to the south, turn west at Van’s Garage, and drive a block and a half to the small parking area), and the Village Green. Pick up picnic supplies at the Village Cheese Shanty in Fishtown or from Leland Mercantile (most restaurants offer food “to go” as well).

· Have some ice cream at the Dam Candy Store in Fishtown or at the Harbor House on Main street, get fudge at Murdick's, River & Main, or at the Dam Candy Store, or find candy of many types at River & Main or at the Dam Candy Store.

· Stroll the Leland Marina and Fishtown. A picnic pavilion has been constructed in this area. In reaction to the slightly low levels of Lake Michigan, the Leland marina was fully dredged to insure safe entry to all boaters. The marina is dredged every year, but an additional two days were spent.

· Rent kayaks, water, and camping equipment at the Fish Hook. Tours can be arranged at Kayak Leelanau, in Fishtown.

· After checking out the gray and green fish tugs docked in the Fishtown channel (these boats are still used on a regular basis), stop into Carlson’s Fishery. Fish does not come any fresher than at Carlson’s. While you are walking through, the cement block “smokers” are still used many times per week to smoke the fish.

· Stroll South of town just a few blocks to Main Street Gallery, Becky Thatcher Jewelry, Stone House Café and more.

· While on the South side of the river, visit the Leelanau Historical Museum on Cedar street, just one block east of M-22 behind the Leland Cultural Center and next to the Library.

· Public restrooms are available at Leland Harbor.

Leland Michigan Calendar

June 25 - August 20 Wednesdays only; Summer Music Series, located on the grass between Leelanau Books, Northwestern Bank, and the Harbor Square complex; 7:00 to 9:00.

June 19 - September 11 Thursdays only; Leelanau Farmer’s Market in Leland from 8:00 to noon, on River street across from the Bluebird.

July 3 Fireworks at dusk over Lake Michigan, just south of Fishtown.

July 4 Parade through downtown Leland at 3:00.

July 12 Artists’ Market at the Old Art Building from 10:00 to 5:00. 70 booths featuring fine art paintings, photography, pottery, tiles, hand blown glass, jewelry, woodcarving, sculpture, and more.

July 18, 19, August 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, September 12, 13 Changing art exhibits at the Old Art Building.

July 25 Art Leelanau Benefit & Exhibition at the Old Art Building. Admission for opening gala from 5:00 to 8:00, with the exhibit continuing through July 30 (10:00 to 5:00, Sunday; 12:00 to 5:00).

August 3 Janice Sue FishTug 50th Birthday Celebration in Fishtown.

August 14, 15 Leland Sidewalk Sales

August 29, 30, 31 Northern Michigan Potters & Sculptures Guild Exhibit at the Old Art Building.

September 20 Leland Heritage Celebration, “Wood Boats on the Wall”, Classic Car Exhibition at Van’s Garage, Leland Landmark Buildings Exhibit & tour at the Old Art Building, Fishtown Fest special activities and displays, and more… Exhibits at the Old Art Building will run from September 19 - 21.

October 1 Late Night Leland Sale from 5:00 to 8:00.

October 10, 11 Fiber Festival at the Old Art Building. Friday from 5:00 to 8:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00.

October 25 Leland Fall Frenzy; cider, doughnuts, special sales...and watch the fish try to jump the dam.

November 11 Veteran’s Day Celebration at the Old Art Building at 10:00.

November 28 P.J. Party & Sale “Where the Holidays Begin” 8:00 a.m.

December 6 Merry Marketplace at the Old Art Building.

December 7 Christmas in the Village Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival.

Find more information about Leland with the Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

The Leland Experience; Leland, Michigan