Fishtown Preservation
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We Are Fishtown Preservation

What Is Fishtown

Fishtown is a collection of weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, fish tugs and charter boats along the Leland River in Leland, Michigan. The heart of a commercial fishing village, Fishtown is where we can still see and feel a connection to the long tradition of Great Lakes maritime culture.

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What We Do

Fishtown Preservation Society exists to assure public access to Fishtown and to maintain its historical integrity, working waterfront, artifacts and stories through preservation, education and stewardship.

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You Can Help

Few places are as real as Fishtown. Here we can preserve a living link to a long Great Lakes maritime heritage, as well as to our own families and memories. We want to ensure that Fishtown remains alive for future generations. Your participation will make all the difference for Fishtown.

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Fishtown Preservation a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that preserves and manages the Historic Fishtown site. For more info and to donate visit:

Sponsor Spotlight: Some of the best moments in Nor Sponsor Spotlight:
Some of the best moments in Northern Michigan are shared around a table—with great wine, good company, and beautiful views.

We're grateful to recognize @harmonyestateleelanau  Wineries as a $1,000 Buoy Sponsor of this year's Fishtown 5K. Through its family of wineries—Bel Lago Winery, @fvvineyard , and @dunebirdwinery —Harmony celebrates the unique character of Leelanau County and the people who make this region so special.

Whether you're discovering a new favorite vintage or enjoying an afternoon in wine country, each winery offers its own experience while sharing a commitment to quality, hospitality, and community.

Thank you to Harmony Estate Wineries ~Bel Lago Winery, French Valley Vineyard, and Dune Bird Winery for supporting Fishtown Preservation and helping preserve one of Northern Michigan's most treasured places.

 Learn more:
• Bel Lago Winery – bellagowine.com
• French Valley Vineyard – fvvineyard.com
• Dune Bird Winery – dunebirdwinery.com
This year's Overall and Masters Overall awards fea This year's Overall and Masters Overall awards feature Fishtown's beloved weathervane, Agnes, handcrafted in stained glass by local artist Alana Slanek of @sklo.glassandothercompositions 

These are more than race awards—they're a celebration of the artistry, history, and character that make Fishtown so special.

Four Rock-ys will take home an Agnes this year. Could you be one of them?

Be a Rock-y and register today! Registration link in bio

Race begin 9AM - Saturday, July 18
We're delighted to welcome Colleen Gleason @collee We're delighted to welcome Colleen Gleason @colleenartstudio back to the Art Shanty this week!

Known for her vibrant, color-rich paintings, Colleen creates artwork that beautifully balances abstraction and recognition. Many of her pieces are inspired by iconic Leelanau landscapes, capturing the energy, movement, and joy of life along the water.

This week, you'll also find a special family touch throughout the Art Shanty. Colleen art is joined by fish prints created by her son, Austin, handcrafted keychains made by her daughter, Amelia, and custom wood frames built by her husband—making this week's display a true family collaboration.

Stop by the Art Shanty through July 20 to meet Colleen, explore her colorful collection, and discover the creativity woven throughout her family's work.

Can't make it to Fishtown this week? You can browse Colleen's artwork online at colleenstudio.com.
Sponsor Spotlight Few places offer a view quite li Sponsor Spotlight
Few places offer a view quite like @fallingwaterslodge.

Overlooking the Leland River, the dam, and Historic Fishtown, the lodge gives guests a front-row seat to one of Northern Michigan's most treasured places. It's the perfect spot to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience everything that makes Leland so unforgettable.

We're grateful to have Falling Waters Lodge as a $1,000 Buoy Sponsor of this year's Fishtown 5K. Their support helps us preserve the history and character of Fishtown while welcoming visitors to experience it for themselves.

Learn more: fallingwaterslodge.com
Follow: @fallingwaterslodge

Thank you, Falling Waters Lodge, for supporting the Fishtown community and sharing one of its most iconic views.
From "just some lighthouse" to an "experience was From "just some lighthouse" to an "experience was definitely had".

In this week's blog, FPS summer '26 intern Emma Nelson heads back out on Lake Michigan for an unforgettable tour of the Crib—officially known as the North Manitou Shoal Light Station. Along the way, she discovers the history behind this iconic beacon, the dedicated organization and volunteers working to restore it, and why it has guided mariners through the Manitou Passage for generations.

Of course, no Emma adventure would be complete without an unexpected twist... and let's just say the local cormorants made sure she had a memorable visit! Blog link in bio ~OR~ https://www.fishtownmi.org/?p=5664
In between fishing and shore work, Joel has been w In between fishing and shore work, Joel has been working on Janice Sue!
#jackofalltrades
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