The Great Lakes State is full of hidden gems worthy of a full-on road trip. Take a ride out to Leelanau Peninsula and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quiet fishing village in Leland that seems frozen in time. Are you prepared for the cozy quaintness of Historic Fishtown in Michigan? Prepare to fall in love, because this community is overflowing with charm.

Leland's "Historic Fishtown" is a testament to days gone by in an industry that has seen a steady decline in the last century.
Facebook/Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Leland Historic District, known to locals as Fishtown, has a history dating back to the 1850s.
In fact, it may be the last of the great fishing towns in the whole state.
Flickr/Andrew McFarlane
Leland's Historic Fishtown has been home to commercial fishing for more than 150 years. The working waterfront is still smattered with the historic shanties that once housed the businesses that served the fishermen here.
TripAdvisor/Aunt_Pam
This historic community was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973, and then was added to the National Register of Historic Places just two years later.
Some of them are now converted into dwellings, like this aged multi-use building on pilings.
TripAdvisor/Capn_Crunch_8
But mostly, the old commercial fishing establishments are long gone and have been converted into quaint shops and friendly casual restaurants perfect for spending time along this historic waterfront.
Facebook/Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Beginning in 2020, some of the old shanties have been moved out of the community to prevent them from filling with water as the lake's waters continue to rise.
From unique gift shops to unassuming eateries, Historic Fishtown is a one-of-a-kind destination in Michigan.
TripAdvisor/Aunt_Pam

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Of course, some of the historic shanties still house businesses that support the fishing trade that remains in Fishtown.
TripAdvisor/Flylowe
You can find out which businesses will add a degree of history and culture to your visit on the official Leland website.
While others, like this lodge, allow visitors to the area to extend their experience here.
TripAdvisor/Ontario76
If you visit with an open mind, each visit to this quaint community is sure to leave you impressed.
Yelp/Richard F
Swing by the historical museum to learn about the community's ins and outs, or take an old-fashioned water excursion. There's fun to be had throughout the entire district!
Whatever your intentions, a day trip or a weekend, Historic Fishtown in Leland is an ideal spot to get out and explore Michigan and her history, especially along Lake Michigan.
TripAdvisor/Richard F
And if you consider yourself to be a fisherman, you won't be able to resist the allure of this coveted fishing spot.
Yelp/Russ A
Go charter fishing during your visit for an additional degree of adventure!
From the downtown area of Leland to the Historic Fishtown, this unique place in Michigan is truly a hidden gem worth exploring!
Wikimedia Commons/Royalbroil

Have you been to Leland or Historic Fishtown in Michigan? We’d love to know in the comments below!

If you love nostalgic places, you’ll love these 13 Slow-Paced Small Towns In Michigan Where Life Is Still Simple.

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Historic Fishtown in Michigan

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Leland, MI 49654, USA