The historic district of Leland, know as Fishtown, was once the fishing village on the Leland River. A collection of 140 year old fish shacks, weathered docks, smokehouses and commercial boats have been taken over by the Fishtown Preservation Society. The society's announcement last year spoke of a plan to buy the area, and take the necessary steps to preserve this authentic property, making it available to the public. The goal is for visitors to walk the streets and docks, examine the old structures and get a feel of century old everyday events on Lake Michigan's waterfront.
Old Fishtown is located on a sliver of land, with Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Leelanau to the east. The Leelanau Peninsula points northward, surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan and the Traverse Bay. Besides Fishtown, the peninsula offers a few more choice locations to visit, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore, Traverse City and Leelanau State Parks.