WAYPOINT
BY MARTY RICHARDSON
Leland, MI
A historic fishing village and charming downtown make Leland a must-stop port.
Leland, MI
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Lake Michigan
hanks to the shanty preservation work being done by the non-profit Fishtown Preservation Society (see the “Fishtown Rising” feature in our September 2021 issue on p. 38 to read more about the preservation work), visitors by land and by sea are able to continue enjoying Leland, Michigan’s charming and historic Fishtown village. As you approach the harbor entrance to Leland by boat, you’ll see the outlines of North and South Manitou Islands offshore, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the south. Inside the breakwall, the full-service Leland Harbor municipal marina boasts a public boat launch and new boaters’ facilities, with Fishtown and greater Leland’s shopping, dining and beaches just a few steps away. On each of our three Great Loops aboard our 52-foot trawler, we have made this harbor of
Commercial fishing vessel Joy docking in Fishtown
Aerial view of Leland and Leland Harbor; Fishtown at the mouth of the river
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refuge a must-stop. Long-term harbormaster Russell Dzuba, who tells me he is in the process of “gradually retiring,” will warmly welcome you. Don’t worry, the incoming harbormaster, Jeremy Anderson, is equally knowledgeable and welcoming. For slip reservations, just call 231-256-9132. Get to know Leland Your first stop in Fishtown should be Carlson’s Fisheries, across the parking lot from the marina, which has fresh and smoked fish. My personal recommendation is its house-made smoked fish sausage — delicious! Down the Fishtown dock, the Village Cheese Shanty features homemade sandwiches on its special pretzel bread and over 75 domestic and imported cheeses. Just one block from the marina, the Leland Mercantile grocery store has local fish, meats, specialty cheeses and a great butcher shop. Pick up fresh produce at Leland Farmers Market on Thursday mornings in season. If your larder needs wine, the surrounding Leelanau Peninsula boasts some of Michigan’s best wineries. If you have wheels you can take your own tour; if not, check out Verterra Winery’s tasting room on East River Street. Just across the parking lot from the marina, try Grand Traverse Distillery’s Old George Rye Whiskey or True North Cherry Vodka. Where to stay and dine Falling Waters Lodge is perched on the edge of the dam’s spillway on the Leland River, where the rush of water will lull you to sleep. Just upriver, the Riverside Inn, opened in 1902, features four beautifully appointed river-view guest rooms and is my favorite local place for elegant dining; I like the pan-seared Maple Farms duck breast with parsnip puree. Bluebird Restaurant & Tavern, operated by the Telgard family since 1927, boasts a riverfront dining room and outdoor patio, where you can order up the freshest walleye or whitefish. Just a few blocks up the hill from the harbor, you’ll find Leland Lodge, with casual pub fare and craft beer on tap at Bogey’s 19th Hole, a nod to the adjacent Leland Country Club golf course. The Cove is in the heart of historic Fishtown,
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