A Historic Fish Town Leland Michigan

Rain in the forecast for day 3 means we head to the old fishing village of Leland. Leland is about a 45 minute drive following route M-22. Don’t you though! There is plenty to see along the way! This tiny town was bustling with tourists and a little town means little parking! When we FINALLY found a spot we had to retreat with a good laugh at the sign that said “Don’t even think about parking here”.

Alas we finally landed and took in the sights and “smells” of this village. Walk along the docks, amongst the weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, racks of drying fishing nets, and fish tugs on the Leland River, and you can imagine what it would have been like in the early 1900s to live and work in this small fishing village nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan. Many of the shanties are home to adorable little gift and clothing shops, you can easily waste away a rainy day shopping for unique Michigan finds.

Right on the dock is Carlson’s Fisheries a great little place offering fresh and smoked fish among other goods. Sitting at a picnic table by the water of Lake Michigan we unwrapped our smoked trout and lunched while watching boats pulling in for the day. Such charm and history in this little place and you’ll feel like you are right back in the 1900’s slinging fish! Don’t forget to grab some Moomer’s Ice Cream on your way out! We capped off the day relaxing at our campsite at Empire Bluffs because tomorrow we set out on our own little fishing adventure!