Leland
Weathered 19th-century fishing shanties suspended over a roaring river dam where Lake Leelanau meets the winter fury of Lake Michigan.
Fishtown is not a museum replica; commercial fishing tugs still tie up against the ice here.
The Blue Stone & Bourbon Hunt
Pick up hot coffee at Leland Mercantile, spend an hour combing the icy shingle at Van's Beach for blue iron slag, hike up the windswept overlook at Clay Cliffs Natural Area, and thaw out inside an outdoor igloo at Bogey's 19th Hole.
Fishtown to Fish Fry
Wander the snow-dusted shanties of Fishtown at dusk while the dam roars, taste dry Riesling at Verterra Winery, and zip five minutes east to Dick's Pour House in Lake Leelanau for a classic perch dinner.
Morning hike at Clay Cliffs, soup lunch at Trish's Dishes, afternoon photography in Fishtown and stone hunting at Van's Beach, and dinner at The Riverside Inn.
Check into Falling Waters Lodge overlooking the dam, spend Saturday exploring Fishtown, sipping espresso and wine at Dune Bird, and dining at Bogey's 19th Hole, then hit Dick's Pour House before heading home Sunday.
- 01
The Riverside Inn
A 1902 landmark right on the Leland River serving French-inflected Northern Michigan comfort food, duck confit, and planked whitefish. Open Thursday–Sunday in winter (confirm January break dates).
302 E River St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9971 · Website ↗
- 02
Bogey's 19th Hole at The Leland Lodge
The dependable winter hearth of Leland—open Tuesday through Saturday with prime rib nights, hot toddies, and outdoor igloos glowing on the deck.
565 E Pearl St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9848 · Website ↗
- 03
The Village Cheese Shanty
Even when the shanty doors close for deep-winter weekday hibernation, they open select winter holiday/weekend windows for imported wheels and hot pretzel-bread sandwiches—check their winter schedule before driving up.
199 W River St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9141 · Website ↗
Smoked Lake Michigan Whitefish Chowder
Sauté leeks, celery, and Yukon gold potatoes in butter; add fish stock and heavy cream, then fold in flaky chunks of cedar-smoked Great Lakes whitefish and fresh dill just before serving.
Three things most people walk past.
- The white-and-red hull of the historic fishing tug *Joy* locked in river ice.
- Stacks of aluminum gill-net boxes and orange marker buoys dusted with fresh powder behind Carlson's Fishery.
- The concrete Leland River dam encased in sculptural curtains of turquoise ice.
- 01
Verterra Winery Tasting Room
Steps from Fishtown; warm wood interiors and dry Rieslings and Pinot Blancs grown on the surrounding glacial moraines.
103 E River St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-2115 · Website ↗
- 02
Bogey's Bar & Wine Cellar
Where everyone in zip code 49654 ends up at 6 p.m. on a snowy Friday for bourbon and local gossip.
565 E Pearl St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9848 · Website ↗
- 03
Dune Bird Winery
Just up M-22 north of Leland; aviation-themed, sheepskin-draped chairs, late winter hours, and both cool-climate wines and craft espresso.
5620 N Manitou Trl, Northport, MI 49670 · (231) 613-4100 · Website ↗
- 01
Leland Mercantile Co.
The village general store; grab hot locally roasted coffee, house-smoked bacon, and fresh baked goods before walking down to the beach.
102 S Main St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9030 · Website ↗
- 02
Dune Bird Winery Espresso Bar
Full craft espresso bar with hygge fireplaces just up the coast road from Leland.
5620 N Manitou Trl, Northport, MI 49670 · (231) 613-4100 · Website ↗
- 01
Walking the Frozen Docks of Historic Fishtown
The wooden docks and river walk remain open 24/7 all winter; watch Lake Michigan ice volcanoes erupt past the breakwall.
- 02
Beachcombing for Leland Blue Stones at Van's Beach
Winter gales churn up the shoreline gravel, making post-storm thaws the prime season to spot glassy blue 19th-century iron-smelting slag.
- 03
Suttons Bay Bikes (Nearest Full Winter Outfitter, 15 min east)
Snowshoes, cross-country skis, and fat bikes for Clay Cliffs and Leelanau trails
Local customWalking down to Van's Beach with a thermos of coffee the morning after a northwest gale to see what the waves threw up.
- Checking how high the spray ice has built up on the Fishtown dam walkway.
- Every local has a secret jar of 'Leland Blues' and 'Frankfort Greens' sitting on their kitchen windowsill.
- The Cove and The Bluebird are summer legends, so in winter the village rallies hard around The Leland Lodge and Dick's Pour House.
Usually weekends from late November through December, with year-round dock access
Fishtown Winter & Holiday Hours Celebration
Evergreen garlands on weathered 1900s gill-net tugs (*Joy* and *Janice Sue*) and luminaries lighting the snowy wooden docks.
- 01
The Leland Lodge
Set on a quiet wooded hill four blocks from Fishtown with nightly winter bonfires, on-site tavern dining, and snowshoe packages.
565 E Pearl St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9848 · Website ↗
- 02
Falling Waters Lodge
Perched directly over the roaring Leland River waterfall and Fishtown shanties; fall asleep to the sound of rushing water and Lake Michigan rollers.
200 W Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9832 · Website ↗
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The Riverside Inn Rooms
Four quiet, charming upstairs guest rooms directly above one of the best dining rooms on the peninsula.
302 E River St, Leland, MI 49654 · (231) 256-9971 · Website ↗
Bring a little Leland homeThe deer beanieStandard issue for a walk to the bakery at seven below.Have a look ↗