Welcome to Leland
The town of Leland is situated on one of the oldest and largest Native American villages in the Leelanau Peninsula. A natural fish ladder remains today where the Leland River, also known as Carp River flows from Lake Leelanau into Lake Michigan surrounded by many of the original weathered fish shanties that now operate as shops. Leland also has several restaurants, inns, and a large marina and harbor with a public boat launch.
History of Leland
Settlers began arriving in Leland in the 1830s and increased after a dam and sawmill were built which allowed steamers and schooners to transport new settler and supplies. From 1870 to 1884, an iron smelter operated by Leland Lake Superior Iron Co. which produced up to 40 tons of iron per day. Later the site operated as a sawmill along with neighboring shingle mills.
Commercial fishermen would sail from the harbor in search of trout and whitefish and built wooden shacks to process their catch. Folks coined the name "Fishtown" which was home to up to eight tugs and areas to service the fleet.
Wealthy family from Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and other Midwestern industrial regions began visiting Leland in the 1900s. Vacationers built summer cottages, arrived by steam passenger ship or railway via Traverse City. The love of the region led to the construction of resort hotels and prosperity for tourism in Leland.
Living in Leland Today
In a broad sense, tourism is a major contributor to the strong economic climate of Leland. However, Fishtown is now home to a working fishery and thriving charger fishing business. The original fishing shanties that line the Riverwalk are now quaint shops and restaurants. Large open farmsteads also support strong agriculture and viticulture operations.
Leland Real Estate
Real estate in Leland has proven to be an incredible investment for many people, often generations of families over several decades. Whether you're looking for a vacation home or year-round residence or business, Leland provides the ultimate coastal living.
Lake Michigan waterfront homes and properties afford breathtaking views of Pyramid Point, North and South Manitou Islands with one-of-a-kind sunsets every day. Home on the north end of Lake Leelanau provides luxurious, private lakefront living with ripple sand beaches, just a short distance from the Village of Leland.
Both are highly sought after location. Buyers typically act very quickly when desirable homes and properties are listed.
View daily photos of Leland take by Keith Burnham and friends of The Leland Report.
Other Community Information
Schools in Leland
Families living in Leland will be a part of the Leland public school district. Leland Public School offers education for children from kindergarten through high school. St. Mary's is a private Catholic school offering kindergarten through twelfth grade is available in the neighboring town of Lake Leelanau. The Leelanau Children's Center offers pre-school and toddler play-based full and part day programs.
Leland Churches
Leland is home to two churches of the Lutheran and Methodist denominations. Within a short drive, to neighboring villages, additional churches can be found.
- Immanuel Lutheran Church
- Leland United Methodist Church
Entertainment & Recreation in Leland
While many consider the natural wonders of the region to be entertainment for the area there are also a host of unique places to dine, stay and enjoy!
Residents and visitors enjoy shopping, boating, charter fishing, golfing, hiking, and much more. Leland Harbor provides a public launch to access Lake Michigan by boat. Many charter fishing boats operate out of the Leland Harbor along with the Manitou Island Transit, a passenger ferry with service to North and South Manitou Islands and sunset cruises in the summer.
Following are some additional resources for things to do in and around Leland:
- Leelanau Conservancy
- Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
- Leland Chamber of Commerce
- Leland Preservation Society
