You can tell that Leland’s tie to the fishing industry has been well-established over the years. The restored fish tug and the shanties that line the Historic Fish Town Dock provide an authentic backdrop for several long-time eateries. We had already sampled and enjoyed perch, pickeral and whitefish along the way. At the suggestion of Michigan friends, we each chose the smelt plate off the Bluebird Restaurant’s Tavern Menu. The ample portion of tiny smelts were crunchy and delicious! Lake Michigan continues to offer livelihood opportunities for Lelanders. Numerous fishing charter boats leave at daybreak to ply the waters with hopeful vacationers. Two ferries carrying the adventurous... backpackers, hikers, overnight campers... leave from Leland two or three times a day. Their destination is the North and South Manitou Islands, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. M22 is the highway that runs the Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. Residents and visitors to the area often put an M22 sticker on their car. When they are away from Michigan, the question is, "Are you a local or did you fall in love with it as you passed through?" These lakeside towns are so sweet, it's no wonder so many visitors return year after year. Leland is also a “Harbor of Refuge”. Lake Michigan tends to kick up without much warning, so boaters can find a safe haven every 30 to 50 miles from Petoskey, MI to Chicago, IL. We “stayed put” at the Leland Municipal Marina inside the Leland seawall for four days while two red flags (small-craft warnings... seas 5 ft. or greater; gale-force winds...32-38mph) were prominently dispayed next to Old Glory at the marina. This is the first time that we have felt the urgency to keep moving, but the prudent mariner understands the need to wait for the rough sea-like conditions to calm down.
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| Gale Force Wind flags flying |
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| restored historic Fish Tug |
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| Surfers gather eager for a thrill |
Created by Darcy O Campbell
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