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Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and balcony

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Photo gallery for Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled

Outdoor dining
Interior
Fridge, oven, stovetop, dishwasher
Exterior
Marina

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Leland, MI
  • Place, Historic Fishtown
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Manitou Island Transit
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Van's Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Leland

This cottage places you next to Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown. The cottage includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a dining area.
View more Cottages in LelandOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Historic Fishtown - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Manitou Island Transit - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Van's Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 9 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • Leelanau Sands Casino - 23 min drive - 16.2 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fishtown Village Cheese Shanty - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Cove - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Nittolo's Seafood And Social - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Riverside Inn - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled

One of the most unique rental properties right on the river in Leland's Historic Fishtown, this century old fishing shanty was home to one of the many fishing family businesses that occupied the village for decades.

Step out on the dock to watch the fishing boats and the Manitou Island Transit ferry coming and going from the Leland River. Observe the visitors on the other side of the river, meandering through Fishtown's "shanty" shops. Take a short walk to explore beautiful, expansive beaches of Lake Michigan and all the restaurants and shops in Leland, including Carlson's fishery, where you can get fresh caught Great Lakes fish.

Remodeled by the Carlson family in 2000, and newly renovated this year after sustaining damage from high water, this comfortable, well furnished, two bedroom, two bathroom shanty with a generous deck facing Lake Michigan, can sleep 6-8 people. This unique opportunity to spend a week in a one-of-a-kind property is offered through The Fishtown Preservation Society. If you are looking for an unforgettable vacation experience, this is it!
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a coffee maker, an ironing board, and a dining table.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

Firecrackers are not allowed on the property.
Bring all outside activity inside by 10pm. Be a good neighbor.
Be aware that this property is directly on the Leland River and Guest are responsible for all their own safety and children's safety USE AT OWN RISK

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Stay at own risk as this property is ON the water.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Vacation in Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty
Vacation Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty House
Vacation Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty Leland
Vacation Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty House
Vacation Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty Leland
Vacation Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty
Vacation in Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty
Vacation in Renovated Remodeled Historic Fishtown Shanty

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near this cottage?

This cottage is located in Leland, just steps from Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown, and within a short walk of Lake Michigan. You'll also find Lake Leelanau and Manitou Island Transit less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at this cottage?

No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled good for couples?

Couples staying at this waterfront cottage will appreciate amenities such as a kitchen in each accommodation with kitchens in some.

Does Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage include breakfast service?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.

What is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is about 21.7 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled?

Yes, every accommodation at Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled comes with a balcony.

Reviews

Historic Fishtown Shanty-Renovated and Remodeled Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location! The shanty had everything we needed. It’s perfect for 2 couples. It was very clean. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maribeth A.

Liked: Cleanliness
The place is so clean, it has everything you want.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly G., Muskegon, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic property. Very unique.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Merrill S., Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous setting, wonderful historic building, best views of sunsets and access to beaches, towns and M22. Communication was seamless and straightforward, place was well-stocked with utensils, covers, everything one would need.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was wonderful. The cottage is well appointed and had everything we needed. Amazing location, another great Leland stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Check in was easy, kitchen is great although we did not use it much. Probably one of our best vacations ever, wish it would have been longer. We have stayed in,Leland yearly for over 40 years, but this has topped everything. Will stay again. Mary was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Well cared for and well-refurbished property. Felt somehow brand new but also historic. Great location for Van's beach. Short walk into Fishtown. Very comfortable and well-decorated. Look forward to another stay, and highly recommend.
View of the shanty from fishtown.
Fishing right out the back door.
Beautiful view from the upper deck.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynette K.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is a beautiful shanty with a lot of room. Shanty was super clean when we arrived. The location is the best! We did get some pics of the sunset from our roof top. Fishtown is a wonderful place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place

Everything was perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia R., Mulliken

Liked: Cleanliness
It’s a very comfortable place on the water and walking distance to Lake Michigan. The sun sets are beautiful!! I highly recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sally

Great weekend get away. We really enjoyed our stay. House was perfect. Just the cutest stay. We look forward to staying again and have shared the place with family already. The only thing that would have been helpful is a light on to find the house in the dark better. But Mary was immediately available both times I called for help so it wasn’t an issue.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful space.

Nicely appointed and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Fall Getaway

This place is storybook! It’s even better than the photos. Our 2nd year staying in the shanty for the Michigan Fall experience. On our sunny days, we loved watching the waves and the sunset from the top deck, walking to the beach and the shops. On our last night, the wind picked up as if winter had arrived! The place is so warm and cozy we had a wonderful night cooking in the kitchen and watching the town close up and say goodbye to another season. This is the most unforgettable place I have ever stayed in. Love sitting in the nook reading books and watching the fisherman and tourists. Comfortable beds-aren’t good nights’ sleep part of vacation? Thank you, Mary Lou!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sumer S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Property

The location & property were amazing! Every detail was thought about and there was nothing that was not provided. Easy check in & parking. We loved that we could just walk to shops, restaurants & Van's beach. We would definitely recommed it was fantastic!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M., Columbus, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness

So much attention to detail in this restored fishing shanty!

I fantasized about getting snowed in to this cozy and charming shanty if only to read the perfect collection of books! It is an iconic location and perfect for exploring all of Leelenau Peninsula. We watched the salmon struggling mightily make their way up the falls to spawn. A short walk from the back of the shanty takes you to the beach. Our stay was much to short!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert E L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Bob's Dream Trip To Fishtown

Not really a Shanty!! Such a beautiful internal design and decorating!! Since I had been visiting Leland since 1972, it was a dream to stay in"The Otherside"
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eva C., 2861 Paxton Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect getaway

If you love Fishtown and its surrounding wonders, you will love staying at The Other Side. Steeped in the village’s history, yet fully updated with all modern conveniences, the home is welcoming and beautifully quaint. We enjoyed watching the fishing boats from the pier and the salmon attempting a jump up the dam. Van’s beach is just steps away… no better place to catch the sunset. We can’t wait to return to this gem of a place.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved the Leland Shanty!!

What a unique place with a perfect location with access to Leland! We will definitely want to come back!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful stay!

The home is amazing and feels very comfortable. Being right in the heart of Fishtown is a great experience, though expect to be in some other folks pictures while sitting in the dock! All in all, a fantastic place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris S., Indianapolis

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Place

This place was just amazing. Well appointed. We decorated. It was actually much nicer than described! And located in the heart of Leland's famous fishtown and just a few steps (literally) from the beach. We loved it!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meera S., Evanston

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely Charming

We've been vacationing in Northern Michigan for 11 years and this is one of our favorite rentals. It was absolutely charming and very comfortable and clean for us (a family of 4 with teens). We had loads of fun catching (MANY) fish off the dock and watching the sunsets at the beach. It was such a unique place to stay. Walking distance to the grocery and stores. I was a bit worried about having so many tourists on the other side of the river, but it was not a bother at all!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fishtown Shanty

Very pleasant stay and we particularly enjoyed Van's Beach which is just a short walk away. MaryLou communicated and responded to us very quickly when needed. We would definitely recommend this property for anyone interested.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved this place!

What a cool and unique place. The location couldn’t be better. We really enjoyed seeing all of the boats and watching sunsets from the upper deck. Can’t think of anything I would change. Highly recommend booking…I’ve never seen anything like it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely!

This was the perfect place to stay in Leland!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024