Leland Township 49654

Leland Township Population: 2000(2033) 1990(1642) Change(391)

Leland is located in northwestern Leelanau County in the township of the same name on the Lake Michigan coastline. This town was named from an old nautical term: "lee land," referring to north winds on stormy seas, which the town is exposed to. It was originally settled by Antoine Manseau in 1853, who moved there from Manistee. The town grew due to the lumbering industry and eventually became the county seat in 1882.

Today, this picturesque village is a popular tourist spot, attracting visitors to its waterfront-like atmosphere along the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, ( a historical landmark known as "fishtown"), as well as its well-preserved Victorian architecture, as evidenced in its homes and unique shops downtown. It is also host to the summer ferry which goes to N. Manitou Island, which can be seen from the beach.