In the early 1900s, tiny commercial fishing villages dotted the shorelines of the Great Lakes. Fishtown is one of the few that has been preserved. Wander among the shanties and see fish being cleaned and smoked, and pick up samples to try at Carlson's Fishery (the fish sausage will surprise you). Summer weekends draw crowds.

The weather-beaten shacks were fishermen's ice- and smokehouses a century ago.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Chateau Chantal

14.6 MILES

It gets lots of kudos for its chardonnay, pinot noir and dessert wines (five-wine tasting from $7, three-wine flight from $10). The romantic, French-style…

2. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

15.59 MILES

Michigan's excellent wines taste even better on Brys Estate's sprawling deck, which provides stunning vineyard and bay views. Tastings from $8; cheese and…

3. Chateau Grand Traverse

16.14 MILES

It is one of the Old Mission Peninsula's stalwarts, pouring renowned chardonnay and pinot noir (five-wine tasting $5). The patio overlooking the vineyard…

4. Peninsula Cellars

16.38 MILES

Located in an old schoolhouse, Peninsula makes fine whites and is often less crowded than other wineries. A five-wine tasting costs $5.

5. Manitou Islands

16.57 MILES

The forest-cloaked Manitou Islands provide an off-the-beaten-path adventure. They’re part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hence the entrance…