leland garden tour

Leland Little Garden Club Tour Set For June 24

June 7, 2021.

Spend a day in summer’s glory, visiting six spectacular gardens located in Leland and the surrounding area. The Leland Little Garden Club Tour is set for Thursday, June 24, 2021 and is sponsored by the Little Garden Club of Leland.

The gardens — which showcase a variety of styles, environments, and features — can be visited in any direction. A map featuring the address, owner, and description is included in the ticket brochure. 

Tickets are $15 and benefit the Garden Club’s grants program, which supports local garden beautification and plant education projects in Leelanau County. They can be purchased from Garden Club members , local garden centers and several Leland shops. They are also available at the Old Art Building on the day of the tour. The tour is a rain or shine event.

A sneak peek at the six 2021 gardens:

• On a bluff over 500+ feet of Lake Michigan frontage are thousands of planted pine trees, some reaching 40 feet tall. To establish a stable transition from the bluff to the existing lawn surface, a rock garden, walkways, and stone patio was designed and constructed at the highest point of the bluff featuring 180-degree views of Good Harbor Bay and the Manitou Islands. Other parts of the acreage have become wildflower natural areas.

• “Sanctuary for Monarch Rest and Recovery Garden:” A young garden and a work-in-progress became the backbone to a certified Monarch Way Station. The garden contains a variety of native milkweed blooms and nectar producing plants which insure nectar throughout the migration. The steeps slopes are planted with a Bee Rescue Wildflower Mix, and favorite plants in the garden attract Hummingbirds and varieties of pollinators.

• From the top of the drive to the boardwalk leading to the lake, there is always something in bloom. Native plants overflow, framed with roses, perennials and dune grasses. Native trees add privacy and softness. Stone benches, sitting stones and pieces of shipwreck are placed in various areas to enjoy the views.

• This magnificent Formal Sun Garden was started in 2001. The circular layout of the garden was decided upon by the circle drive with inspiration for the brick detail seen in a garden while visiting Boston. The garden was planned, planted and is cared for by the owners.

• Eagle’s Nest is inspired by trying to create tropical paradises in Michigan gardens. Ornamental grasses (hundreds of varieties), knockout roses ( in memory of the owner’s mother), lilies ( in memory of the owner’s grandmother) perennials, herbs and edible flowers are changed every year for color scheme changes.

• A circa 1900 cottage takes on new life with an informal cottage style flower garden, a small fish pond, picket fencing and is chock full of spring bulbs, shrubs, roses, perennials and annuals providing a show of color. Several rock gardens take advantage of the sloping nature of the property. A central path leads to other rock gardens and planted beds, both floral and vegetable. A reclaimed stone terrace wall accents a seating and dining area with a small fountain.

Artists will paint in the gardens on the day of the event — they are members of the Old Art Building (OAB) who paint together en plein air. Their paintings along with many other garden-inspired works by local artists will be available at the “Art of the Garden” show at the Old Art Building , in Leland Thursday June 24 to Sunday June 27, 11am to 5pm.

Longtime Leelanau Road Commissioner, Lake Leelanau Lake Association Board Member, Passes Away

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The Latest Leelanau County Blotter & 911 Call Report

By ticker staff.

The Leelanau Ticker is back with a look at the most alarming, offbeat, or otherwise newsworthy calls to the Leelanau Office of Emergency Management/911 dispatch. The following ...

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September 13, 2024

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6 gardens featured in annual tour

Six beautiful gardens will be featured June 22 in the Little Garden Club’s 2023 tour. Stock photo

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• Leland Michigan

Leland Michigan aka Fishtown MI: One of the Best Michigan Vacation Spots. Top Things To Do, Shops and How to Find Famous Leland Blue Rocks

By Sherry Trautman

Leland Michigan (Fishtown) One of the Best Michigan Vacation Spots. Top Things To Do, Shops + How to Find Famous Leland Blue Rocks | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

Leland Michigan, located in the northwest of the Leelanau Peninsula is one of our favorite vacation spots in Michigan. It is such a unique place to go in Michigan.

Why?   Well for starters, it's an active fishing village with picturesque fishing shanties, iconic nets can be seen drying on racks and lots of docked fishing boats as just begging for creative photography.

Leland is fondly called, "Fishtown" and offers tons of things to do!

Oh and did I mention the tiki huts?  Yeah, they have those...Right next to the dam.  

• Fishtown Historic District, Leland Township was listed in the National Register in 2022!

"My Biggest worry is that when I'm dead and gone, my wife will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it."

- Koos Brandt

Whats in Leland Michigan?

Leland is a wonderful beach town located in northwest Michigan.  It's a fantastic town to visit to see the iconic fishing village, nets hanging to dry, fishing vessels, fun shops and great restaurants.

Plus, the beaches are definitely worth an afternoon of swimming and sun bathing.

Where is Leland Michigan?

Where is Leland Michigan?   Leland MI is located north of Traverse City in the Leelanau peninsula.  You can see Leland's location on the map of Michigan above.

How Cute is the Leland Michigan Sticker?

I always see these fun stickers on cars!  I love this Leland MI sticker , it's on Amazon so you can get it quick!

• Leland Michigan is 26.3 miles, 37 minutes from Traverse City
• Leland Michigan is 282 miles, 4.5 hours from Detroit
• Leland Michigan is 161 miles, 2 hours, 45 minutes from Grand Rapids
• Leland Michigan is 144 miles, 2 hours, 40 minutes from Mackinaw City

What lake is Leland Michigan on?

Leland Michigan is located on Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau

As soon as you arrive on the weathered docks , you can imagine what it would have been like to live and work in this small fishing village in the early 1900's. 

• Be sure to check out the weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, racks of drying fishing nets, and the fish tugs bobbin on the Leland River.  There are so many things to do and see in Leland Michigan!

Can you see why Leland is one of the best vacation spots in Michigan?

Leland Michigan's History...Just the Cool Stuff

Fondly called “Fishtown,” this village still operates as one of the only working commercial fishing villages in the state of Michigan. 

Wikipedia   says  Fishtown was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. 

A few Fishtown shanties are still used today to support the current, active commercial fishing operation .

Leland is built on the site of one of the oldest and largest Ottawa villages on the Leelanau Peninsula. Settlers began arriving in the 1830's and took advantage of the location as a fishing settlement.

A dam and sawmill were built on the river in 1854, causing the water level to rise 12 feet. What had been three natural lakes all became a single lake now known as Lake Leelanau.

From 1870 to 1884, the Leland Lake Superior Iron Co. operated an iron smelter north of the river mouth, supplied with ore from the Upper Peninsula and charcoal made from local maple and beech timber; the charcoal was produced in fourteen beehive kilns near the smelting furnace, which produced up to 40 tons of iron per day.

Commercial fishermen sailed out of the harbor to catch trout and whitefish , building wooden shacks where they processed their catch and serviced their fleet.

Up to eight powered tugs once sailed out of "Fishtown," as the buildings came to be known. Today, the historic fishing settlement and two fish tugs, Joy and Janice Sue , are owned by a non-profit organization, Fishtown Preservation Society.  You can spot Joy quite frequently!

The Beauty of Leland Michigan

Most of the fascinating shanties in Leland Michigan now house gift and clothing boutiques, art and specialty food shops but the flavor of the village is alive and well.

It’s rather busy during the warmer summer months and winter brings peaceful tranquility.  Visiting Fishtown Mi during all the seasons is sure to delight as the village brings different experiences each time you visit. 

Hot Tip: Be sure to walk over the dam, it makes incredible photos!

Things to Do in Leland MI

Leland Michigan is home to lots of great shops downtown, including great cheese and smoked white fish.  Wander though the shops and grab lunch at a variety of great spots! There are several Fishtown Mi shops to explore.

Leland is a great walking town. You can park once and walk to all the restaurants and sites. Parking is free!

• Be sure to walk across the dam and visit the beaches!

Visit Van's Beach and Hall Beach in Leland Michigan

Visit Hall Beach and Van's Beach! 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654.  

These beautiful beaches feature crashing waves, blue skies and soft sand that's perfect for toes! 

Best Leland Michigan aka Fishtown Restaurants

We love eating at Rick's Cafe it checks off all the boxes:

• Super sweet thatched tiki huts 
• Unparalleled views of the dam and waterway
• Outside eating 

I mean seriously, doesn't it look like the Caribbean?  Have you packed the car yet?

If you prefer to eat inside , request a table overlooking the dam so you have an awesome view while you eat!  It's also perfect for when you visit Leland Michigan in the fall with cooler temperatures.

Leland Blue

Where can I find Leland blue?

The Leland Chamber states the Leland Blue Stone is actually slag – a waste product from the smelting process used in the late 1800s by the Leland Lake Superior Iron Company.

After the smelting industry failed, the slag was dumped into the harbor. You can still find these bits of blue slag. 

If you want to find your own Leland Blue, just search along the shoreline of Leland! The blue stones are especially prominent while wet, so just keep your eyes open!

• If you love stones, have you found glow in the dark Yooperlite rocks yet?

YouTube Video of Leland Michigan 

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TravelingMichigan

View this post on Instagram JOY! Leland's Fishtown! I love walking along the docks, amongst the weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, racks of drying fishing nets, and fish tugs on the Leland River. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Fishtown still operates as one of the only working commercial fishing villages in the state of Michigan!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Many of the original weathered fishing shanties composing Fishtown, now house small shops. However, these historic shanties were once used primarily for commercial fishing operations, including net-mending sheds, ice houses, smoke houses, and storage. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A few Fishtown shanties are still used today to support the current, active commercial fishing operation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Today, the historic fishing settlement and two fish tugs, Joy and Janice Sue, are owned by a non-profit organization, Fishtown Preservation Society. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you visited Leland this summer? You just gotta!!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SOOO I have a wild hair to paint this...what do you think? It was actually my Mom's idea. She says, "that looks like a painting!"⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #fishtown #leland #lelandmi #lelandmichigan #photooftheday #traveling #adventureislife #travel #travelphotography #welivetoexplore #familytravel #thegreatoutdoors #nature #explore #smalltown #travelblog #puremichigan #michigander #michigan #thegreatlakesstate #greatlakeslocals #greatlakes #michiganders #summer #august #naturalmichigan #unsalted #puremichiganpride #puremittigan #onlyinmichigan A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on Aug 9, 2019 at 4:30am PDT

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• Grab our Best Things to Do in Ludington Michigan guide!
• And be sure to visit Holland Michigan !  There's so much to see in the Holland region!

About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Showing 4 from 4 Items

The Leland Lodge

Overlooking Leland Golf Club, this cozy, low-rise lodge lies a 7-minute walk from a Lake Michigan beach and a 4-minute walk from another beach on Lake Leelanau. Simply furnished rooms feature wood paneling, TVs, minifridges and Wi-Fi access. Some…

An absolutely stunning view of Fishtown overlooking the dam separating the Leland River (from Lake Leelanau) with Lake Michigan. Great food (whitefish, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and more) with a full bar selection.

Two Fish Gallery

Authentic Art – Uplifting Gifts – An Uncommon Experience

Bogey’s 19th Hole (at The Leland Lodge)

Terrific food (burgers, sandwiches, fish, and more) served in wonderful country club atmosphere overlooking a gorgeous golf course.

More Locations

A tiny town with Polish heritage, the 380-acre Cedar River Preserve, and more. Cedar is considered the heart of Leelanau County. It is a friendly little town with the motto "The Community That Cares". With Cedar's strong Polish heritage, the town holds a 4-day Cedar Polka Fest every July. Cedar,…

Set in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. On the western side of Michigan's "pinky", Empire is a tiny village on the Lake Michigan side of the Leelanau Peninsula. Surrounded by ancient forests and towering mountains of sand, Empire is a gorgeous setting for your next…

The natural beauty of Frankfort is simply breathtaking. With its crystal-clear blue waters and sandy beaches, Lake Michigan offers visitors the perfect opportunity to relax, soak up the sun and indulge in a variety of water sports like kayaking, fishing, and paddle-boarding. But it's not just about the lake. Frankfort…

Filled with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and....the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Glen Arbor is one of the top destinations on M-22 with a variety of activities year-round. There is literally something for everyone, from shopping, dining, and wine, to golf, recreation, and art. Nestled in the heart of the Sleeping Bear…

Nestled in the heart of Northern Michigan lies the charming village of Honor, a true gem in the Great Lakes State. This idyllic destination is home to just over 300 residents, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Honor, MI boasts an incredible array of…

Lake Leelanau

Connecting the 21 miles of North and South Lake Leelanau with food and fun. Lake Leelanau is a tiny community at "The Narrows", the tiny waterway connecting North and South Lake Leelanau. At the Narrows, you'll find a terrific Catholic church and school, some great local dining, a bit of…

Home to historic Fishtown, exciting shops, golf, and delicious food on M-22. Leland, Michigan is best known for the historic wooden shacks and shanties that make up the state and national historic location of "Fishtown". Visitors can walk the wood plank boardwalk in and out of the wooden shanties shopping…

A laid-back town with family restaurants and friendly residents. Maple City was originally known as Peg Town because of the shoe peg factory that once dominated the area in the 1860s. What's a shoe peg? Well, it was small peg made from the area's maple timber that was used to…

The very top of the peninsula with beaches, shopping, dining, and a lighthouse. Northport is the northern most village in the Leelanau Peninsula, dating back to 1849. Being located on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, the village of Northport has over two miles of water frontage with an incredible…

A relaxing, tiny town set along M-22 on the gorgeous Omena Bay. While quaint, Omena, Michigan offers a nice public beach that's perfect for spending an afternoon reading a book while the kids splash in the clear water. Although Omena Bay is a deep-water cove on Grand Traverse Bay, the…

Peshawbestown

A Native American community between Suttons Bay and Omena with a casino. Peshawbestown is about 12.5 acres of land in the the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians reservation, and was originally founded as a mission. The Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church is here, honoring the first Native American…

Suttons Bay

The first city on M-22 after Traverse City with shopping, dining, and art galleries. Suttons Bay boasts some incredible restaurants with burgers, pizza, steaks, and much, much more. For those who enjoy shopping, this beautiful Northern-Michigan village offers tons of options. Find gifts galore for both indoors and outdoors, indulge…

Board of Directors

In 1994, the Leelanau Community Cultural Center was established as a 501c3 non-profit organization. With that came the first Board of Directors. Since that time, more than 50 volunteers have served on the board, bringing their talents in business, creative arts and community service to the organization. Our Board members are responsible for protecting the mission and the vision of the organization, providing strategic direction and ensuring the Old Art Building’s long-term stability, vitality and financial health. Here are the current board members for 2024:

Kathleen Acker

Vice President

Barbara Burkhardt

Board Member

Board member

Tom Knowles

Rick koehler, margaret mckinley, cindy meeker, julie ridenour, kim mcmanama, kristin mackenzie hussey, kerry satterwhite.

Kathleen, husband Larry, and their family have enjoyed a rich history in Northern Michigan since 1983. Originally from Bloomfield Village, Michigan. Kathleen served as a Trustee for the Bloomfield Village Board. Leland became their year round home in 2019 when their son Justin completed the construction of their home. Kathleen earned her BA from Grand Valley State University and has enjoyed careers in education and law firm management.

The Old Art Building was the perfect location for their daughter Lauren’s wedding in August 2019. Kathleen has thoroughly enjoyed volunteer opportunities at the OAB, assisting with HollyPop, Art Shows, The Centennial Committee and The Strategic Planning Committee. Kathleen’s other local interests include Leland School Bridge Mentor, helping at The Leelanau Children’s Center and volunteering with the Benzie Leelanau County Health Department.

Kathleen joined the OAB Board December 2021.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Barbara has treasured the beauty of Leelanau County since vacationing here with her family as a child. Barbara’s husband David fell in love with the county when they started coming together in the early 1990’s, and they bought their home in 2015, moving here full time in 2020.

Barbara and David raised their children in Naperville, llinois. Barbara returned to school to complete her education as an adult, finishing her BA in Pastoral Ministry and Theology, and MA in Spirituality/Spiritual Direction. She achieved board certification through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and loved her career as a hospital chaplain in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Barbara brings enthusiasm and skills for cultivating inclusive and supportive communities to her service with the Old Art Building, LCN, the Leland Chamber of Commerce, the Benzie Leelanau Health Department, her parish, St. Kateri, and Suttons Bay Congregational Church.

Kay is a native of upstate New York, where she graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in French Literature, along with vocal study at Eastman School of Music, and a year at La Sorbonne in Paris. Graduate studies were at Syracuse University and the University of Massachusetts. She enjoyed a long career as a teacher of French. She has performed in the arts as a vocalist, pianist and organist, actress, and a director of musical theater productions. Currently she is pursuing the adventure of creating paintings as an artist.

In 1980 Kay and her husband Bob moved to southeast Michigan, where they raised their two sons, and where she served twenty years on the board of the Adrian Symphony, and twelve years as co-chair of professional opera productions presented at the historic Croswell Opera House. Early on, they became acquainted and enamored with Leelanau County and purchased a small cottage, which later led to a house on Lake Michigan, where they landed as permanent residents in 2007.

Kay has served as president of the Leland Garden Club and chair of their garden tours. She is a member of PEO and president of Leelanau Women Artists. For years she has attended, volunteered, and participated in a myriad of exhibits and varied events at the OAB.

She is delighted to contribute her efforts towards the continued well being of this community and cultural gem.

Kay joined the Board in 2021.

Tom Knowles is a native of West Michigan, who was introduced to the Leelanau Peninsula by his wife—her family has lived in the area for over 40 years. Married at The Riverside Inn, Tom and Mary Ann moved to Leland full time in 2018.

Tom is currently the President and co-owner of K-Line Industries Inc., a manufacturing and engineering company near Holland, MI. He began his love of drawing in college, and recently rekindled his passion drawing portraits in graphite and colored pencil. He’s inspired by the wealth of local talent on display at the OAB and surrounding area.

Tom joined the Board in 2023.

Rick first became enamored with Leland when he followed his college sweetheart, Sandy, to the lake in 1972. Since then, he never looked back – nor left! Rick graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1975 and married Sandy two weeks later. He ran his own architectural firm in Cincinnati for 39 years, which he founded only a few years after graduation. Rick and Sandy have five grown children who visit Leland in summer and winter throughout their entire lives. Their 15 grandchildren now follow in those same footsteps.

In 2013 Rick tried his hand at oil painting, and is now represented by two Michigan galleries and one gallery in Cincinnati. He retired from the field of architecture in 2020, and is now spending more and more time at their cottage on Lake Leelanau. “I believe that there is a time in all of our lives, where we need to ‘give back’ and being on the Board of the Old Art Building will allow me to use my business skills to insure that this wonderful organization will flourish for years to come.”

Rick joined the Board in 2021 and is currently serving as Treasurer.

Margie first moved to Leelanau County with her family in 1972. After the birth of her second and third children in 1973 and 1975, respectively, she became active in the community, helping found the Leland Children’s Center and later creating and running Humanities Week at the Leland School. She was also a member of the newly formed Leland Garden Club. During this time she attended several art classes at the Old Art Building.

In 1987 Margie moved to Ann Arbor to pursue a career in fundraising at the University of Michigan. Her last position was with UMS, the performing arts presenting arm of the University. Upon retirement Margie returned to Leland as a permanent resident and has pursued her interest in painting.

Margie joined the OAB Board in 2023.

Cindy Meeker has been visiting Leland since the early 70’s when she and her husband George were married. She and George raised their family in Troy, Ohio, vacationing here in Leland with George’s family since the early 70’s. They retired and made Leland their full time residence in 2014.

Cindy was born and raised in Rome, Georgia and graduated from Hollins College. She was an active community member in Troy, serving on the Troy Foundation Distribution Committee, the United Way, and chaired the board of The Overfield School.

She and George are embracing life in Leland, taking part in various community efforts. Cindy is active in the Little Garden Club, co-chair of Garden Tour, a Bridge mentor for the Leland Schools and a member of the Leland United Methodist Church.

Cindy is extremely happy to be a part of the vibrant life of the Old Art Building and is currently serving as Secretary.

Julie Ridenour escaped to Leland whenever possible for nearly three decades, before retiring from her position as President of the Steelcase Foundation and making her long-held Leland home her permanent residence in 2021.

Julie is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she served her community in many capacities, including an elected position as a school board member of the East Grand Rapids Public Schools, chairman of the Mercy Health St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Trustee, board and guild member for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, and board member and Policy Committee co-chair for the Michigan Council of Foundations. She is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a B.A. in Political Science, and has enjoyed post-graduate professional studies at both Harvard University and Oxford University. She has shared that love of Leland — and the OAB — with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild.

As an observer from afar (and seasonally) Julie has watched the Old Art Building grow in its mission and purpose to become the artistic and community center for the Leland area. She is honored and delighted to volunteer in numerous capacities for the Old Art Building, and continue the direction provided by its leaders and volunteers. Julie joined the OAB board in 2022.

After over 30 years of visiting, Kim and her family relocated to Leland ten years ago. The geographic beauty of the area and the folks whom keep active in the health and wellness of the community are daily energy boosters.

Kim respectfully looks forward to working with everyone to continue the OAB’s mission statement to: promote the arts and cultural enrichment, to provide a gathering place for the community, and to preserve the Old Art Building for generations.

Kristin Hussey is a professional artist, currently working out of her art studio in Leland, Michigan. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Environmental Design from North Carolina State University in 2011, and has pursued different avenues of design work since that time. Her work has been featured in noteworthy publications including Southern Living, Detroit Design Magazine, The Knot, Buzz Feed, and Style Me Pretty. When she's not painting, you can find Kristin at her shop, The Warren, where her artwork and products are sold.

Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, Kerry spent her summers in Leland until 2008 when she moved here full time with her husband Ross and their two boys, Colin and Griffin. She has a BS in political science from the University of Michigan and an MBA in marketing from Northwestern University and worked in residential lighting product development and marketing for about 10 years.

Kerry served on the LEF board for 6 years and is a member of the Little Garden Club of Leland. She became a certified yoga teacher in 2009 and has been teaching at the Old Art Building and area studios since. She is particularly passionate about gardening, interiors and the arts.

Kerry joined the board in 2010 and is currently serving as Vice President.

Kit is a native of Toledo, Ohio. She and her husband Jim began summer visits to Leland in the 1980s, purchased a cottage in 2005 and have lived here full time since 2019.

Kit graduated from Smith College with a degree in Art History and had a brief career as a paralegal before starting a family. In the process of raising two children, she opened and operated a popular children’s bookshop called ‘Full of the Dickens’ in Sandusky Ohio.

The value of volunteer service was instilled in her by her family at a young age. In Ohio, she was vice president of the board of the Friends of Erie MetroParks, was a children’s advocate with CASA, facilitated a bereaved parent group with Jim through the local hospice and was volunteer coordinator of the gift shop at the Dayton Art Institute. In Leland she is a member of the Little Garden Club, volunteers at Samaritan’s Closet and crafts books bags with a group of friends for PoWer! Book Bags which distributes literacy supplies to children. Since moving to Leland, the opportunity to volunteer at the OAB has been one of her greatest pleasures and she is honored to now serve on the board.

Kit joined the board in 2023.

Founding members

In 1992, a small group of Leland residents concerned about preservation of the Old Art Building gathered together to establish a group focused on preserving this community treasure. It was their work that eventually resulted in the establishment of the Leelanau Community Cultural Center as a non-profit two years later. This entire community owes a great deal of gratitude to these volunteers for the vision and service that paved the way for the Old Art Building to become what it is today.

Sally Biggs

Founding member

Amy Chatfield

Community cultural curators.

This award was instituted by the Leelanau Community Cultural Center to honor those who have contributed significantly to our organization, and thus to the cultural heritage of our community. It is not given annually – it is given only when the board of directors unanimously agrees it is time to honor such a significant person.

Community Cultural Curator

Scott Craig

Judy frederick, ellie golden, martha ryan, trudy underhill.

Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, Judy first fell in love with Leland in the mid 1960’s when her parents bought a cottage here. She remained a regular summer visitor until she moved to Leland full-time in 2000. Judy received her bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester. She worked at Boride Products as Employee Relations Manager and also lived and worked in Chicago and San Francisco.

Since living here full time she has been actively involved with ShareCare, the Leelanau Conservancy, the Leelanau Historical Museum, Leelanau Players, and served as President of The Little Garden Club. She enjoys hiking and building trails at the Frederick Farm in Maple City.

Judy joined the board in 2010.

Trudy joined the board in 2003. She quickly made an impact wth her contributions to both the Fundraising and Program Committees. She helped organize and hang several different exhibits over the years, including Leland Air and Open Studio annual shows. Her flower arrangements add a colorful dimension to every show! She has been a loyal Open Studio painter, demonstrating an ability to find and explore new visual sensibilities in her work continually and fearlessly.

Trudy has been much appreciated for her thoughtful participation at board meetings. She always listened with a critical ear, fine tuning proposals which kept them in the realm of practicality. We are a more solid and relevant organization because of her 18 years on the board.

Sara Hartley

Program Director

Sarah Ross Mills

Executive Director

Mary Braun Winowiecki

Communications Director

Lillian Kinker

Office Administrator

Michigan native, Sara Hartley, grew up in Big Rapids and earned a BA in Music from Alma College. She worked as the Music Manager for Washington National Cathedral, in Development and as Upper School Assistant at Garrison Forest School outside Baltimore, MD. Eventually Sara returned to Northern Michigan where she worked in the President's office at NMC and more recently works in Admission and Financial Aid for Interlochen Arts Academy.

Sara also has a degree in Baking and Patisserie and has worked in professional kitchens in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. She also worked for three years as the Research and Development Baker for Cherry Republic.

Sara remains active in theatre, music, and baking in the area as a performer, director and teacher. She is also an MFA candidate for Creative Writing at Vermont College of Fine Art and will graduate in July 2023.

Sarah has spent her summers in Leland her whole life, eventually moving here in 2013. She attended Kenyon College where she received her B.A. in History and Political Science. Before moving to Leland, Sarah worked at North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka, IL for 14 years, where she was the Co-Director of College Counseling.

In addition to college counseling, Sarah was the Varsity Field Hockey Coach, an advisor, and involved in the Global Education program, traveling and leading student groups around the country and internationally. She also served as a program coordinator and advisor for the Global Youth Leadership Institute. Sarah was the Old Art Building’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year and served as Program Assistant for two years before stepping into the role of Program Director.

Mary grew up in Traverse City and has lovely memories spending summer days in Leland. Her mom Ruth, an accomplished water color artist, instilled in Mary and her siblings a passion for the arts. While not a painter herself, Mary expresses herself artistically through her love of writing, singing, and interior design.

Mary received her B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University and started her career in corporate communications in Chicago with Morton International. She held subsequent roles in marketing, PR, and advertising in Grand Rapids, L.A., and Northern Michigan. Prior to joining the OAB staff, she served as Director of Marketing at Traverse City Tourism and, most recently, at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor.

She and her husband Joe returned to Northern Michigan in 2000 to raise their children Emma and Mitch. Now empty nesters, they enjoy hiking and snowshoeing with their Golden Retriever Gus from their Leelanau County home.

Lillian was born and raised in Northport, MI. Growing up in Leelanau County, she attended Northport Public School and graduated in 2018. Throughout the years, Lillian took many art classes, performed ballet recitals, and made valentines at the OAB. She spent 11 summers working at a local CSA farm in Lake Leelanau before moving to Ann Arbor to start school at the University of Michigan. After graduating with a B.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies, Lillian took a management position at a local retail company, and stayed for two additional years in the city of trees.

In early 2024, she felt the pull of Leelanau County and decided to move back to Northport. Lillian enjoys painting and creating in her spare time, and has been a part of the Lifelines to Solitary pen pal program for two years. She has loved the Old Art Building for many years, and is thrilled to see where the position takes her.

Old Art Building

111 S. Main Street, PO Box 883 Leland, Michigan 49654 Tel. 231.256.2131 [email protected] www.oldartbuilding.com

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Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

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Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park is an enduring Sacramento landmark and serves as not only a public museum but the state’s official reception center for worldwide leaders.

Leland Stanford, who served as California governor from 1862 to 1863, established the residence as a headquarters for governors through the 1860s. Sadly, Stanford and his wife lost their only child to typhoid fever, which led to them establishing Stanford University in his name. The residence served as the Stanford Home for Children until its establishment as a state park in 1978.

Today, the 19,000-square-foot mansion has recently undergone a 14-year, $22 million restoration, allowing visitors to admire beautifully restored woodwork, 17-foot ceilings, artifacts and antique furnishings that belonged to the Stanfords, and historic paintings. The gardens have been extensively landscaped in a 19th-century style.

Recent reviews

Past visitors called the mansion spectacular and praised the knowledgeable docents, who share stories about the house and Stanford’s influence. However, a few reviewers were disappointed that photography is not allowed inside the mansion.

The State Historic Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., although it’s best to check ahead as the mansion is only accessible via guided tour, and these may be canceled for official activities. Tours are free and limited to 10 people on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll find the park in downtown Sacramento at 8th and N streets, just a few blocks from the State Capitol.  Find more information on the mansion’s website .

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#1 Capitol Park

Capitol Park has been home to the California state government since 1869. In addition to being the state's seat of government, the neoclassical Capitol building also houses a museum with state artifacts, artistic depictions of California, plus antiques, murals and governors' portraits.

After you've explored the Capitol building and museum, take a stroll through the rest of the park, which is home to memorials marking significant events in state history, including the Civil War Memorial Grove, the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the California Veterans Memorial, among other monuments. Much to the delight of recent travelers, the park’s 40 acres are also filled with plenty of trees, flowers and benches perfect for enjoying the serene spot.

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Sacramento Valley

Stories from the valley

Visiting Sacramento’s Stately Leland Stanford Mansion

Contributed by keli gwyn.

Located just two blocks west of the state capitol in the shadow of modern office buildings, Leland Stanford Mansion adds an air of elegance to the downtown core. Visitors can step back in time and imagine what life was like for our eighth governor and his wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford.

Upon arriving at the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park , I kept my camera busy capturing the beauty of the mansion, a fine example of the French Renaissance Revival style the Stanfords favored. Originally built in the mid-1850s, Leland and Jane oversaw two renovations after purchasing it in1861, expanding the house from eight rooms to its present 44—and raising it one story to prevent flooding of the main rooms.

While waiting for our hour-long tour to begin, I perused the informative displays in the visitor center at the back of the property. Our guide gathered our group, and we made our way into the mansion, entering by way of the grand ballroom.Photographs taken by renown Victorian-era photographer Eadweard Muybridge line the walls. They were used to guide the designers who recaptured the grandeur of the mansion when the Stanfords called it home.

Standing in the receiving parlor, the Stanfords’ wealth is evident. Our guide drew our attention to the lace curtains, replicas of the expensive handmade originals, which Jane saw to it puddled on the floor, a not-so-subtle declaration of the family’s elevated financial status. An impressive inlaid table and elegant cabinet that the Stanfords had shipped from New York, two of the finest pieces of furniture in the home, took my breath away.

Other rooms seen on the tour include two dining rooms, the master bedroom where Jane gave birth to the Stanfords’ long-awaited son, Leland Junior, and the two-room office that was used by two governors prior to the completion of the capitol. The offices are still used today for ceremonial services.

Although known for their wealth, the Stanfords were also known for their generosity. When they lost their beloved son to typhoid at the age of 15, they established Leland Stanford Junior University in his memory, creating a lasting legacy. This gift has touched many through the years. In fact, two members of our tour group were Stanford graduates!

The Stanfords’ benevolence didn’t stop there. In 1900, Jane gifted the mansion to the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, along with an endowment, to be used for the “nurture, care and maintenance of homeless children.” One room has been maintained in the style of the orphanage, depicting two different eras in which young girls occupied the home.

In 1978, the State of California purchased Leland Stanford Mansion, located at 800 N Street, for use as a state park, and it was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Following an extensive five-year renovation, the house was opened for tours in 2005. Because many of the items inside the house remain the property of others, visitors are not allowed to take pictures, but you can get a taste of what you’ll see here . Free tours are offered daily from 10 am-4 pm, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and when preempted by an official activity.

• Leland Stanford Mansion

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

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The Leland Stanford Mansion Guide

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The Leland Stanford Mansion was finished being built in 1857 but wasn't occupied by the Stanfords until 1861 when he was the 8th governor of California. Purchased for $8,000 at that time, it would now be equivalent to $259,465.06 or a mere fraction of its value.

Originally the home was 2 stories but as the one of the "Big Four" railroad tycoons, Leland and his wife Jane gave the home a new 1st floor and an additional 4th floor. The home was one of the first 3 homes in the Sacramento area to have running water indoors.

This stunning home is a massive 19,000 square feet and has been restored to its golden days. At a cost of $20,000,000 in 2005 the renovation was completed with the use of photographs from 1871, when the home was documented for its extravagance.

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Quick Information:

* Address: 800 "N"  Street    Sacramento, Ca 95814 * Phone: (916) 324-0575

* Park Hours: 10AM to 5PM * Established: 1978 * Size: 19,000 Square Feet

* Elevation: Approx. 21 feet

Day Use Fee: Free

Dogs: Not Allowed, except service dogs

Drinking Water: Is available

Toilets: Yes, flushing

Hours: 10AM to 5PM

Quick, But Important Info:

I wanted to go over some boring but essential information that goes along with any State Park and these are things like parking, bathroom facilities, rules regarding pets and whether you can have food and drink on the premises.

Though there is no parking lot for this museum, there is parking along 8th street and N street.

You can park on either side of N street as it is a one way street. These are metered parking spots with a 2-hour max time for each parking session that can be credited with quarters or the ParkMobile app . The cost is just under $4 for that 2-hour time period, if you use the app. 

There are 2 restrooms available, but neither of these are available while on your tour. One restroom is to the right and around the corner from the entrance to the visitor center.

The other is located in the rose garden area, at the front of the mansion. The image outlines where the two restrooms are located.

There are no dogs allowed on the grounds or in the mansion itself. The only exception to this rule is if it is a certified service dog.

Food & Water:

No food or drink are allowed inside the mansion. I did see a few people taking their lunch break in the garden area, though, where the atmosphere is nice, and the surrounding area is quite peaceful. Since you are at downtown, there are plenty of places around that you can grab something to eat or drink quite easily.

Leland Stanford Mansion Map:

What's There To See At The Leland Stanford Mansion?

This California State Park is a hidden gem right in the heart of Sacramento. Until we went to the California State Railroad Museum, I didn't know that Leland Stanford existed nor his mansion. With about 75,000 visitors a year, it isn't usually busy with the exceptions of the weekends. 

When you drive up to the home on N Street you will see just how impressive the architecture is of this 1856 stately home. When it was originally built for Mr. Sheldon Fogus who sold the home to the Stanfords in 1861 the same year that Leland was elected to the position of Governor of California. 

The mansion is a mix of architectural styles, with its beginnings as a 2-story brick house. It originally had four rooms separated by a hallway on each floor also known as a four-over-four. Once the major renovation began in 1871 the styles of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire architecture were integrated.

No Photography Allowed:

As there is no photography allowed, the only real way to see the splendor of the mansion is by visiting it. The 3 photos below are courtesy of lesperancedesign.com they are top-notch at what they do and are responsible for the interior design. You can view their entire photo gallery on their website. I may be purchasing some cool pics from the archive, so this will be updated, but you will still need to talk about the no pic rule.

Using Historic Photos As A Way To Renovate:

Without these historic photos of the Stanford Mansion, none of this would have been possible. Leland had the home documented by photographer Eadweard Muybridge in April 1872. These photographs are the only way this task was accomplished. The photos below are credited to the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division .

Ballroom: 

The ballroom was used for entertaining and still is to this day! The mansion has been used by all the governors of California, even for more recent occasions. On our tour of the house, our tour guide stated that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger used the mansion often and knew how to throw a party, which was done regularly. 

Billiards Room:

Back in a time before the game of pool, billiards has been around since the 15th century and began as an outdoor game. Mrs. Jane Stanford would often have ladies over for a game of billiards. In the photo above you see Leland Stanford Jr, Jane Stanford and her sister.

After coming up the double grand staircase, you would have entered in though these massive doors. This would have originally been the first floor, but Leland had the house raised, making the first floor the second. The river used to flood, and most homes would be filled with water and sediment and mud.

Receiving Parlor:

The room to awe your guests with, and it does the job. When you enter this room you will be in awe of the details of this room. As the home had been transformed during its days as an orphanage, it was again transformed back when lesperancedesign took the photographs taken for Leland and transformed this once orphanage back to its original grandeur.

Leland and Jane Stanford

Amasa Leland Stanford was born in March the 9th of 1824 in Watervliet, New York to Josiah and Elizabeth Phillips Stanford. He was 1 of 8 children and raised on farms in and around the Albany, New York area. He attended public school then was homeschooled for 3 more years. After basic schooling he studied law at Cazenovia Seminary, whereupon completion he apprenticed for 3 years before becoming a lawyer.

In September 1850 he married Jane Elizabeth Lathrop, who was also from the Albany area. After an unfortunate event and the loss of his law practice and law library to a fire, he left for California in the year 1852, following 5 of his brothers out here. Jane stayed in New York to take care of her father and once he passed away in 1855, he came back to New York to get Jane and they moved the following year to Sacramento.

Here he dabbled in small business ventures until he found a niche worth investing into, what would become the Transcontinental Railroad. Leland Stanford was elected the president of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1861 and that same year he was also elected as the 8th governor of California as a Republican. During his time as governor he managed to cut the state's debt in half, and he advocated for the conservation of forests.

In May of 1868 he joined again with some investors of the Central Pacific Railroad to form the Pacific Union Express Company. This company merged in 1870 with Wells Fargo and Leland sat as director for many years. Also that same year at the age of 44 became a father when Jane gave birth to the one and only child Leland Dewitt Stanford. He was the joy of their life and when he passed away at the age of 15 they were devastated, the Stanfords created Stanford University in his honor. 

He wore many hats in his lifetime and dabbled in many business ventures, many times was most always either president or board chair of any company that he was a part of. From railroads, vineyards, mining, racehorses, banking, schools and charity.  Leland Stanford passed away of heart failure at home in Palo Alto, California, on June 21, 1893.

What's Nearby?

Since the tour of the mansion will usually only take 1-2 hours, you will probably want to check out some other cool places in the area. Old Sacramento State Historic Park is just a 10-minute walk down the road, with buildings dating back to the late 1840s. Gift shops and restaurants fill these historic buildings. Also in the Old Town Sac area is the California State Railroad Museum, which is a not to be missed state park highlighting the history of the locomotive. This is one if not the best locomotive museum in all the United States.

If you head 4 minutes walk in the opposite direction of Old Sacramento, you will find the California State Capitol Museum as well as California State Capitol Park and gardens. By car, you can be at Sutters Fort State Historic Park in 7 minutes and learn about California history dating back to when California still belonged to Mexico and the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. There is so much history in the Sacramento area that it may take more than one day trip to visit, but its time well spent. 

Helpful Resources:

Here is a short list of some of the resources I used to gather the information for this article, that mean we came from the state parks website and a lot of the historical information we gathered came from the Library of Congress' archives.

• CA State Parks Page
• Park Brochure
• Library of Congress

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