Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jodi K.
7 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jodi K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Entire home
`The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland!
Photo gallery for `The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland!
Perched on the Leland River in Fishtown's Historic District, this charming fishing shanty offers a unique retreat. Watch the fishing boats and Manitou Island Transit ferry from the dock or take a short walk to explore beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and local shops.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 693 sq m
Popular amenities
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
`The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland!
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. Meandering through Fishtown`s `shanty` shops, 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. An unforgettable vacation experience!
Please note that this rental is directly ON the Carp River and all precautions to being near water should be taken at renters own risk.
Please note that this rental is directly ON the Carp River and all precautions to being near water should be taken at renters own risk.
Property amenities
Beach
- Beach nearby
- Beach loungers
- Beach towels
Internet
- Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
- Car not required
- Parking on site
Kitchen
- Paper towels
Dining
- Dining table
Bedrooms
- 2 bedrooms
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- 2 bathrooms
- Bathtub or shower
- Hair dryer
- Shower
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Towels provided
Living spaces
- Dining table
- Living room
- Separate dining area
Entertainment
- Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
- Balcony
- Barbecue grill
- Outdoor furniture
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Washing machine
Work spaces
- Desk
Comfort
- Air conditioning
Pets
- Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
- Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
- Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
- On a lake
Things to do
- Scuba diving nearby
Safety features
- Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
- Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
- Fire extinguisher
General
- Unit size: 1,000 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Return key to lockbox.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Please note that this rental is directly ON the Carp River and all precautions to being near water should be taken at renters own risk.
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
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Stay at own risk as this property is ON the water.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Payment types at the property
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Leland, this holiday home is on a lake. Historic Fishtown is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as scuba diving. Visit our Leland travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Leland
Leland, MI
What's nearby
Lake Leelanau11 min walk - 1.0 km
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore7 min drive - 10.4 km
Traverse City Beach42 min drive - 59.1 km- Historic Fishtown2 min walk - 0.2 km
- Van's Beach2 min walk - 0.2 km
Getting around
- Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)45 min drive
Restaurants
- Leelanau Pie & Pastry8 min drive
- Fiddleheads8 min drive
- Tandem Ciders18 min drive
- Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse8 min drive
- Nittolo's Seafood And Social8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is `The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at `The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at `The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at `The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is `The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland! located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is steps away from Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown. Lake Michigan is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) away.
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`The Otherside`-Fishtown Shanty in Leland! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new windowRating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 48 reviews
10 - Excellent
47
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 48 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10
Cleanliness
10
Location
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amy R.
10 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Year Three of our Fall stay! Mary Lou is a great host. The shanty is picture perfect. We have many favorite places in the area, and always enjoy finding something new. So many great restaurants but we always make time for one night of cooking in-the place is to wonderful to leave!
Amy R.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rebecca C.
20 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house and location for a girls weekend
Stayed here with some friends for a long weekend - had a great time, and this property was a perfect home base. The house was clean and comfortable, and the Fishtown location was fantastic! We would definitely stay here again.
Rebecca C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Daniel G.
28 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Daniel G.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tracey H.
28 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful space.
Nicely appointed and comfortable.
Tracey H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
1 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the Leland Shanty!!
What a unique place with a perfect location with access to Leland! We will definitely want to come back!!!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eric P.
29 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Eric P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sumer S.
8 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Sumer S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Linsey J.
14 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, very unique property
Our stay over Labor Day 2023 was fantastic! The property is incredibly unique and fun. Location is great with lots to do. The beach is just steps away and the sunsets were gorgeous!
Plenty of space for our family of 4. Kitchen was well stocked for anything you may need to cook and beds were comfortable!
Linsey J.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lisa G.
1 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Spot!
The pictures online do not do this property justice! It was perfect for a weekend getaway with my husband. The cabin had everything we needed and more. Check in and check out were seamless.
Lisa G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amy K.
30 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Amy K.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brooke B.
13 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
I can’t recommend The Shanty enough! It was so unique and clean. The location can’t be beat! I loved to hear the boats and anglers come and go. Our stay was perfect. I can’t wait to book it again!!!
Brooke B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Chris S.
24 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!!
Chris S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eric B.
9 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Eric B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Angela B.
29 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Once in a lifetime
This place is amazing and well stocked! You can walk to restaurants for every meal if you’d like to but it also has everything you need to stay right there and cook. I wouldn’t recommend making a lot plans if you book this incredible shanty because you won’t want to leave!
Angela B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eva C.
15 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Eva C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katherine M.
5 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!!
Katherine M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sally B.
3 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Sally B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Meera S.
12 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Meera S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tony P.
11 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfy and pleasant
Very cute and pleasant. This unique location is a great place for anyone visiting the area.
Check out at 10am was a bit early for us. We felt rushed in the morning. It would have been nice to check out at noon after all the local shops were open. This way we could have shopped before leaving Fish Town. We will be back for sure.
Tony P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amy R.
22 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Old World Charm
The charm of Leland in the Fall at this place was like something out of this world! The home is so charming, cozy and perfectly appointed it is hard to leave! When you do, behind the home is a beautiful beach and in front is the picturesque Leland river. We arrived on a rainy night, had delicious chowder at the cove. Other days we visited wineries, hiked trails and took in the fall vibes. We stayed in and cooked because it was so fun to be in our property overlooking Leland. Dog-friendly, and our two had the best time on walks through town and on the beach. Mary Lou was wonderful!
Amy R.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amy R.
28 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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!
Amy R.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Maribeth A.
2 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place is so clean, it has everything you want.
Maribeth A.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth M.
31 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful. The cottage is well appointed and had everything we needed. Amazing location, another great Leland stay!
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeff M.
29 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
Everything was perfect!
Jeff M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025