The Leelanau Historical Society was established in 1957 by community leaders to collect and preserve Leelanau’s rich cultural landscape. The first museum opened in 1959, in the historic jailhouse building in Leland. Today, the museum sits on the banks of the Leland River directly across from the original site. The new museum building houses the Society’s offices, many exhibition spaces, a research center, and archives.

Visitors to the museum learn about Leelanau life and maritime history from exhibits, educational programs, and publications.