In 2026, as part of the America 250 celebration, the festival returns bigger and better than ever. This year, we are proud to dedicate the boat show in memory of Jim Wenstrup, who coordinated the event for the past decade. Jim’s passion for classic wooden boats, his love of Lake Leelanau, and his welcoming spirit helped make this gathering what it is today. Renaming the show in his honor celebrates his lasting contributions and ensures his legacy lives on.

Come experience the 21st Annual Jim Wenstrup Wooden Boat Show featuring a stunning lineup of classic wooden boats, and enjoy the return of a crowd favorite – the Classic Car Show hosted by Van’s Garage – filling the Leland Cultural District block with vintage charm. With free museum admission, outdoor exhibits, local community partners, live music, and activities throughout the day, it’s the perfect reason to plan your visit to Leland in September!

Festival Schedule

Saturday, September 12 | 10:00am–3:00pm | 203 E. Cedar St.

Happening Throughout the Day

Outdoor Exhibits “Ship Shapes” • Classic Wooden Boat Show • Classic Car Show • Free Museum Exhibits • Maritime Organizations • Water & Conservation Partners • Children’s Activities • Food Truck by Taqueria Mosqueda • Live Great Lakes Music with Lee Murdock • Surprise Fly Over by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City

Parking & Accessibility
E. Cedar St. will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the festival and car show.

• Street parking is available along M-22 and on surrounding side streets. Designated handicap accessible parking is available at the end of First St., accessible via Pine St. This street end will also have a designated passenger drop off area.
  
• Accessible restrooms are available inside the Leelanau Historical Society Museum, Leland Township Library, Old Art Building as well as portable restrooms in the parking lot.
  
• A changing table and drinking fountain are available inside the Leland Township Library.
  
• Terrain. Festival activities take place on mostly flat terrain and paved roads and sidewalks. Back lawn activities are set up on mowed lawns where tree roots or uneven ground may be present.
  
• The Jim Wenstrup Wooden Boat Show extends along the waterfront behind the Museum. The dock includes multiple ramp access points. Some portions of the Boat Show may require traveling across the lawn to reach the dock.
  
• Seating
  Benches, chairs, or picnic tables will be available throughout the festival. Seating is available for scheduled presentations.

Dedication Ceremony: Jim Wenstrup Wooden Boat Show

10:15 AM
South End of the Dock, Behind the Museum

Join us for a short ceremony officially dedicating the annual Wooden Boat Show in memory of Jim Wenstrup, whose passion and dedication helped make this beloved tradition what it is today. LHS Board Member Guy Brossy will share a few words honoring Jim and his legacy.

Live Music by Lee Murdock
11:00am, On the back lawn


Broadly acknowledged as “the premier interpreter of songs and tales about the Great Lakes,” Lee Murdock has uncovered a boundless body of music and stories in his home region. There is an amazing timelessness to this music. Great Lakes songs are made of hard work, hard living, ships that go down and ships that come in. The music is grounded in the work song tradition, from the rugged days of lumberjacks and wooden sailing schooners, Murdock comes alongside with original ballads of contemporary commerce and revelry in the grand folk style.

Noted as a fluent instrumentalist on the six and twelve-string guitars, Lee Murdock’s musical influences span fifteen generation, from 17th century Irish harp music, to Scott Joplin guitar rags,  and embracing the blues, freshwater shanties, original songs and ballads.

Gar Wood: The Gray Fox of Algonac 
Presented by Kendall Wingrove 

12:00 pm (30min program + Q&A)
Munnecke Community Room | 203 E. Cedar St. Leland

Garfield Arthur Wood was the embodiment of big-time powerboat competition during the early decades of the 20^th century. As the sport’s first superstar, Wood was to boat racing what Babe Ruth was to baseball – dominant, dramatic, fun-loving, and iconic. Mr. Wingrove will explore the life and career of this courageous racer, succesful entrepreneur, and trailblazing inventor.  

Kendall Wingrove is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Michigan History magazine. Raised in Algonac, Michigan, Wingrove earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in journalism at Michigan State University. He spent decades as a press secretary and public relations strategist in state government. Wingrove is a former president of the Historical Society of Michigan.

Lighthouse Keeper Ken Pratt: Life at the Light

Every hour on the half-hour: 10:30am • 11:30am • 12:30pm • 1:30pm • 2:30pm
On the back lawn

Step back in time with lighthouse keeper reenactor Ken Pratt as he shares the history of lighthouses throughout the Grand Traverse region. Discover the duties, daily routines, and challenges of lighthouse keepers and learn about the important role these beacons played in Great Lakes maritime history.

Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake Documentary
Film on loop starting: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Film duration 25min.
Old Art Building | 111 S Main St., Leland

The Leelanau Historical Society proudly presents “Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake,” a captivating documentary that dives into the history and nostalgia of Lake Leelanau – a cherished body of water in Leelanau County, MI. Produced by the Leelanau Historical Society and directed by Keith Patterson of Manitou Films, this film is a heartfelt tribute to the lake’s enduring legacy. The film is a recipient of a 2024 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.

*Be sure to check out the companion exhibit, “Life on Lake Leelanau” located inside the Leelanau Historical Society Museum.

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