About Alcona County Land For Sale:

Tucked along Lake Huron’s “Sunrise Side” in Michigan’s northeast Lower Peninsula, Alcona County blends big‑water shoreline with forests, inland lakes and quiet rural townships. Harrisville (the county seat) sits right on the lake with a protected harbor; a few miles inland you’ll find Hubbard Lake—an 8,850‑acre gem ringed by hardwood hills and classic up‑north cottages. Much of the western half touches the Huron‑Manistee National Forests, with the Au Sable River backwaters (Alcona, Loud and Cooke ponds) offering wild views and easy access for fishing and paddling.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — A mix of aspen regen, oak ridges, pine and lowland cedar provides edge and cover. Deer, bear and grouse hunters work cuts and swamp edges; waterfowlers key on backwaters and beaver ponds. Public‑land access is excellent, especially near the Huron‑Manistee and Negwegon State Park.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Choices range from Lake Huron sand/pebble frontage to the Au Sable impoundments and spring‑fed inland lakes. Hubbard Lake is known for clear water and sport fishing; river backwater parcels vary from firm sand to mucky bays—understand floodplains and seasonal levels before you buy.

Farm & Tillable — Fields are typically smaller and irregular, tucked between timber. Soils trend sandy to loamy near the coast with heavier, wetter bottoms inland—tile and ditching matter. Good access for equipment comes down to driveway width, culverts and year‑round road maintenance.

Timber & Habitat — Expect mixed northern hardwoods (maple, oak, birch), aspen and pockets of jack pine with cedar/spruce in the lowlands. Recent select cuts are common; many parcels have room for TSI, food plots and screens to shape deer movement.

Cabin/Residential — Most townships allow year‑round homes and cabins with well/septic after a successful perc. Power is typically along county roads; internet options improve near Harrisville, Lincoln and around Hubbard Lake. Verify zoning/use by township and road winter service before closing.

Public Land & Nearby Recreation

• Huron‑Manistee National Forests (Au Sable corridor) — Boat, paddle and fish the Alcona/Loud/Cooke pond chain; miles of two‑tracks and trailheads for hunting and exploring.

• Harrisville State Park — Family‑friendly Lake Huron beach, campground and day‑use area right in Harrisville; easy access to the harbor and US‑23.

• Negwegon State Park — Rustic, undeveloped shoreline between Harrisville and Alpena; backcountry hiking, birding and quiet beaches.

Local Tips from a Michigan Land Specialist

• Winter plow routes matter. A “year‑round maintained” county road beats a seasonal two‑track if you plan to live here or visit often.
• Request a current perc and know your soils; sandy ridges perk fast, but lowland cedar and muck can need engineered systems.
• On waterfront, ask about frontage type (sand, gravel, marl/muck), water‑level swings and any high‑risk flood zones.
• For timber value and habitat, look for access lanes that hold in spring; lay down geotextile/fill on wet approaches before heavy equipment.
• Screen driveways and food plots from the road with conifers or regen edges to keep deer daylighting on your ground.
• Utilities: confirm electric at the road, and check internet options—DSL/cable near towns; fixed wireless or star‑link‑style options in the sticks.

FAQs — Alcona County

What makes land for sale in Alcona County, Michigan unique? The blend of Lake Huron shoreline, Hubbard Lake and the Au Sable backwaters, plus large blocks of public land, creates a rare mix of big‑water views, inland‑lake living and deep‑woods hunting.

How “buildable” are rural parcels? Most areas allow single‑family homes/cabins with well and septic after a passing perc. Always verify with the township/county and get driveway/culvert approvals where needed.

Where’s the nearest public access for boating? Harrisville Harbor of Refuge on Lake Huron offers paved launches and transient slips; inland, look for DNR ramps on Hubbard Lake and the Au Sable pond chain.

What parcel sizes are typical? Common options include 10–20 acre “starter” tracts, 40–80 acre hunting pieces, larger 80–160 acre timber/habitat blocks, and a range of lakefront lots and small farms.

Can I get year‑round access and internet? Yes on most county roads; seasonal roads may not be plowed. Internet varies—best near Harrisville, Lincoln and Hubbard Lake; remote tracts often rely on fixed wireless or satellite.

Talk to a Michigan Land Specialist [contact us]