About Gogebic County — Land For Sale

Michigan’s far‑western U.P. delivers big‑water and big‑woods in Gogebic County. Ironwood (county seat), Bessemer and Wakefield anchor services along US‑2, while Watersmeet Township connects you to the Sylvania Wilderness & Recreation Area. The Lake Superior shore meets the Black River Harbor waterfall corridor, and Lake Gogebic State Park sits at the county’s namesake lake.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — Classic northwoods: aspen regen, sugar maple/birch on uplands, hemlock benches and cedar/spruce/fir lowlands with beaver ponds. Deer, bear, grouse and woodcock are staples; winter yarding corridors and mast edges matter. Public access is outstanding across Ottawa National Forest, state park/forest lands and county sites.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Options range from Lake Superior frontage near Little Girl’s Point/Black River Harbor to inland lakes (Gogebic, Thousand Island, Cisco Chain) and rivers like the Black River and Presque Isle. Shorelines vary: bedrock/cobble and coarse sand on Superior; firm sand/gravel to muck in inland coves. Check bluff/setbacks on big water, floodplain on rivers, and ice‑push history.

Farm & Tillable — Limited but present in openings around Ewen/Watersmeet benches—loamy sands and sandy loams with pockets of heavier soils. Field shapes are irregular; drainage and all‑season drives (culverts/base) are key.

Timber & Habitat — Northern hardwoods with aspen/jack pine in mixed stands and cedar/tamarack in drainages. Many tracts show select‑cut history—room for TSI, trail systems and tucked plots on upland knobs.

Cabin/Residential — Year‑round county roads serve most homes; seasonal forest/two‑tracks are typically unplowed. Electric usually at the road; wells/septic after a passing perc. Fastest internet clusters near Ironwood/Bessemer/Wakefield and US‑2/M‑28; remote tracts lean on fixed wireless or satellite.

Public Land & Nearby Recreation

• Black River Harbor Recreation Area (USFS) — Harbor, beach and trailheads to a chain of waterfalls (Gorge, Potawatomi, Sandstone, Rainbow).

• Sylvania Wilderness & Recreation Area — Pristine, motor‑free lakes, portage trails and old‑growth forests near Watersmeet.

• Lake Gogebic State Park — Campground, boat launch and miles of shoreline on the U.P.’s largest inland lake.

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — Presque Isle Unit — Rugged Lake Superior coast and the Presque Isle River mouth at the county line.

• Copper Peak — Iconic ski‑flying hill with chairlift/observation experiences above the Black River valley.

Prefer privacy with more to roam? Parcels bordering state or federal land are common here—ask about what’s currently available.

Local Tips from a Michigan Land Specialist

• Perc & soils: Upland sands/loams often pass; cedar/muck flats may need engineered systems—get a current perc.
• Frontage quality: On Superior and high‑bank rivers, confirm shoreline type (bedrock/cobble vs. sand), bluff stability and setback rules; inland lakes vary from firm sand to marl—check bottom type and floodplain.
• Timber roads: Stabilize wet crossings with geotextile and culverts; loop trails help you hunt the wind without bumping bedding cover.
• Winter access: Assume seasonal/two‑tracks aren’t plowed; plan for snow machine access to deep‑woods parcels.
• Utilities/internet: Confirm electric at the road; fastest service sits near towns and along US‑2/M‑28.

FAQs — Gogebic County

What makes land for sale in Gogebic County, Michigan appealing? Lake Superior scenery, a dense public‑land network and true backcountry feel create four‑season utility for cabins, year‑round homes and timber/habitat tracts.

Is rural acreage “buildable”? Generally yes with township approval and a passing perc for septic. Expect driveway/culvert permits and shoreline/bluff considerations on Great Lakes or high‑bank river parcels.

Where can I launch a boat? Black River Harbor and county/DNR sites provide Lake Superior access; launches also dot Lake Gogebic and Sylvania‑area lakes.

What parcel sizes are typical? 10–20 acre cabin sites, classic 40–80 acre hunting pieces, larger 80–160+ acre timber tracts, and select lake/riverfront lots.

Can I get reliable internet? Best near Ironwood/Bessemer/Wakefield; remote tracts often rely on fixed wireless or satellite.

Talk to a Michigan Land Specialist — contact us

Helpful resources: Michigan DNR hunting rules & regulations • MSU Extension Home Soil Test kit • Gogebic County Road Commission — permits • Western U.P. Health Dept — wells & septic