About Iron County — Land For Sale

Along Michigan’s south‑central U.P. border, Iron County blends river gorges, big woods and small‑town convenience. Crystal Falls (county seat) sits on the Paint River, with Iron River and Gaastra nearby. Public land stretches in all directions via the Ottawa National Forest, while Bewabic State Park and Pentoga Park offer close‑to‑town beaches, launches and campgrounds.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — Classic northwoods habitat: aspen regen and sugar maple/birch ridges meet hemlock benches and cedar/spruce lowlands with beaver ponds. Whitetail, bear, grouse and woodcock are staples. Access is excellent across Ottawa NF, Bewabic SP and county parklands.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Options range from Fortune Lakes and Chicagon/Stanley to river miles on the Paint River. Shorelines vary—bedrock/cobble and coarse sand on high‑energy stretches; firm sand/gravel to muck in quiet coves. Know bluff stability/high‑water setbacks on big water and floodplain on river parcels.

Farm & Tillable — Limited but present on upland benches—loamy sands and sandy loams dominate with heavier pockets in bottoms. Field shapes vary; drainage and all‑season drives (culverts/base) keep equipment moving.

Timber & Habitat — Strong northern hardwoods with aspen/jack pine in mixed stands and cedar/tamarack in drainages. Many tracts show select‑cut history—room for roads/trails, TSI and small food plots on upland knobs.

Cabin/Residential — Year‑round county roads serve most homes; seasonal two‑tracks are common near state/federal ground. Electric typically at the road; wells/septic after a passing perc. Fastest internet clusters around Crystal Falls/Iron River corridors; remote tracts lean on fixed‑wireless or satellite.

Public Land & Nearby Recreation

• Bewabic State Park (Fortune Lakes) — CCC‑era lakeside park with launches, campground and day‑use beach just west of Crystal Falls.

• Ottawa National Forest — Nearly a million acres with waterfalls, rivers, two‑tracks and vast hunting access.

• Pentoga Park (Indian Lake) — County campground with swim beach, picnic shelters and boat launch south of Crystal Falls.

• City of Crystal Falls Parks & River Walk — Local trailheads, river access and in‑town recreation along the Paint.

Prefer privacy with more to roam? Parcels that border national forest or township/county holdings do come up—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—order a current perc.
• Frontage quality: On high‑bank rivers and bigger lakes, confirm bank/bluff stability, ordinary high‑water lines and setbacks.
• Timber roads: Use geotextile and culverts at wet crossings; loop trails help you hunt the wind without bumping bedding cover.
• Winter access: Assume seasonal two‑tracks aren’t plowed; plan for sled or tracked‑UTV access to deeper tracts.
• Utilities/internet: Confirm electric at the road; fastest service sits near towns and along US‑2/M‑69.

FAQs — Iron County

What makes land for sale in Iron County, Michigan appealing? River corridors, big‑woods privacy and convenient trail/park access create four‑season value 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/floodplain considerations on water parcels.

Where can I launch a boat? DNR/city access at Fortune Lakes and Chicagon/Stanley; county launches at Pentoga; numerous USFS sites along the Paint and connected waters.

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 Crystal Falls/Iron River; remote stretches 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 • Iron County Construction Code — permits • Iron County Road Commission — permits