About Mackinac County — Land For Sale

Where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet, Mackinac County mixes small‑town convenience with big‑water scenery and deep public‑land access. St. Ignace (county seat) anchors services at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge, while island and shoreline communities put beaches, harbors and trailheads minutes off US‑2 and I‑75.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — Classic U.P. mix: aspen regen and sugar‑maple/birch uplands meet hemlock benches and cedar/spruce lowlands with beaver ponds. Whitetail, bear, grouse and woodcock are staples. Access is excellent via Hiawatha NF, Straits SP, township parks and signed NCT segments.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Options range from rock‑ledge or sand beach on Lake Huron/Michigan to inland lakes and cold creeks. Expect bedrock/cobble and coarse sand on big water; firm sand/gravel to marl in inland coves. Know high‑water/bluff‑stability setbacks on Great Lakes frontage and floodplain on rivers.

Farm & Tillable — Limited; openings appear on upland benches and old homesteads. Loamy sands/sandy loams dominate, with heavier pockets in bottoms. Plan for drainage and all‑season drives if you intend food plots or hobby ag.

Timber & Habitat — Northern hardwoods with white/red pine in mixed stands; cedar/tamarack in drainages. Many tracts show select‑cut history—room for trails, TSI and tucked plots along upland knobs.

Cabin/Residential — Year‑round county roads reach most homes; seasonal two‑tracks are common near state/federal ground. Electric typically at the road; well/septic after a passing perc. Fastest internet clusters near St. Ignace/US‑2/I‑75 corridors; remote tracts lean on fixed‑wireless or satellite.

Public Land & Nearby Recreation

• Straits State Park — Campground, Lake Huron shoreline and Mackinac Bridge views; the North Country Trail passes through.

• Mackinac Island State Park — 70+ miles of roads/paths, historic fort sites and dramatic limestone shoreline on car‑free Mackinac Island.

• Hiawatha National Forest — East Zone — Vast hunting access, two‑tracks, rustic campgrounds and lake launches across the county.

• Brevoort Lake Campground (USFS) — Family‑friendly campground and boating hub on a 4,200‑acre inland lake west of St. Ignace.

• North Country National Scenic Trail — Hiawatha Shore‑to‑Shore — Foot‑travel singletrack linking Straits SP, St. Ignace and miles of Hiawatha NF.

Prefer privacy with more to roam? Parcels bordering national‑forest blocks or with long Great Lakes/inland‑lake frontage 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 Great Lakes lots, confirm shoreline type (bedrock/cobble vs. sand), bluff stability and high‑water setbacks; on inland lakes/creeks, verify floodplain and bottom type.
• Access & winter: Seasonal/two‑tracks are typically unplowed; plan for snow machine or tracked‑UTV access and consider driveway grades/aspect.
• Timber & trails: Use geotextile and culverts at wet crossings; loop routes help you hunt the wind without bumping bedding cover.
• Utilities/internet: Confirm electric at the road; best service sits near St. Ignace and main corridors.

FAQs — Mackinac County

What makes land for sale in Mackinac County, Michigan appealing? Big‑water views, island culture and deep public‑land access—plus small‑town services—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. Expect driveway/culvert permits and added shoreline/bluff considerations on Great Lakes parcels.

Where can I launch a boat? DNR/park launches at Straits SP and multiple sites on inland lakes; Brevoort Lake is a popular central hub.

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 St. Ignace and corridor towns; 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 • LMAS District Health — wells & septic • Mackinac County Road Commission — permits