About Montmorency County — Land For Sale

In the elk heartland of Northeast Michigan, Montmorency County blends quiet lakes, big hardwood ridges and working farm‑and‑timber country. Atlanta (county seat) and Lewiston anchor daily needs along M‑32, with the Thunder Bay/Black River headwaters, Clear Lake country and state forests all close by.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — A true northwoods mix: aspen regen and oak/maple highs meet cedar/spruce lowlands with beaver ponds. This is Michigan elk range—plus whitetail, bear, grouse and woodcock. Access is strong across nearby state forests and designated elk viewing areas.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Options range from sand‑bottom inland lakes (Clear, Ess, Avery) to river/creek frontage on the Thunder Bay/Black River systems. Expect firm sand/gravel on many lakes and softer marl in back bays. Know floodplain on river lots and ordinary high‑water setbacks on lakes.

Farm & Tillable — Openings occur on upland benches and legacy homesteads. Loamy sands and sandy loams dominate with heavier clays in bottoms. Ask for tile maps, outlet capacity and all‑season field entrances sized for modern equipment.

Timber & Habitat — Northern hardwoods with white/red pine on uplands; cedar/tamarack in drains. Many tracts show select‑cut history—good bones for trails, TSI and tucked food plots along upland knobs.

Cabin/Residential — Year‑round county roads reach most homes; seasonal two‑tracks are common near state land. Power typically at the road; wells/septic after a passing perc. Fastest internet clusters near Atlanta/Lewiston and M‑32; remote tracts lean on fixed‑wireless or satellite.

Public Land & Nearby Recreation

• Clear Lake State Park — Quiet campground, beach and boat launch on a clear, spring‑fed lake north of Atlanta.

• Elk Viewing — DNR — How/when to see elk in the Pigeon River Country–Atlanta range; pair with the DNR Elk Viewing Map (PDF).

• Pigeon River Country State Forest (map) — Adjacent elk‑country forest with designated viewing areas, campgrounds and miles of two‑tracks.

• State Forests — Recreation Map — Find nearby state‑forest campgrounds, trails and access points across the region.

• Clear Lake — MDNR Fisheries Report — Species, depths and access notes for the Clear Lake fishery (Atlanta area).

Prefer privacy with more to roam? Parcels bordering state‑forest blocks or stretching along longer lake/river frontages 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 lakes, confirm bottom type (sand vs. marl/muck), dock/hoist rules and setbacks; on rivers/creeks, verify floodplain and bank stability.
• Timber roads: Stabilize wet crossings with geotextile and culverts; loop trails help you hunt the wind without bumping bedding cover.
• Winter access: Seasonal forest roads are typically unplowed—plan for snow machine or tracked‑UTV access.
• Utilities/internet: Confirm electric at the road; best service sits near M‑32 corridors and population centers.

FAQs — Montmorency County

What makes land for sale in Montmorency County, Michigan appealing? Elk country, clear inland lakes and deep state‑forest access—plus low‑key towns—create four‑season value for cabins, homes and mixed‑use tracts.

Is rural acreage “buildable”? Generally yes with township approval and a passing perc. Expect driveway/culvert permits and added shoreline/floodplain considerations on water parcels.

Where can I launch a boat or paddle? State park launch at Clear Lake and additional launches on nearby lakes; signed access at various river/creek crossings.

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 Atlanta/Lewiston and along M‑32; remote pockets 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 • District Health Dept. #4 — wells & septic • Montmorency County Road Commission — permits