Hunting / Farm Land, Country Homes & Estates for sale in Northeast Michigan

About the Northeast Region — Land For Sale

From the Lake Huron “Sunrise Coast” up through the Au Sable high country and jack‑pine plains, the Northeast region covers Alpena County, Alcona County, Iosco County, Ogemaw County, Oscoda County, Montmorency County, Presque Isle County, Roscommon County, and Crawford County. Lake towns like Alpena, Oscoda/Au Sable, Tawas City/East Tawas, West Branch, Mio and Roscommon anchor supplies and services. This is big‑sky water meeting big‑woods country—sand beaches and rocky points on Huron, spring‑fed inland lakes, and river corridors that define the pace of life. If you’re weighing quiet recreation with practical homestead options, you’ll find a strong mix of opportunities in land for sale in the Northeast region of Michigan.

Land & Lifestyle at a Glance

Hunting & Recreation — Classic edge country: oak/maple ridges against aspen regen and lowland conifer, plus pine openings from historic fire ecology. Whitetails, bear, grouse/woodcock, and waterfowl are common. Public access concentrates in the Huron National Forest, Au Sable State Forest units, and multiple state game areas.

Waterfront & Lakes/Rivers — Lake Huron shoreline varies from sugar‑sand (Tawas Point) to cobble/limestone shelves (Thompson’s Harbor) with dune and marl pockets. Inland, the Au Sable’s famed “Holy Waters,” plus the Rifle, Thunder Bay, Black, and Ocqueoc rivers, offer paddle/float stretches and fisheries. Expect floodplain benches and seasonal water levels—confirm setbacks.

Farm & Tillable — Tillable pockets cluster in the Rifle/Thunder Bay lowlands and south toward Ogemaw/Iosco; look for loamy sands and sandy loams with established tile where fields meet creek draws. Most field shapes are equipment‑friendly off county gravel; verify culvert permits for new drives.

Timber & Habitat — Jack pine, red/white pine, red/sugar maple, basswood, aspen, and oak. Many tracts show recent select cuts; light TSI, trail brushing, and small openings for food plots can quickly improve wildlife use and resale.

Cabin/Residential — Rural builds typically use well/septic; natural gas and fiber cluster near US‑23 and I‑75 corridors and larger towns. Year‑round road access is common, with seasonal forest lanes the deeper you go. Ask about perc results in lowland pockets and snowplow priorities for winter access.

Public Land & Regional Recreation

• Huron‑Manistee National Forests (Huron District) — Nearly a million acres across the northern Lower; Au Sable National Scenic River access, camping, OHV, hiking, hunting.
• Au Sable National Scenic River — Mio to Alcona Pond; renowned fishing, paddling, and riverside camping.
• Rifle River Recreation Area — Trail loops, lakes and ponds, observation tower, and easy family paddling.
• Tawas Point State Park — Sand spit, birding hotspot, and protected shallows on Tawas Bay.
• Thompson’s Harbor State Park — Rustic limestone shorelines, dunes and rare plants; footpaths and backcountry feel.
• Negwegon State Park — Remote shoreline hiking, dark‑sky preserve, and beach landings for paddlers.
• Michigan Water Trails — Au Sable & Oscoda Blueway — Signed launches for lower Au Sable ponds (Foote, Cooke, Five Channels, Loud, Alcona).

Featured Areas Within the Region

• Au Sable River Corridor (Mio to Lake Huron) — Trophy‑class river scenery with public access nodes; check floodplain and riparian rules.
• Higgins & Houghton Lakes / St. Helen — Clear‑water inland lakes with year‑round town services and strong rental demand.
• Tawas Bay & Sand Spits — Family‑friendly beaches and protected anchorage; frontage quality varies sand → marl/cobble.
• Presque Isle Limestone Shore — Karst pockets, quarry overlooks, and migratory flyway views along Lake Huron.
• Rifle River Hills (Ogemaw) — Tight draws and mixed hardwood/pine—great for screened access to stands and plots.

Local Tips from a Michigan Land Specialist

• In jack‑pine country, sandy two‑tracks can rut after a rain—plan turnouts and a simple crown for driveway longevity.
• Along the Au Sable and Thunder Bay, budget for elevated walkouts or helical piers where soils are saturated; verify ordinary high‑water mark before siting.
• ORV routes and snowmobile connectors intersect the Huron District—confirm proximity if you want (or want to avoid) motorized access.
• For timber parcels, time hauling around seasonal road restrictions; coordinate with the county road commission.
• Use conifer screens along road frontage to hide parking and improve deer approach; hinge‑cut selectively on aspen regen edges.
• Check fiber and natural gas availability near US‑23 towns; farther inland expect fixed‑wireless or satellite internet.

FAQs (Region‑Specific)

Which counties are included? Most buyers group Alpena, Alcona, Iosco, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Crawford within Northeast Michigan.

Are waterfront parcels buildable? Often yes—with local zoning, floodplain, and wetland rules in play. Confirm setbacks, ordinary high‑water marks, and soil bearing in lowland areas.

What parcel sizes are common? Lake lots and 10–20 acre starters near towns; classic 40–80 acres hunting tracts and 80–160 acre timber/farm pieces inland; occasional legacy holdings.

How about utilities/internet? Closer to Alpena, Oscoda, East Tawas, West Branch, and Roscommon you’ll find natural gas/fiber clusters; elsewhere it’s well/septic with generator or solar for off‑grid setups.

📲 Talk to a Michigan Land Specialist — CLICK HERE!

Helpful resources: USFS Huron‑Manistee • Au Sable Scenic River • DNR RecSearch: Rifle River RA • MI Water Trails: Oscoda/Au Sable Blueway • MSU Extension: Septic Systems

You’ll find a rotating mix of Michigan land for sale here—from Northeast timberland to Northeast waterfront property, hunting land for sale, cabins, and buildable homesteads. When you’re ready, we’ll help you match the parcel to your plan and budget.