Ranch and Farm Auctions - Pittsfield, IL 62363

Online Only at Ranchandfarmauctions.com

Auction Date: 11/24/26

Bidding Ends At: 1:00 PM ET 

Auction Held: Online Only

480± Acres Of Upper Peninsula Hunting Land With Off-Grid Camp, Trout Stream, and Trails In Alger County, Michigan

Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately 4.5 miles south of M-28 in Alger County, this 480± acre hunting and recreational property offers an established hunting camp, diverse northern Michigan timber, approximately five miles of trails, and nearly 0.8 miles of the West Branch of the Laughing Whitefish River. Comprised of three parcels being sold together, this property has served as a family hunting camp for more than 50 years. With a rustic off-grid cabin, established hunting locations, documented wildlife activity, and extensive recreational opportunities, this Upper Peninsula property offers the opportunity to continue a longstanding hunting tradition while making the land your own.

In an era when hunting success is too often measured by inches of antler, it's easy to forget what makes hunting truly meaningful. The stories shared around the woodstove, the friendships forged in the woods, and the memories passed from one generation to the next. For more than 50 years, this property has been more than a hunting camp. It has been a place where the experience matters more than the harvest. Because here, the Tradition is the Trophy.

The land itself provides the foundation for that experience. Rolling hardwood ridges transition into mixed timber stands, lower cedar-covered ground, and the wooded corridor surrounding the West Branch of the Laughing Whitefish River. Tree species observed throughout the property include maple, beech, white pine, hemlock, cedar, white birch, wild cherry, red oak, and other native species. This mixture of upland hardwoods, conifer cover, and lower wetland areas creates a diverse habitat for whitetail deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, rabbits, and other wildlife associated with Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

One of the property's notable characteristics is its relatively undisturbed timber. During the property inspection, no evidence of recent logging activity was observed, with no apparent timber harvesting in approximately 30 years or more. Although a formal timber inventory has not been completed, the forest composition offers an opportunity to consult with a professional forester to evaluate timber resources and develop a long-term management plan. Potential timber stand improvement practices, selective harvesting, and wildlife habitat enhancements could be explored while maintaining the property's existing forest character. Buyers interested in managing a large tract of northern Michigan hunting land will appreciate the opportunity to evaluate these options based on their individual objectives.

For hunting enthusiasts, the property offers a history that spans more than five decades of family use. Whitetail deer and black bear have been primary hunting pursuits, along with ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and small game. Coyotes, bobcats, and beavers are also among the wildlife reported or observed on the property. Multiple existing tree stands and enclosed hunting blinds provide established hunting locations, while the property's varied terrain and cover offer opportunities to evaluate additional stand sites, wildlife travel corridors, and habitat improvements.

Access throughout the acreage is supported by an existing network of approximately five miles of trails, providing opportunities for ATV and side-by-side riding, hunting access, property maintenance, and exploration. Approximately 0.35 miles of Peter White Road and 1.25 miles of Toivo's Trail run through the property, connecting portions of the acreage and providing access to different timber types and natural features. The property was accessible by pickup truck during the property visit, although road maintenance classifications and legal access arrangements have not been independently verified. For a recreational property of this size, the existing trail network provides a practical starting point for exploring the land and reaching established hunting areas.

Another defining feature is approximately 0.8 miles of the West Branch of the Laughing Whitefish River, which flows from south to north through the property. Although designated as a river, this section has the character of a smaller Upper Peninsula trout stream and generally maintains year-round flow. During the property visit, a small brook trout was caught in the stream, along with several creek chubs in a beaver pond, providing firsthand confirmation of fish activity in these waters. The West Branch eventually joins the main Laughing Whitefish River south of Deerton before continuing toward Lake Superior near Laughing Fish Point. A large beaver dam located along the waterway north of Toivo's Trail adds another distinctive natural feature and contributes to the variety of aquatic and wetland habitats found on the property.

The stream corridor also presents opportunities for buyers interested in fisheries management and conservation. Working with qualified fisheries professionals and appropriate agencies, a future owner could explore potential brook trout habitat improvement projects, evaluate existing stream conditions, and investigate available conservation programs. Any improvements would be subject to professional evaluation and applicable permits. The combination of flowing water, cedar lowlands, riparian vegetation, and surrounding forest provides a valuable natural component to the property's overall recreational character.

At the center of the hunting camp experience is a rustic off-grid cabin that has served as a gathering place and base of operations for generations of outdoor recreation. The camp includes a kitchen, bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower, a propane stove and oven, and a propane gas lighting system. Additional features include an outdoor propane tank, two interior tanks, a generator hookup, electric lighting, and a wood-burning stove for heat. According to the seller, the deep well is operational, and the bathroom utilizes a tank and leach field system. These utility systems have not been independently verified. Public property records identify a 768-square-foot single-family residence, and buyers should verify the building's actual square footage, condition, and utility systems.

The cabin's off-grid configuration is well-suited to the traditional Upper Peninsula hunting camp experience. It provides a place to prepare meals, warm up after a cold day in the woods, review trail camera photographs, and gather around the woodstove to share stories from the day's hunt. With existing cooking, bathroom, heating, lighting, and generator connections, the camp offers practical amenities while maintaining its rustic character. A future owner could continue using the camp much as it has been used for decades or consider improvements and updates to meet their own recreational needs.

While hunting has been central to the property's history, its location also makes it a potential base camp for exploring the many fishing opportunities found throughout Michigan's central Upper Peninsula. Situated between Marquette and Munising, the property is within driving distance of numerous inland lakes, rivers, streams, and the southern shoreline of Lake Superior. Anglers can pursue lake trout, coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and steelhead in Lake Superior, while inland waters throughout the region provide opportunities for brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and other species. Charter fishing operations, public boat launches, and shoreline fishing access can be found in and around Marquette, Au Train, and Munising, with opportunities varying by season and applicable regulations.

Nearby Au Train Lake and the Au Train River provide additional freshwater fishing and paddling destinations, while the property's own stretch of the West Branch of the Laughing Whitefish River offers the opportunity to explore a small brook trout stream without leaving the acreage. Laughing Whitefish Lake is also reportedly approximately a half-mile hike from the property, although the route and legal access have not been verified. Whether spending the morning hunting the hardwood ridges, fishing a secluded trout stream, or heading to Lake Superior for a day on the water, the camp provides a starting point for enjoying a wide range of Upper Peninsula outdoor activities.

Despite its remote recreational setting, the property remains within driving distance of the communities of Marquette and Munising, providing access to shopping, restaurants, supplies, and year-round activities. Marquette is home to Northern Michigan University, which offers collegiate athletics, cultural events, and educational opportunities throughout the year. The city also features local restaurants, breweries, grocery stores, sporting goods retailers, and a variety of shopping options, making it a practical destination for stocking the camp or enjoying an evening in town. To the east, Munising offers additional dining, shopping, grocery options, and outdoor recreation services, along with access to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Lake Superior. These nearby communities add convenience and recreational variety to the experience of owning a remote Upper Peninsula hunting property.

With 480± acres being offered together, this Alger County property provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, trail riding, wildlife observation, forest management, and enjoying the outdoors throughout the seasons. The combination of documented black bear hunting history, mature whitetail buck activity, established tree stands and blinds, approximately five miles of trails, diverse timber, an off-grid cabin, and nearly 0.8 miles of brook trout stream creates a recreational property with a broad range of uses. Buyers can maintain the land's longstanding hunting camp tradition while evaluating opportunities for habitat improvements, timber management, and future recreational enhancements.

But perhaps the greatest value of this property cannot be measured in acres, miles of trails, inches of antler, or the size of a bear harvested. It is found in the early mornings spent heading into the woods, the stories told around the woodstove, and the memories created over generations. For more than 50 years, this land has been part of a family's hunting tradition. Now it offers the opportunity for that tradition to continue, with new stories, new memories, and experiences that extend well beyond the harvest.

Bullet Points

480± contiguous acres offered as three parcels together in Alger County, Michigan, subject to survey and boundary verification.

Approximately 900-square-foot rustic off-grid hunting camp with kitchen, bathroom, propane appliances, wood stove, generator hookup, and deep well.

Over 50 years of family hunting camp history with documented black bear harvest photographs 

Approximately 0.8 miles of the West Branch of the Laughing Whitefish River, with brook trout personally caught on the property.

Approximately five miles of trails, suitable for exploring the property by ATV or side-by-side.

Multiple established tree stands and enclosed hunting blinds.

Diverse timber, including maple, beech, white pine, hemlock, cedar, birch, cherry, and red oak, with no recent logging activity observed.

Large beaver dam, cedar lowlands, rolling hardwood terrain, and potential for wildlife habitat and timber stand management.

Approximately 4.5 miles south of M-28 and a reported half-mile hike from Laughing Whitefish Lake.

Important Links

Alger County Government: County property records, tax information, GIS mapping, and local services.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife management, recreational trails, and conservation information.

Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park: Nearby hiking, waterfall viewing, and outdoor recreation.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Regional mileage estimates from the property vicinity at 46.4251, -87.0635. These are not verified turn-by-turn driving distances, and actual road mileage may vary.

Location Approximate Distance

Deerton, Michigan 5–8 miles

Au Train, Michigan 12–16 miles

Munising, Michigan 25–30 miles

Marquette, Michigan 25–30 miles

Chatham, Michigan 15–20 miles

Terms of Sale

Bidders may participate in the auction on-site or online at Ranchandfarmauctions.com
Onsite bidders should bring a government-issued ID
10% down payment immediately after auction - cash, personal, or business checks accepted
If the winning bid is online, you will be immediately contacted to make arrangements for the 10% down payment and a purchase contract will be sent via DocuSign
High bidder has 30 days to close unless otherwise noted
Announcements on auction day will take precedence over any prior announcements
This is a no contingency sale and is not subject to financing or additional inspections
Possession at closing, subject to tenant’s rights, if any
If a survey is needed it will be done following the auction and the total purchase price will be adjusted to the surveyed acres
All information provided is derived from sources believed correct but is not guaranteed or warranted - Bidders shall rely entirely on their own information and judgments

SALE DAY NOTES INFO:

BUYERS PREMIUM: 5%
TAXES: Prorated to date of close
TENANCY: No tenants
RENTS: No rents
MINERALS: Seller-owned rights will convey
CLOSING COSTS: Seller to provide title search and title insurance, balance split 50/50

Please visit the auctioneers website for more photos and full Terms and Conditions.