Traverse City Up North Cabin on 20 Acres Bordering State Land — $249,900

Property Overview

A two-story cabin on 20 acres in Traverse City, Michigan, offers a mix of wooded ground, open fields, and access to the outdoor recreation that draws people to Northern Michigan. Located on West Blair Townhall Road, the property borders state land and features towering pines, hardwoods, and a drive-under garage for storing recreational equipment.

The cabin was built in 1993 and contains 616 square feet of interior living space, with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. It needs work, making it a project for a buyer who wants to improve an existing structure while making use of the surrounding acreage. A functional private well is already on the property.

• 20 acresWooded and cleared land
• Two-story cabinBuilt in 1993
• 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom616 square feet of living space
• Drive-under garageOne attached parking space
• Private wellExisting functional water well
• State land boundaryAdjoins public land

Cabin Interior

The two-level cabin has a compact layout, with the living room, kitchen, and dining area forming the main living spaces. The two bedrooms are located upstairs, along with the cabin’s two-story arrangement that makes use of a relatively small footprint.

A wood-burning stove provides a traditional cabin heat source, and the listed heating systems also include forced air, a space heater, and propane and wood as fuel types. An oven/range is included. There is no listed laundry area, so buyers should account for their laundry needs when planning improvements.

The cabin is described as a fixer, so its current condition and the scope of any necessary repairs should be assessed in person. Buyers should also confirm the operation and condition of the heating equipment, electrical system, plumbing, roof, foundation, and other major components before making plans for renovation or year-round use.

Land, Woods and Open Fields

The 20-acre parcel combines wooded sections with cleared, level ground. Towering pines and hardwoods provide a varied landscape, while the open areas may be suitable for food plots or planting, subject to the property’s characteristics and applicable land-use requirements.

For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, the mix of cover and open ground offers different ways to use the land. The property description also identifies access to nearby snowmobile and off-road vehicle trails, making it worth investigating local trail connections and seasonal access before planning regular trips.

The parcel borders state land, adding access to public outdoor space beyond the property’s boundaries. Buyers should verify the precise boundary, the extent of any adjoining public land, and applicable access rules. Adjoining state land does not automatically establish public access across private portions of the parcel.

Garage and Property Access

The attached drive-under garage provides one parking space and practical storage potential for equipment such as snowmobiles, side-by-sides, and other recreational gear, subject to the garage’s dimensions and condition. The property has a dirt road surface, so buyers should consider seasonal road conditions and access requirements, particularly during winter.

Water, Utilities and Heating

An existing functional private well is reported on the property. The water supply, well equipment, water quality, and any required inspections should be verified before closing.

The listed sewer designation is “Other,” which does not establish the exact wastewater disposal system in place. Buyers should confirm whether the property uses a septic system or another arrangement and investigate its condition, capacity, and compliance with local requirements.

Heating information lists forced air, a space heater, propane, and wood. The actual equipment installed, the condition of each system, and the availability of fuel should be confirmed during due diligence. Electricity, broadband, cellular reception, trash collection, and other services should also be checked for this specific address rather than assumed from general area availability.

Location and the Traverse City Area

The property is in the Traverse City area of Grand Traverse County, in northwestern Lower Michigan. Traverse City serves as a regional center for shopping, healthcare, education, dining, and services, while the surrounding region is known for its mix of rural properties, forests, agricultural land, and outdoor recreation.

West Blair Townhall Road places the property outside the downtown setting. Buyers can investigate the services available in Traverse City and nearby communities while retaining a rural parcel with substantial acreage. Exact driving distances and travel times should be checked from the property’s entrance, especially in winter conditions.

Schools and Education

Traverse City Area Public Schools serves parts of the greater Traverse City region. School attendance boundaries depend on the property’s exact location, so buyers should confirm the assigned elementary, middle, and high schools directly with the relevant district. Nearby school locations alone do not establish enrollment eligibility or assignment.

Healthcare

Munson Medical Center in Traverse City is a regional hospital providing a range of medical services. Additional primary care practices, clinics, urgent care services, and pharmacies are available in the wider Traverse City area. Buyers should confirm current facility locations, service availability, and travel times from the property.

Shopping and Everyday Services

Traverse City has grocery stores, pharmacies, fuel stations, banks, hardware retailers, restaurants, and other everyday services. These amenities are available within the broader region, although the most convenient options and actual drive times will depend on the route taken from West Blair Townhall Road.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

The property’s adjoining state land and nearby recreational trails are central features for buyers interested in outdoor activities. The broader region also offers public parks, forested recreation areas, lakes, and opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and seasonal sports. Specific trail access, permitted uses, closures, and seasonal restrictions should be confirmed with the relevant land manager before use.

Transportation and Connectivity

Travel in this part of Grand Traverse County is primarily road-based. Traverse City provides regional connections to surrounding communities, while local travel from the property will depend on road conditions and the chosen route. Buyers who need dependable internet for remote work should verify available broadband providers and service speeds at the exact address; coverage elsewhere in the Traverse City area does not guarantee service at this parcel.

Crime and Public Safety

Crime statistics for Grand Traverse County and its individual townships describe larger areas and should not be treated as a measure of conditions at this particular property. Buyers seeking a more detailed picture can review recent law-enforcement data for the relevant jurisdiction and ask local authorities about emergency response coverage for the address.

Housing Market Context

Traverse City’s housing market includes a wide range of property types, from homes within the city to rural acreage and recreational properties. The city reported a median home sale price of approximately $438,318 in April 2024. That figure describes the citywide market at that time, not the value of a small cabin on 20 acres, and it should not be used as a direct comparable for this property.

Rural parcels with substantial acreage can differ considerably in value depending on land characteristics, access, utilities, usable structures, and the condition of existing improvements. A meaningful valuation would require recent comparable sales of similar acreage and cabin properties in the surrounding area. Historical market movements do not guarantee future appreciation.

Development and Land-Use Considerations

The parcel is listed as residentially zoned. Buyers considering additions, a replacement dwelling, accessory structures, agricultural uses, or other changes should confirm permitted uses and current requirements with the appropriate township and county offices. The listed zoning description alone does not establish development rights, buildable area, or approval for a particular project.

Property Details

The cabin’s compact size and the acreage are two distinct parts of this property. Buyers should evaluate the existing structure separately from the land, particularly if the intended use involves substantial renovation, seasonal occupancy, or future improvements.

• Two-story single-family cabin with 616 square feet of interior living space.
• Two upstairs bedrooms and one full bathroom.
• Living room, kitchen, and dining area.
• Wood-burning stove and listed forced-air and space-heater systems.
• Frame and pressboard construction, slab foundation, and asphalt roof.
• One attached drive-under garage space.
• Twenty acres of wooded and cleared land with a countryside view.
• Private well and a sewer designation that requires clarification.
• Residential zoning as listed; verify permitted uses with local authorities.

Important Buyer Considerations

Because the cabin is identified as a fixer, a thorough property inspection is especially important. Buyers should review the building’s structural condition, roof, heating equipment, plumbing, electrical systems, well, and wastewater arrangements. The inspection should also establish whether any repairs or upgrades are needed for the buyer’s intended use.

For the land, useful checks include confirming the parcel boundaries, reviewing access and any applicable easements, understanding the state-land boundary, and determining which recreational activities are permitted. Buyers planning to add structures or make changes to the land should confirm zoning, permits, and any environmental or septic requirements before committing to a project.

Property Summary