40 Acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula With an Off-Grid Cabin, Sauna, and Pond for $175,000

A 40-acre wooded property in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a combination of recreational land, an existing cabin, and off-grid infrastructure. Located at 9181 River in Bessemer, Michigan, the property is listed for $175,000 and includes a 748-square-foot cabin, a private drilled well, a generator system, a wood-burning sauna, and a spring-fed pond.

The parcel features mature hardwood trees and established trails, with a boundary adjoining Gogebic County Forest land. These features may appeal to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and buyers looking for a secluded recreational retreat.

Unlike undeveloped land that requires a new structure and basic utility installations, this property already has several improvements in place. However, buyers should verify the condition of the cabin and its systems, along with the property’s sanitation arrangements and permitted uses, before making an offer.

Property Overview

Feature	Details
Asking price	$175,000
Address	9181 River, Bessemer, MI 49911
County	Gogebic County, Michigan
Parcel number	0123500400
Land size	40 acres
Cabin size	748 square feet
Bedrooms	1 listed
Bathrooms	1 full bathroom listed
Water	Private drilled well
Electricity	Off-grid generator system
Heating	Wood stove and propane space heaters
Additional features	Wood-burning sauna, spring-fed pond, established trails
Land cover	Mature hardwoods, including maple
Public land access	Borders Gogebic County Forest land
Furnishings	Reportedly included
Annual property taxes	Approximately $1,679, according to supplied information
HOA fees	None reported
Listing date	September 17, 2026, according to supplied information

Property details are based on the supplied listing information and have not been independently verified. Buyers should confirm all measurements, utility details, tax figures, and permitted uses.

A Wooded Property in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Bessemer is located in Gogebic County in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, an area known for its forests, winter snowfall, and outdoor recreation.

The property includes approximately 40 acres of hardwood woodland, with maple trees contributing to the area’s seasonal color. Existing trails wind through portions of the parcel, providing routes for walking and access by recreational vehicles where permitted.

For buyers interested in hunting, the combination of wooded cover and established trails may be appealing. Wildlife activity, hunting suitability, and access conditions should nevertheless be assessed in person rather than assumed from the acreage alone.

The property’s reported boundary with Gogebic County Forest land is another notable feature. Adjoining public forest may provide opportunities for additional outdoor recreation, subject to public-land rules and any applicable restrictions. Buyers should verify the precise boundary, access points, and rules governing the neighboring forest.

A Spring-Fed Pond and Mature Hardwood Trees

A spring-fed pond near the camp clearing adds another natural feature to the property.

A pond can enhance the setting for wildlife observation and provide a scenic focal point within a wooded landscape. Depending on its characteristics and applicable regulations, it may also have other potential uses. Buyers should not assume the pond is suitable for drinking water, irrigation, fire protection, or livestock without verifying its capacity, water quality, and any relevant restrictions.

The mature maple woodland may also interest buyers who value forest management or a supply of firewood. Timber income, however, should not be assumed. The commercial value of the trees depends on species, size, quality, accessibility, local timber markets, and professional assessment.

Before considering timber harvesting, a buyer could consult a qualified forester to determine the condition of the stand and whether selective management would be appropriate.

Inside the 748-Square-Foot Cabin

The single-story cabin provides approximately 748 square feet of interior space, with a layout intended for recreational use.

The listed floor plan includes a bedroom, a full bathroom, a living area, and a kitchen. An entry foyer or mudroom provides space for outdoor clothing and equipment, a practical consideration in a region where snow and wet conditions can be common.

The main living area includes a freestanding wood-burning stove set on a protective hearth. The stove may provide heat during colder months, while propane space heaters offer another heating option.

Buyers should have the stove, chimney, clearances, and propane equipment inspected before use. The listing details do not independently establish the cabin’s insulation performance or suitability for year-round occupancy.

The kitchen includes cabinetry, counter space, and a breakfast-bar arrangement. Prospective buyers should inspect the fixtures and confirm that the well, plumbing, and electrical systems operate as represented.

A Traditional Wood-Burning Sauna

One of the property’s distinctive features is its wood-burning sauna, reportedly incorporated into the camp structure.

A sauna can be an appealing addition to a recreational cabin, particularly for owners who spend time outdoors during colder weather. Its condition, ventilation, fire safety, and connection to the main structure should be checked during an inspection.

Buyers should also confirm which sauna components and related equipment are included in the sale.

Off-Grid Water, Power, and Heating

The property is advertised with several essential systems already installed, although their current condition and performance need to be verified.

Private Drilled Well

The cabin reportedly has a private drilled well supplying water to the property. This is an important feature for buyers comparing the camp with more primitive recreational properties.

A well’s presence does not guarantee that the water is potable or that the system provides sufficient flow. Buyers should request available well records and arrange water-quality testing, along with an inspection of the pump, pressure system, and plumbing.

Generator-Based Electricity

The property uses a generator system housed in an attached enclosure. This arrangement may provide some protection from the weather and keep the equipment separate from the main living area.

The generator’s age, capacity, operating condition, fuel requirements, and maintenance history should be confirmed. Buyers should also determine whether the system includes appropriate transfer equipment and whether it can safely support the cabin’s electrical loads.

Because the property relies on generator-based power, prospective owners may want to evaluate the potential cost of adding solar panels and battery storage. Such an upgrade is optional, and its feasibility depends on the property’s energy needs, available installation space, and budget.

Wood and Propane Heating

The cabin reportedly has a freestanding wood stove and propane space heaters. Together, these systems offer more than one heating option, but their adequacy for winter use depends on the cabin’s condition and the equipment’s performance.

Buyers should inspect the heaters and fuel connections, confirm that appropriate safety equipment is installed, and account for fuel and maintenance costs.

What Does the $175,000 Asking Price Include?

The asking price covers more than the cabin itself. The property also includes 40 acres of woodland, a drilled well, a generator system, a pond, established trails, and a sauna.

At $175,000, the asking price works out to approximately $4,375 per acre. Dividing the price by the cabin’s reported 748 square feet produces a figure of about $234 per square foot, although this metric does not account for the value of the land and other improvements.

The supplied listing information also describes the sale as turnkey, with furnishings and site equipment reportedly included. Buyers should obtain a written inventory of the items that will convey with the property.

Any proposed breakdown of the purchase price among land, cabin, well, pond, generator, and furnishings should be treated as an estimate rather than an independently established valuation. A reliable assessment would require comparable sales, a review of the improvements, and potentially an appraisal.

Property Taxes and Ongoing Costs

The supplied information reports annual property taxes of approximately $1,679 and no homeowners association dues. These figures should be confirmed with the relevant local authorities and reviewed alongside any changes that could follow a sale.

Owners should also budget for generator fuel and servicing, propane, firewood, insurance, road or driveway maintenance, snow removal, and repairs to the cabin and outbuildings.

Although a recreational property may have relatively limited recurring costs compared with a conventional home, its total expenses depend on how often it is used and the level of maintenance required.

Potential Improvements and Future Plans

The property may suit buyers who want to use the existing cabin while gradually considering upgrades.

Possible projects could include adding solar panels and battery storage, improving interior finishes, maintaining the access drive, or investigating an approved wastewater system. The cost and feasibility of these improvements will depend on site conditions and applicable regulations.

The supplied information states that the listing reports no sewer service. Buyers should clarify the existing sanitation arrangement and determine whether an outhouse, holding tank, septic system, or another setup is present and legally permitted.

Before planning a new septic system or permanent residential use, consult the appropriate local health and building authorities. Soil conditions, site constraints, and permitting requirements can affect whether a proposed system is possible.

Any renovation budget should be considered preliminary until contractors have inspected the property and provided estimates.

Advantages and Considerations for Buyers

The property’s main attractions include its 40-acre wooded setting, existing cabin, drilled well, generator system, wood-burning sauna, spring-fed pond, and reported adjacency to county forest land. These features may make it worth considering for buyers seeking a recreational base in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

There are also important factors to investigate. The cabin depends on generator-based electricity, the sanitation arrangements require clarification, and winter weather may affect access and maintenance. The condition of the well, heating systems, trails, pond, and structures should be established before purchase.

Buyers should also verify property boundaries and any rights or restrictions affecting access to the adjoining public forest. A neighboring public-land boundary does not itself guarantee unrestricted access for every activity.

Questions to Ask Before Making an Offer

Before purchasing the property, prospective buyers should consider the following steps:

• Water supply: Request well records and arrange a water-quality test.
• Sanitation: Confirm the existing wastewater arrangements and whether a permitted septic system can be installed if needed.
• Generator: Test the generator and electrical equipment and review maintenance records.
• Heating: Have the wood stove, chimney, propane heaters, and fuel connections inspected.
• Boundaries: Review a current survey and verify the parcel’s boundary with Gogebic County Forest land.
• Access: Check road maintenance, winter accessibility, and any recorded easements.
• Cabin condition: Inspect the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical system, insulation, and other major components.
• Included items: Obtain written confirmation of the furniture, appliances, generator, and outdoor equipment included in the sale.
• Taxes and permits: Confirm current tax obligations and review permits or records relevant to the property’s existing improvements.

These checks can help buyers understand the property’s actual condition, potential expenses, and suitability for their intended use.

Final Thoughts

The property at 9181 River in Bessemer, Michigan, is listed for $175,000 and combines 40 acres of hardwood woodland with a 748-square-foot cabin and several recreational features.

Its drilled well, generator system, wood-burning sauna, spring-fed pond, and established trails distinguish it from a vacant land parcel that would require a new camp and basic infrastructure. Its reported boundary with Gogebic County Forest land may also appeal to buyers interested in outdoor recreation.

However, prospective owners should verify the cabin’s condition, sanitation arrangements, utility systems, access, and permitted uses before deciding whether the property meets their needs.

For hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and buyers seeking a secluded Upper Peninsula retreat, this property may be worth a closer look.

If you’re interested in learning more about this property, please contact the listing agent through the Zillow link provided below the photos.

Listed on Zillow