Lake views, river access, winding trails and more – in many prime locations throughout much of Michigan – are available starting Tuesday, Dec. 10. That’s when the Michigan Department of Natural Resources begins its winter auction of surplus public land, offering 147 individual parcels ranging in size from less than an acre to 160 acres.

The auction is part of the DNR’s strategy to efficiently manage public land while maximizing outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. Bids will be accepted through Jan. 8, 2020.

Land is available in counties mainly in central/northern Lower Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula. Counties include Allegan, Alpena, Bay, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Houghton, Iosco, Jackson, Kalkaska, Lake, Mackinac, Midland, Missaukee, Muskegon, Newaygo, Otsego, Saint Clair and Van Buren. Several of the largest parcels are in Alpena, Dickinson and Newaygo counties.

“Much of the land offered at this auction is isolated from other DNR-managed property, which creates some management challenges. Other parcels are included because they offer limited public recreation benefits,” said Michael Michalek, DNR real estate resource specialist. “Several of the parcels are forested and have riverside or lake frontage and are better suited for private ownership.”

Visit Michigan.gov/LandForSale for auction information including minimum bid prices, property descriptions and conditions of sale. Individual property listings will not be available for bid until the Dec. 10 auction start date. At that time, instructions for submitting a bid and printable bid forms will be provided at that webpage. Sealed bids must be postmarked by midnight Wednesday, Jan. 8, and will be opened Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Request printed property information from:

DNR Real Estate Services Section
P.O. Box 30448
Lansing, MI 48909-7948

Additional properties unsold from previous auctions also are listed for sale at their former minimum bid prices. These properties are available for immediate purchase.   

For more information about the sale of surplus, state-managed public land, contact Michael Michalek at 517-284-5950.

The proceeds from the land auction will help provide future outdoor recreation opportunities in keeping with the DNR’s mission to conserve, protect and manage the state’s natural and cultural resources for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.