Empire MI Lots, Land for Sale - The Martin Company

1951910 MLS ⋅ Metes & Bounds BLDG.

Build your Northern Michigan getaway on this beautiful 5-acre parcel, to be split from a larger 10-acre property. Ideally situated near the natural beauty and outdoor recreation of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the property offers a peaceful setting with convenient access to some of the area’s most sought-after destinations. The Empire Airport is less than a mile away, providing an appealing option for small-aircraft enthusiasts. Enjoy easy access to Lake Michigan, the Empire Bluffs Trailhead, Dunes Golf Club, and the historic villages of Empire and Glen Arbor, with their restaurants, shops and local attractions. Whether you envision a year-round home, seasonal retreat or private Northern Michigan escape, this property offers the space and location to make it your own.

W Osborn Road, Empire

$139,900

1951640 MLS ⋅ Empire Hills BLDG.

There's a reason people fall in love with Empire. The Lake Michigan shoreline, the charm of a small Northern Michigan village, and the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes make this an area that's pretty hard to beat. Now, here's an opportunity to make it part of your everyday life. Located in the desirable Empire Hills development, this parcel offers westerly views of Lake Michigan and varied terrain that opens the door to several building possibilities, including the potential for a walkout lower level. Whether you're looking to build a year-round residence or a place to escape to whenever you can, this is a setting worth exploring. Living here means having some of Leelanau County's best experiences close to home. Hop on your bike and head into the Village of Empire for a bite to eat, browse the local shops, or make your way to the beach for an evening sunset over Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers endless opportunities to get outside, from hiking trails and scenic overlooks to miles of shoreline. The nearby Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail adds even more ways to enjoy the changing seasons, whether you're biking, walking, rollerblading, or strapping on cross-country skis when the snow arrives. And when you're ready to venture a little farther, M-72 and iconic M-22 make it easy to explore the surrounding area. Spend an afternoon in Glen Arbor, take a drive to Point Betsie Lighthouse, play a round of golf at Dunes Golf Club, or head to Benzonia and Frankfort. Traverse City is just over 30 minutes away, keeping work, business, and everyday conveniences a manageable distance. Empire Hills is an established development with building guidelines to preserve the character of the neighborhood. HOA dues cover grounds and road maintenance, and snow removal. Whether it's a weekend retreat, or a place to call home every day, this property offers a wonderful setting to begin your next chapter.

11734 S Sleepy Valley Drive, Empire

$62,900

1951083 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.

A little bit of open space, a little bit of woods, and a location that puts some of the best parts of Northern Michigan just minutes from home. This corner parcel in Timber View Ridge gives you a great starting point for creating your own place near Empire. The gently rolling terrain and mix of open and wooded areas provide flexibility when deciding where to position your future home and how you want to use the property around it. Keep the trees for privacy, selectively remove a few for a yard or outdoor gathering space, and create a setting that fits the way you want to enjoy Up North. And there is plenty to enjoy beyond your own property. The Dunes Golf Club is right across the road, while Empire, Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and numerous hiking trails are all just minutes away. Spend the morning golfing, hop on the trail for a bike ride, head to the beach for the afternoon, or make the short drive into Empire or Glen Arbor for dinner. Timber View Ridge offers a peaceful setting while keeping you connected to everything that makes this part of Leelanau County such a special place to call home. Located in the Glen Lake School District and less than 30 minutes from Traverse City, you can enjoy the quieter pace of life near Empire while still having everyday conveniences within easy reach. The setting is here, the Up North lifestyle is all around you, and the rest is yours to create.

011 W Timber View Trail, Empire

$223,000

1951063 MLS ⋅ Golden Valley Woods BLDG.

Discover 8.56 acres of rolling hardwoods in the heart of Leelanau County, just outside the village of Empire. This beautifully wooded parcel offers a mix of sloping and level terrain, ideal for those looking to build a private retreat surrounded by nature. With mature trees, seasonal color, and a peaceful setting along a quiet road, the land provides both seclusion and convenience—close to Lake Michigan beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the charming shops and dining of Empire. Whether you envision a year-round residence or a seasonal escape, this property offers the space and natural beauty to bring your plans to life. HOA dues cover road maintenance and snow removal. Once a residence is built, the amount can fluctuate based on the winter and the amount of snow removal that is needed.

S Golden Valley Drive, Empire

$233,984

1951060 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.

A one-of-a-kind opportunity in the heart of Leelanau County — the only truly build-ready log home site on the market. Tucked into 1.20 wooded acres in the Timber View Ridge community outside Empire, this parcel arrives with the hard work done: a prepared 28' x 52' slab-ready foundation site, septic tank installed under an active health-department permit, well installation underway, and a 150-foot drive already in. The vision is ready too — full architectural plans for a 1,980 sq. ft. Beaver Log Homes design convey with the sale, along with on-site building materials — and the complete log package is available with an acceptable offer. Better still, this community was planned for exactly this home: the covenants call for natural-wood exteriors with logs expressly preferred. Building, zoning, and health-department permits are paid and executed. Where most vacant land hands you a two-year project, this one hands you a running start: many months of site work, engineering, and supply decisions already behind you, with the savings in both time and cost that come with it. Even the builder question is answered — the seller is a licensed builder and may be available to complete the home under separate arrangement. And you can enjoy the property now: association documents allow camping while you plan (up to 8 weeks per year) and Short term rentals of one week or more, with community open space for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiles. All of it sits minutes from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the village of Empire, Glen Lake schools, and the beaches, trails, and wineries that make this corner of Michigan a destination. Picture the finished cabin in the trees at the end of your own drive — then come see how much of the picture is already real. Renderings shown for illustration; buyer to verify use and rental regulations with the Association and township; see attached documents including Covenants at a Glance.

11127 S Hermies Pass, Empire

$149,900

1950115 MLS ⋅ The Timbers BLDG.

This is one of the most affordable five-acre parcels currently available in all of Leelanau County, offering an incredible opportunity to own your own piece of Northern Michigan. From the moment you arrive, towering pines and mature evergreens create a peaceful atmosphere and natural privacy. Toward the back of the property, the woods open into a spacious grassy clearing—providing an ideal setting for a future home, Up North getaway, or private retreat. Imagine building among the trees with plenty of room to enjoy quiet mornings, evenings around the bonfire, and the beauty of every Northern Michigan season. Located within the Glen Lake Community Schools district, the property is just minutes from Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan beaches, golf courses, hiking trails, and the scenic M-22 corridor. Downtown Traverse City is approximately 30 minutes away, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, wineries, and year-round entertainment. Whether you enjoy boating, golfing, hiking, or exploring nearby communities such as Glen Arbor and Empire, this location keeps you close to everything people love about Leelanau County while still offering the peace and privacy of a natural setting.

0000 W Timber Lane, Empire

$74,900

1949995 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.

Nestled within a quiet wooded neighborhood off M-77 in Empire, this beautiful parcel offers a peaceful Northern Michigan setting where life naturally slows down. Surrounded by mature trees and a blend of wooded privacy and open space, the property feels calm, natural, and connected to the landscape from the moment you arrive. Sunlight filters through the trees, the setting is quiet and refreshing, and the atmosphere captures the relaxed character that makes this area so desirable. The neighborhood features tree-lined roads, large wooded parcels, and a peaceful setting that feels tucked away while still remaining close to everything Northern Michigan has to offer. Dunes Golf Course is nearby, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, scenic hiking trails, and the charm of downtown Empire are all just minutes away. Traverse City is also an easy drive, offering convenient access to wineries, shopping, restaurants, and year-round entertainment before returning home to the quieter pace of the woods. The HOA maintains the private roads within the community, helping preserve the neighborhood’s well-kept feel and providing easy year-round access. Whether you’re looking to build a year-round residence or a Northern Michigan getaway, this property offers a setting that feels peaceful, connected, and easy to fall in love with.

57 S Hermies Pass, Empire

$67,500

1949928 MLS ⋅ Empire Hills BLDG.

Set in the Village of Empire, this ½-acre buildable lot puts you right where you want to be; close to everything that makes this area special, without feeling crowded. Located at 11789 S Roen Dr, you’re just minutes from Lake Michigan’s shoreline, local shops, and great spots to eat. The lot offers a clean slate with the space and flexibility to bring your vision to life, whether you're planning now or thinking ahead. Opportunities like this, location, size, and value all lining up, don’t come around often in Empire. If you’ve been waiting for the right piece of land in a prime Northern Michigan, Leelanau county setting, this one’s worth a closer look.

11789 S Roen Drive, Empire

$66,900

1949919 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.

Privacy and nature abound in this one of a kind wooded parcel located in the beautiful development of Timber View Ridge. Mature hardwoods and a gentle rolling topography allow for multiple options, with country side views and walkout opportunities when building your Up North dream home. A driveway has already been cut into the parcel making it easily accessible and vacant land to the East allow for additional privacy. Located on the southern side of Leelanau County in the Glen Lake School District, this slice of heaven is just minutes from Empire, Glen Arbor, numerous beautiful beaches and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Located just off of M72, you can easily commute to Traverse City for shopping, pleasure, or work. This parcel is not like the other lots that have sold over the years in this development. Come and explore this slice of heaven and begin dreaming of all the possibilities!

15 S Mistys Trail, Empire

$174,900

1949787 MLS

Tucked away along a quiet private road in southern Leelanau County, this level, wooded parcel offers privacy, flexibility, and the freedom to create your own Northern Michigan retreat. Mature trees provide a peaceful backdrop for a year-round residence, Up North getaway, or cozy cabin in the woods. Agricultural Conservation zoning and allowance for manufactured homes give you added flexibility as you bring your vision to life. When adventure calls, nearby inland lakes, rivers, and public lands offer endless opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, and exploring. The Lake Michigan shoreline, Empire, and Sleeping Bear Dunes are just a short drive away, with Traverse City, Frankfort, Honor, and Benzonia all within convenient reach. A private road maintenance agreement is already in place for Honeybee Road, helping ensure the continued upkeep of the roadway. Whether you’re ready to build, searching for a peaceful escape, or investing in land for the future, this wooded parcel is your opportunity to claim a quiet corner of Leelanau County.

0000 S Honeybee Road, Empire

$850,000

1949525 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.

Opportunity to own 50.20 acres of productive tillable land in beautiful Leelanau County. The property consists of two separate 25-acre parcels, offering flexibility for farming, investment, or future planning. Each parcel includes its own well. The property is currently enrolled in the Qualified Agricultural Property Exemption, providing an opportunity for reduced property taxes for a buyer who continues to meet the requirements for the agricultural exemption. With its substantial acreage, tillable ground, two parcels, and existing wells, this property is an excellent opportunity for a farmer, agricultural investor, equine facility, or anyone looking for a large tract of land in Leelanau County.

12500 & 12750 S Plowman Road, Empire

$1,600,000

1949351 MLS ⋅ Na BLDG.

A one-of-a-kind, estate-sized Leelanau County parcel. This private, elevated 120 acres includes a spectacular panoramic view of the Empire Valley and is only a 5-minute drive to the Village of Empire amenities, a sandy public beach on Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and National Lakeshore recreation. The property is improved, with two active wells, electric service, a cement-block barn and a fence encompassing 100 acres. Rising hundreds of feet above the valley, a 2,500-foot-long, west-facing ridge currently offers stunning sunsets and distant views of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes from two locations. Select tree thinning of the 20-acre woodland on the slope could provide potential views from the entire ridge. Flat land in the middle of the property presently contains 60 acres of active cherry trees. Their removal would provide a new owner with a number of use options. Rolling hills with 100-plus-year-old white pines and other trees are found on the property’s east side, bordered by a paved county road. Tall, mature spruce trees line a portion of the property near the road, and red pines are found along most of the property lines, offering privacy. Last year 400 new evergreens were planted, and some of the parcel adjoins National Lakeshore property. The acreage has access to cable internet along the road. It is a short drive to golfing, to the Glen lakes for swimming, boating and fishing, and to Glen Arbor for eclectic shopping and dining, tennis, and kayaking on the Crystal River. Located in the Glen Lake School District, the property offers an easy commute to Traverse City via M-72 for big city fun such as movies, concerts, upscale dining, festivals and more.

12540 S Benzonia Trail, Empire

$300,000

1949211 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.

Discover your own slice of Northern Michigan on S Lacore Road in Empire! This beautifully wooded, buildable lot offers just over an acre and 124 feet of private frontage on scenic South Bar Lake. Enjoy peaceful mornings listening to the loons, paddle across the lake by kayak or paddleboard to Empire Beach, or bike into the charming Village of Empire. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is also just a short walk or bike ride away, offering miles of scenic recreation to explore. Surrounded by nature yet close to everything, this special property is the perfect setting for your Up North retreat or year-round home.

S Lacore Road, Empire

$1,400,000

1947590 MLS ⋅ Metes And Bounds BLDG.

Rarely does a property of this significance become available. Encompassing approximately 80 acres with nearly 2,000 feet of frontage on crystal-clear, spring-fed Brooks Lake, this remarkable parcel has remained in the same family for more than 100 years. Majestic mature timber frames the shoreline, creating an incredibly private setting with numerous spectacular building sites overlooking the lake. Road frontage on both the north and south boundaries provides convenient access and future flexibility, while the property may be split, offering additional possibilities. With its natural shoreline, public lake access, and unmatched combination of acreage, waterfront, and history, this is a true legacy property unlike anything else on the market. Additional 7 acres w 600 ft. on Pearl Lake with home also avilable.

Pettengill Road, Empire

$115,000

1946340 MLS ⋅ Empire Hills BLDG.

Build your Northern Michigan home in the desirable Empire Hills development. Offered separately or together, Lots 5 (MLS 1946339) and 6 are each listed at $115,000 and feature approximately .75 acres per parcel. Tucked away on the back side of the development, these gently rolling homesites provide a peaceful setting with added privacy, mature trees, multiple building site possibilities, and distant glimpses of Lake Michigan. Purchase one lot or combine both for approximately 1.5 acres, creating even greater privacy and flexibility for your future home. Enjoy the convenience of a paved road and underground utilities available at the road, providing an ideal foundation for your future home. Located just minutes from the Village of Empire, Lake Michigan beaches, the Empire Bluff Trail, and the renowned Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this exceptional location offers convenient access to hiking, biking, boating, dining, and everything that makes Leelanau County one of Northern Michigan's most sought-after destinations. For additional information about Empire Hills, including building restrictions and community guidelines, visit www.empirehills.com.

00 W Sleepy Valley Drive, Empire

$115,000

1946339 MLS ⋅ Empire Hills BLDG.

Build your Northern Michigan home in the desirable Empire Hills development. Offered separately or together, Lots 5 and 6 (MLS 1946340) are each listed at $115,000 and feature approximately .75 acres per parcel. Tucked away on the back side of the development, these gently rolling homesites provide a peaceful setting with added privacy, mature trees, multiple building site possibilities, and distant glimpses of Lake Michigan. Purchase one lot or combine both for approximately 1.5 acres, creating even greater privacy and flexibility for your future home. Enjoy the convenience of a paved road and underground utilities available at the road, providing an ideal foundation for your future home. Located just minutes from the Village of Empire, Lake Michigan beaches, the Empire Bluff Trail, and the renowned Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this exceptional location offers convenient access to hiking, biking, boating, dining, and everything that makes Leelanau County one of Northern Michigan's most sought-after destinations. For additional information about Empire Hills, including building restrictions and community guidelines, visit www.empirehills.com.

00 W Sleepy Valley Drive, Empire

$229,800

1945795 MLS ⋅ Glen Forest BLDG.

If you've been looking for the perfect property to build your up north dream home or family compound in Leelanau County, you'll want to summon your builder and architect to come and hike this stellar vacant land offering, located in the secluded neighborhood, Glen Forest. It's just a few miles east of Empire, off of the quiet and scenic county lane, Osborn Road. Two adjacent parcels lots 8 & 9 are being offered together, with a total almost 7 acres, with multiple potential building areas that would easily accommodate any number of walk out designs on the rolling topography. Both lots feature an easy way to access the mature forest from the paved, private common drive, Beaver Pond Road, with potential to overlook a small stream that flows from the east (parcel 9) into a pastoral lower meadow, a veritable wildlife sanctuary! Sensible building restrictions with a minimum 1600 square feet for a single story, or 2000 square feet for 1 1/2 or 2 story homes, shovel ready, with underground utilities installed. Close to Empire, Lake Michigan beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and more!

13631 S Beaver Pond Road, Empire

$169,900

1945723 MLS ⋅ The Timbers BLDG.

Tucked away in the heart of beautiful Leelanau County, this private 5-acre wooded parcel on W Timber Lane offers the perfect blend of peace, nature, and possibility. Surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty, it’s an ideal setting to build your Up North getaway or year-round home. Enjoy the quiet, secluded feel while still being just a short drive to Empire, Lake Michigan beaches, and Sleeping Bear Dunes. A perc test is already on file, giving you a head start on making your vision a reality. If you’ve been dreaming of space, privacy, and that true Northern Michigan feel, this is it!

3695 W Timber Lane, Empire

$1,009,000

1944910 MLS ⋅ Wells Creek Ranch (Wt) BLDG.

Wells Creek Ranch is 125.2 acres of mixed hardwood forest, rolling terrain, and living water in the heart of Leelanau County. Wells Creek traverses the property north to south, connecting to Wells Lake on the adjacent parcel — providing year-round water, strong wildlife habitat, and a natural feature rarely found at this price point. The property sits adjacent to the 45,000+ acre Traverse City Forest Management parcel along Beeman Road, ensuring the wild, undeveloped character of the surrounding landscape is permanent. All splits available. Electric access from South Gilbert Lake Road. Located just south of M-72 and South Gilbert Lake Road — minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Leelanau wine country, and the resort communities of Glen Arbor and Empire. On a very special not for the outdoor enthusiast, 00 W. Beeman Road sits at the very western doorstep of one of Michigan's most celebrated long-distance trail experiences. The Shore-to-Shore Trail stretches across the state, beginning near Empire on Lake Michigan and ending at Au Sable on Lake Huron — passing through forests, beneath I-75 north of Grayling, and following the historic Au Sable River. The full system spans 420 miles, open to both hikers and horseback riders, with additional northern and southern spur trails extending the network further.

00 W Beeman Road, Empire

$199,900

1940436 MLS

3.64 acres of prime Empire property—offered as one parcel with potential for splits. Level, build-ready corner lot loaded with mature hardwoods, just 0.8 miles from Empire Beach. This property offers a rare blend of visibility and versatility, with high-traffic frontage along M-72 for those seeking exposure, while still providing the option to build privately off S Bennett Rd or W Front Street for a more secluded setting. Whether you’re envisioning a private up-north retreat, future development opportunity, or a live/work concept, the possibilities here are compelling. Enjoy an easy stroll into downtown Empire, with close proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan, and all the charm this sought-after area has to offer—just 30 minutes from Traverse City.

3.64 Acres W Front Street, Empire

$165,000

1939900 MLS ⋅ The Timbers BLDG.

Discover the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty on this 5-acre wooded parcel in The Timbers, one of Empire’s most desirable settings. Gently rolling terrain offers an ideal layout for a walkout-style home surrounded by mature trees and peaceful Northern Michigan scenery. Located on a paved road with underground utilities, this property combines convenience and seclusion—just minutes from Empire, Glen Arbor, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy easy access to Glen Lake, Lake Michigan beaches, and the Leelanau Wine Trail, all while being a short, scenic drive down M-72 to Traverse City. Experience that quintessential “Up North” feel and build your dream home in the heart of Leelanau County.

W Timber Lane, Empire

$925,000

1939042 MLS ⋅ Metes & Bounds BLDG.

80 ACRES in Leelanau County! This is a one-of-a-kind acreage parcel that is a Hunting and Fishing paradise. An impressive mixture of hardwoods and open areas lends itself to unlimited potential. This prime location is just a quick drive to the area’s many lakes with fabulous boating, sugar sand beaches, recreational trails perfect for hiking and biking, and more. Get ready to explore the surrounding waterfront communities with great dining and shopping opportunities. Traverse City is close by with an abundance of amenities, vibrant cultural scene, full-service airport and more. This is an ideal place to discover everything Northern Michigan has to offer. If you are looking for seclusion and privacy this is a unique opportunity to own large acreage parcel.

S Fritz Road, Empire

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