Northwest Region, MI Land for Sale

The Northwest region of Michigan is located in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula. The entire region borders Lake Michigan to the west and north. It is similar to the Northeastern Region in that it also has many small and medium-sized cities, as well as state and national forests, lakes and rivers, and the Great Lakes shoreline, making it an ideal area for visitors for the beach, boating, fishing, as well as hiking, hunting, camping and many other outdoor activities. Traverse City is one of the largest cities in the region, and one of the most popular vacation areas, with many seasonal residents. Highlights of the region include Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, Charles Mears State Park, Fort Michilimackinac State Park, Silver Lake State Park and Traverse City State Park, which features a quarter mile of beautiful beach on Grand Traverse Bay. These are just a few of the state and national parks and forests located in the area. Northwestern Michigan College, North Central Michigan College and Great Lakes Maritime Academy, the only freshwater U.S. maritime academy, are all located in this region. Tourism is the primary industry here. Agricultural products from this region include wine grapes, vegetables and cherries.

Grand Traverse County is located to the north and center of the Northwest region of Michigan. The county features East and West Bays, with Old Mission Peninsula in between. The county was named by French explorers in the late 1830's, who thought the walk across the Old Mission, "grande traverse," meaning long crossing. Traverse City is the largest city and the county seat; Kingsley and Fife Lake are other cities in this county. There are 12 historical markers in this county. In addition to bordering the beautiful coast of Lake Michigan to the north, there are also a large number of lakes, creeks and rivers in Grand Traverse County, most notably the Boardman River, known for excellent steelhead fishing. Northwestern Michigan College and Great Lakes Maritime Academy are both located in this Grand Traverse County. The area is a federally-recognized wine growing area, and there are around 20 wineries and vineyards.

Antrim County is located in the northeastern part of the Northwest region of Michigan and borders Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay on the west, and Mackinaw State Forest on the east. The county's name is taken from County Antrim in Northern Ireland. There are no incorporated cities in this county, Bellaire is one of the largest villages and the county seat, with other larger villages being Mancelona and Elk Rapids, and there are also a number of other small townships. The oldest American summer camp is in this county in its original location on the shore of Torch Lake, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Torch Lake is on a chain of lakes running from Bellaire to Elk Rapids, with another chain of lakes running from there through Central Lake and Ellsworth, with the largest being Intermediate Lake. There are many other lakes and rivers in addition to these in Antrim County. The county has many premier golf courses and a major ski resort area.

Manistee County is located in the southwestern corner of the Northwest region of Michigan and borders Lake Michigan to the west. The name is believed to come from a Native American word meaning "river in the county." Manistee is the only city and the county seat, but there are several other villages and townships. There are 13 recognized historical markers in the county. In addition to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, the county features the Manistee River, a portion of the Manistee National Forest and many other parks and waterways, premier golf courses, historic small towns with shopping and hotels, as well as skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.