A secluded forest retreat, solar power, a private well, and 40 acres of recreational land—all for less than $90,000.
For buyers dreaming of escaping crowded neighborhoods and finding a peaceful place surrounded by nature, this unusual property in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula deserves a closer look.
Located at 701 US Highway 2, Germfask, MI 49836, the property is listed for $89,900 and includes approximately 40 wooded acres, a small furnished A-frame cabin, a solar power setup, and a working point well.
It is not a conventional house with all the comforts of suburban living. Instead, this property offers a simpler, more independent lifestyle centered around privacy, outdoor recreation, and off-grid living.
And while the asking price is attractive, there are several practical considerations buyers should understand before making an offer.
Property Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 701 US Highway 2, Germfask, MI 49836 |
| Asking Price | $89,900 |
| Land Size | 40 Acres |
| Cabin Size | Approximately 12 Ă— 16 feet |
| Cabin Type | A-frame recreational cabin |
| Location | Michigan’s Upper Peninsula |
| Electricity | Off-grid solar system |
| Water | Working point well |
| Heating | Wood stove available for installation; portable heater suggested |
| Access | Gated access road and improved driveway |
| Land Features | Wooded, recreational, high and low ground, wetland areas |
| Annual Property Tax | Approximately $938 |
| HOA | Not specified |
| Sale Condition | As-is |
Property information is based on the supplied listing details and may change. Buyers should independently verify all specifications.
A Private 40-Acre Forest Retreat
The biggest attraction here is not simply the cabin—it is the land surrounding it.
With approximately 40 acres of mostly wooded property, the setting offers a level of separation from neighboring homes that can be difficult to find in more developed areas.
Aerial photographs show an expansive landscape of trees, with the small cabin tucked into a clearing surrounded by forest.
The land is described as a mixture of higher and lower ground, providing varied terrain and wildlife habitat. According to the listing, deer activity is common, and the area is known for deer and partridge hunting.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this could make the property appealing as a seasonal hunting camp, a private recreational getaway, or a place to spend weekends exploring the woods.
However, the property is also identified as containing wetland areas. This matters because not every acre may be suitable for building, clearing, driving, or other improvements.
Before purchasing, buyers should determine exactly how much usable upland is available and whether any activities would require environmental permits.
A Cozy A-Frame Cabin Hidden Among the Trees
At the center of the property sits a compact 12-by-16-foot A-frame cabin, providing approximately 192 square feet of main-floor footprint.
Its steep green metal roof, reddish-brown exterior, and small covered front porch create the classic appearance of a remote woodland hideaway.
The cabin is modest in size, but the interior photographs reveal a surprisingly organized space.
White-paneled walls and ceilings help brighten the room, while wood-look flooring adds warmth. The open interior includes a bed, a small dining table, a television, storage, and a compact food-preparation area.
There is also access to a loft area that the listing suggests could potentially be improved for sleeping or storage. Buyers should verify its dimensions, structural capacity, and safe accessibility before treating it as additional usable living space.
The cabin is not advertised as a conventional multi-bedroom residence, and the listing does not specify a bathroom.
That distinction is important for anyone considering extended stays or full-time living.
Furnishings and Equipment Included
One of the appealing features is that the cabin comes with many of the items already shown in the listing.
According to the seller’s description, most furnishings and personal property are included, such as the bed and frame, tables, chairs, television, DVD player, cookware, dishes, and utensils.
For someone purchasing a recreational property, having basic furniture and supplies in place could reduce the effort needed to prepare for the first visit.
However, buyers should request a written inventory identifying exactly what will remain at closing. Photographs alone should not be treated as a guarantee that every visible item is included.
Solar Power for Off-Grid Living
Unlike a typical rural property connected to public electrical service, this cabin uses a solar-based electrical setup.
The listing describes recent upgrades that include:
- A new 60-amp solar charge controller.
- A 12-volt, 230-amp-hour Li Time lithium battery system.
- Solar panels mounted near the cabin.
The battery’s nominal energy capacity is approximately 2.76 kilowatt-hours, calculated from its stated voltage and amp-hour rating.
That is useful for understanding the scale of the system, but actual usable energy depends on the battery’s specifications, condition, and operating limits.
A setup of this size may be suitable for carefully managed lighting, small electronics, and certain low-power devices. It should not be assumed capable of running electric heating, air conditioning, or other high-demand appliances.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula also experiences short winter days and substantial seasonal snowfall, both of which can affect solar production.
Prospective buyers should inspect the wiring, inverter, battery health, solar panel output, and overall electrical safety before relying on the system.
Water Access From a Working Point Well
Another notable feature is the property’s reported working point well.
Listing photographs show a red hand-operated pump delivering water into a bucket, while the description mentions a newer water pump.
For a remote property without conventional utilities, an existing water source can be valuable.
However, a photograph of flowing water does not establish that the supply is safe to drink or reliable throughout the year.
Buyers should arrange water-quality testing and confirm the well’s depth, seasonal performance, pump condition, and any applicable permitting requirements.
They should also determine whether the well is intended for drinking water, washing, or other uses.
Heating and Bathroom Facilities: Important Limitations
The listing suggests bringing a portable Buddy Heater for visits to the cabin.
It also states that a chimney is already in place for a future wood stove installation and that a pot-belly wood stove stored in the shed is included in the sale.
This means buyers should not assume the cabin currently has a fully installed, operational wood-burning heating system.
A qualified professional should inspect the chimney, clearances, ventilation, and any proposed stove installation.
Portable combustion heaters also require careful attention to manufacturer instructions, ventilation, and carbon monoxide safety.
Just as importantly, the listing does not identify an indoor bathroom, septic system, or conventional wastewater facilities.
Anyone planning longer stays should investigate sanitation options, local requirements, and the cost of installing approved facilities.
Improved Driveway and Gated Access
Access is often one of the biggest challenges when buying remote recreational land.
This property has an advantage: the seller reports that an approximately $10,000 driveway was installed in 2025.
Aerial photographs show a cleared access route leading toward the wooded parcel, while the listing describes gated access.
The property is situated east of the US-2 and M-77 intersection, providing a recognizable regional reference point.
However, the presence of a driveway does not automatically establish legal, year-round access.
Before closing, buyers should verify recorded access rights, any shared-road agreements, driveway maintenance responsibilities, and whether snow removal will be necessary during winter.
Hunting, Wildlife, and Outdoor Recreation
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula attracts people who enjoy forests, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
The listing highlights deer and partridge activity on and around this property, making it potentially attractive to hunting enthusiasts.
A 40-acre tract also offers room for walking, wildlife observation, and spending time outdoors without leaving the property.
The photographs show a simple fire pit and seating area near the cabin, adding to its rustic camp atmosphere.
The surrounding map also identifies state forest areas, lakes, and public campgrounds, including locations around Mead Creek and South Manistique Lake.
These nearby recreational features contribute to the area’s appeal, although the property should not be assumed to directly border public forestland or provide private access to nearby lakes.
Hunting, trail use, and campfires remain subject to applicable laws, seasons, safety rules, and any property restrictions.
Price History: Reduced From $99,900
The property’s asking price has been reduced since it first appeared on the market in June 2026.
| Date | Listed Price |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2026 | $99,900 |
| July 1, 2026 | $94,900 |
| August 10, 2026 | $89,900 |
That represents a total reduction of $10,000, or approximately 10% from the original asking price.
At $89,900 for 40 acres, the asking price works out to approximately $2,248 per acre.
However, that calculation includes the cabin, driveway, well, solar equipment, and other improvements. It should not be compared directly with vacant-land prices without accounting for those differences.
The listing also reports annual property taxes of approximately $938 and a tax-assessed value of $22,682. Assessed value is not necessarily the same as market value, and future taxes may change following a sale.
The price reductions may attract attention, but they do not by themselves establish that the property is undervalued. A comparison with recent local land sales would provide a more useful assessment.
What Buyers Should Investigate Before Purchasing
Although this property offers several attractive features, it is important to understand the potential challenges.
1. Wetlands and usable acreage
The land includes lower-lying and wetland areas. Buyers should investigate drainage, seasonal flooding, and restrictions on clearing or construction.
2. Winter access
Upper Peninsula winters can be demanding. Road conditions, snow removal, and seasonal accessibility deserve special attention.
3. Limited living space
The cabin’s main-floor footprint is approximately 192 square feet. This may be comfortable for occasional recreation but restrictive for extended stays.
4. Off-grid electrical capacity
The solar and battery system should be professionally inspected. Buyers should calculate expected energy needs rather than assuming the equipment can support household-style electricity consumption.
5. Heating and sanitation
The wood stove is not described as installed, and the listing does not confirm an indoor bathroom or septic system. Making the cabin suitable for longer stays could require additional expense and permits.
6. Legal access and property boundaries
The buyer should review a current survey, recorded easements, driveway rights, and any restrictions affecting the land.
7. As-is sale
The property is being sold as-is. Buyers should inspect the cabin, roof, foundation, electrical system, water source, and outbuildings and budget for repairs or improvements.
Who Might Find This Property Appealing?
This property may be particularly interesting to buyers seeking a recreational escape rather than a traditional primary residence.
A hunter could appreciate the wooded acreage and wildlife habitat. An outdoor enthusiast might enjoy the forest setting and access to the wider Upper Peninsula. Someone interested in off-grid living may value having an existing cabin, water source, and solar equipment already in place.
It could also appeal to buyers who prefer a small, simple retreat instead of a larger house requiring extensive maintenance.
On the other hand, anyone expecting a fully equipped, year-round residence with modern utilities should approach the listing carefully.
The real appeal lies in the combination of land, privacy, a small existing cabin, and a relatively accessible asking price.
Final Thoughts: Is This Michigan A-Frame Cabin Worth $89,900?
For $89,900, this Germfask property offers something that is becoming increasingly interesting to rural-property buyers: a substantial wooded parcel with a small off-grid cabin already in place.
The 40 acres provide privacy and recreational possibilities, while the furnished A-frame, solar setup, well, and improved driveway give a buyer a starting point for enjoying the property.
But it is not a conventional move-in-ready house.
The small footprint, limited utility infrastructure, possible wetland restrictions, and demanding winter conditions mean the property will best suit someone who understands rural land ownership and is comfortable with a simpler lifestyle.
For the right buyer, it could be an appealing Michigan Upper Peninsula getaway. For someone seeking modern conveniences without additional work, it may be less suitable.
Original Property Listing: View 701 US Highway 2, Germfask, MI on Zillow
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a real estate advertisement, investment recommendation, or guarantee of property condition. Details are based on listing information supplied for this article and have not been independently verified. Pricing, availability, included items, property boundaries, utilities, legal access, and land-use permissions may change. Interested buyers should contact the listing agent and consult qualified local professionals before making a purchase decision.
