TJ Thomas - U.P. Land & Recreation

TJ Thomas - U.P. Land & Recreation U.P.

born & raised | Specializing in recreational land, hunting parcels, timber & waterfront properties
Northern Michigan Land Brokers | Licensed Agent with Northern Michigan Land Brokers

** Under Contract **Extraordinary legacy acreage north of Newberry in the heart of Michigan’s wild Two Hearted country —...
05/11/2026

** Under Contract **

Extraordinary legacy acreage north of Newberry in the heart of Michigan’s wild Two Hearted country — with legal, insurable access, a private inland lake, professionally managed timber, established internal roads, and direct proximity to Lake Superior, the legendary Two Hearted River, and bordering over 256,000 acres of adjoining State Land.

Properties of this caliber and scale rarely become available in this tightly held region of the Upper Peninsula.

Tucked into one of the most sought-after recreational corridors in Northern Michigan, this 120± acre tract offers a rare combination of privacy, habitat diversity, long-term stewardship, and authentic Northwoods character. The land has been thoughtfully managed under a professional forest management plan with an emphasis on wildlife habitat, long-term forest health, regeneration, aesthetics, and future timber value — creating a property that feels intentional rather than disturbed.

The result is exceptional habitat diversity across rolling terrain that transitions between regenerating cover, mature timber, towering white pine, uncommon northern oak ridges, and lowland bedding areas attractive to deer, bear, grouse, and other wildlife. Existing interior roads and trails provide excellent access throughout the property for hunting, trail riding, exploration, or future camp development.

At the north side of the property lies a secluded private inland lake surrounded by timber and protected habitat, creating a setting that feels remarkably remote and untouched. Combined with the massive adjoining public land access, this property effectively recreates much larger than its surveyed acreage.

This parcel is enrolled in Michigan’s Qualified Forest Program (QFP), offering significant property tax advantages while maintaining private recreational ownership — notably without the mandatory public access requirements associated with CFA land.

The location is exceptional. Just minutes away are Lake Superior shoreline access points, the Reed & Green Bridge launch, and the famed Two Hearted River system known for fishing, paddling, wildlife, and some of the most iconic wilderness scenery in the Midwest.

Whether your vision is a private hunting retreat, legacy family holding, conservation-minded investment, or an off-grid Northwoods escape, this is the type of property that is increasingly difficult to duplicate in today’s market.

$249,999

UPMLS # 50207115
Eastern UPMLS # 26-256

** Under Contract **Some properties hit the market....Others quietly emerge from deep in the Northwoods after generation...
05/10/2026

** Under Contract **

Some properties hit the market....

Others quietly emerge from deep in the Northwoods after generations of stewardship.

Spent time last week walking an extraordinary piece of Upper Peninsula wilderness that checks boxes almost never seen together:

• private inland water
• professionally managed forest
• towering white pine
• northern oak ridges, extremely uncommon that far north
• established internal roads
• incredible wildlife habitat
• massive adjoining public land access
• true big-country seclusion
• legal, insurable access

This isn’t a cookie-cutter recreation parcel...
It’s the kind of property that feels like it belongs in a conservation magazine or an old Northwoods story.

The serious land guys are going to want to pay attention to this one.

Stay tuned, somebody is about to own an absolutely incredible piece of the Upper Peninsula!

We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto…I asked my beautiful wife, and extraordinary mother of my children, what she wanted fo...
05/09/2026

We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto…

I asked my beautiful wife, and extraordinary mother of my children, what she wanted for Mother’s Day and… a weekend trip to the big city of Milwaukee was it!

So here we are, walking the riverfront, taking in the skyline, the energy, the crowds, and everything a larger city has to offer.

Trips like this always remind me just how special the Upper Peninsula really is.

In our neck of the woods, “traffic” might mean getting stuck behind line of campers on US-2 with no passing lane ahead. A stressful evening might be solved with a walk in the woods, a cast into a river, or sitting around a campfire listening to the wind in the pines. We trade skyscrapers for shorelines, noise for stillness, and congestion for elbow room.

There’s a lot to appreciate about places like this. But there’s also comfort in knowing home is waiting up North. 😊

Hope all the moms out there have an incredible Mother’s Day weekend! Thank you for the countless ways you make our lives bloom, grow, and mean more than they otherwise would. There’s NOTHING better than Mothers!! ❤️

From one Great Lake, to another!Today’s continued adventure in UP Real Estate brought me to Southern Menominee County!Th...
05/08/2026

From one Great Lake, to another!

Today’s continued adventure in UP Real Estate brought me to Southern Menominee County!

This corner of the Upper Peninsula continues to be one of the strongest recreational markets in the region. Between the waterfront communities, hunting camps, farm country, river systems, and easy access from Wisconsin, demand for land and recreational property here has stayed remarkably steady.

Over the next month, campgrounds across the area will start filling up fast as seasonal visitors return for fishing, boating, camping, and long weekends at the lake. At the same time, waterfront cottages and lake properties are getting opened back up for the season and every year that renewed activity brings fresh buyer interest into the market.

One thing I love about this time of year is seeing the entire UP come back to life in the spring. From Lake Superior country to the shores of Green Bay, people are actively looking for their own piece of the UP lifestyle.

If you’ve been considering selling recreational land, hunting property, waterfront, or a cabin in the UP, now is the time to start the conversation!

There’s just something about the Lake Superior shoreline in Marquette that never gets old!Spent a little time by the ore...
05/08/2026

There’s just something about the Lake Superior shoreline in Marquette that never gets old!

Spent a little time by the ore dock this morning between appointments and it was the perfect reminder of how much history, industry, and raw natural beauty are tied into life here in the Upper Peninsula.

A lot of people think real estate is just about houses or acreage. But honestly, a huge part of it is lifestyle. It’s mornings on the water, small towns, logging roads, old hunting camps, and communities that still feel connected to the land around them.

That’s the kind of property (and lifestyle) I love helping people find!

Whether you’re looking for recreational land, a camp, waterfront, or just a quieter way of life in the UP, I’m always happy to talk.

Made a trip to the Soo today for work, and carved out time to check out the construction progress on the Lock Expansion ...
05/07/2026

Made a trip to the Soo today for work, and carved out time to check out the construction progress on the Lock Expansion while I was in town. Pretty incredible seeing the scale of this project up close!

One thing I love about working real estate across the Upper Peninsula is that no two days look the same. One day I’m walking remote land deep in the woods, the next I’m standing next to one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the Great Lakes.

It also got me thinking about something I talk about often with clients: location matters, but understanding the bigger picture matters too.

Infrastructure, access, industry, recreation, tourism… they all influence property demand and long-term value. That’s one reason I spend so much time on the road across the UP. I want firsthand knowledge of the regions, communities, and forces shaping this market.

Whether it’s major infrastructure investment, tourism growth, or increasing interest in recreational land, all of it influences how people view and invest in property across the UP.

And personally, I think we’re still early in a long-term trend of people wanting more space, more privacy, and more connection to the outdoors.

That’s especially true when it comes to quality property in the UP!

05/07/2026

Riverfront property tends to offer a combination of privacy, recreation, and natural beauty that’s hard to duplicate.

Beyond the scenery, water access can completely change how a property feels and how people use it.

It’s also one of the reasons waterfront properties tend to remain in strong demand over time.

TJ
Northern Michigan Land Brokers

I STILL get fired up every time I come across an old hunting blind when walking land.You can almost picture it… cold Nov...
05/06/2026

I STILL get fired up every time I come across an old hunting blind when walking land.

You can almost picture it… cold November mornings, steam rolling off a thermos of coffee, somebody tucked inside waiting for first light while the woods slowly wake up around them. These old blinds tell stories. Generations of camp traditions, successful hunts, close calls, and time spent outdoors with family and friends.

One of the things I love most about working in real estate across the UP is that every property has its own history written into it. Sometimes it’s an old deer blind, a forgotten two-track, a maple stand that’s been carefully managed for decades, or a hidden creek crossing back in the timber. Noticing those fingerprints from the past… pretty cool stuff!

Land isn’t just dirt on a map. It’s memories, opportunity, and the chance to build something lasting.

If you’ve been thinking about buying, selling, or just understanding what your recreational property might be worth in today’s market, I’d be glad to help!

05/05/2026

Not every accepted offer makes it all the way to closing....

Issues can come up during inspections, financing, or general due diligence.

That’s why contingencies and a well-structured agreement are so important in the process.

Most important, is working with an agent (Like Me!😉) that's going to quarterback the deal to deliver you smoothly to a successful Closing Day!

TJ
Northern Michigan Land Brokers

This one didn’t last long… Under Contract in Big Bay!Strong interest right out of the gate and we’re officially pending ...
05/04/2026

This one didn’t last long… Under Contract in Big Bay!

Strong interest right out of the gate and we’re officially pending on this one.

If you’ve been thinking about selling in the Big Bay / Lake Independence area, now is a great time - inventory is still extremely limited and buyers are active!

Reach out to learn how I can make a difference!

Address

916 Ludington Street
Escanaba, MI
49829

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