Discover a rare 389+/- acre private estate in Republic, MI, centered around pristine Buto Lake. This serene, spring-fed lake offers exclusive frontage, perfect for fishing or kayaking. Surrounded by mixed hardwood forests, rolling terrain, and wildlife, it’s ideal for a family retreat or conservation. Accessible near Marquette, with no structures, it’s a blank canvas for your vision. This is Upper Michigan’s wilderness at its finest.
Land
Nestled in Republic, Michigan, this 390+/- acre property is a true Upper Peninsula gemuntouched wilderness with rolling terrain covered in mixed hardwoods and pines. At its heart is 24-acre Buto Lake, a crystal-clear, spring-fed lake , with the entire shoreline belonging to you.
Large section of the lake is surrounded by expansive wetlands and a cranberry bog. The lake draws in ducks, deer, and all kinds of wildlife, creating a rich, vibrant habitat. Bruc...
Large section of the lake is surrounded by expansive wetlands and a cranberry bog. The lake draws in ducks, deer, and all kinds of wildlife, creating a rich, vibrant habitat. Bruce Creek meanders through the land, joined by two ponds that add even more water and cover.
Recreation
This property offers exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities within its diverse, forested landscape and 24-acre Buto Lake. The mixed hardwood and softwood forests, including maple, birch, oak, pine, and spruce, provide prime habitat for white-tailed deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, and small game like rabbit and squirrel, ideal for hunting enthusiasts. Moose have been sighted on the property. Rolling terrain and trails allow for strategic stand placement or stalking, with the property’s seclusion ensuring minimal disturbance. Enrolled in conservation programs, it supports sustainable wildlife management.
Buto Lake, a spring-fed, mesotrophic lake with a maximum depth of 22.3 feet, supports a healthy fishery per the 2017 National Lakes Assessment, with good water quality (low phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorophyll-a). Likely species include panfish (bluegill, perch), largemouth bass, and possibly northern pike, perfect for shore or small-boat fishing. Bruce Creek and two ponds add opportunities for angling or waterfowl hunting, with wetlands attracting ducks.
Agriculture
Buto Lake 390 offers a diverse timber stand of mature northern hardwoods and softwoods, including maple, birch, oak, pine, and spruce, creating a vibrant forest ecosystem. The mixed woodland, interspersed with rolling terrain, supports abundant wildlife and offers potential for sustainable forestry or recreational trails. Enrolled in conservation programs, the property ensures long-term ecological preservation while allowing responsible land use.
Region & Climate
Republic, MI, experiences a classic Upper Peninsula climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Winter temperatures often dip below 0F, with average snowfall exceeding 100 inches, ideal for snowmobiling and skiing. Summers average 60-75F, perfect for lake activities on Buto Lake. Spring and fall bring vibrant foliage and crisp air, with occasional rain. The region’s four distinct seasons enhance year-round outdoor recreation on this pristine property.
Location
The Buto Lake property is situated in the rural heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, within Marquette County near the unincorporated community of Republic (ZIP 49879). Nestled in Republic Township, it lies approximately 28 miles southwest of Marquette, the county seat and largest nearby city (population ~20,000), accessible via a scenic 45-minute drive along M-95 north to US-41/M-28. The coordinates center around 46.4454 N, 87.99653 W, in a forested, low-density area ideal for seclusion.
Nearest Airports
Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT): The closest commercial airport, 42 miles northeast (~50-minute drive via M-95). It offers daily flights to Detroit (DTW) and Chicago (ORD) via American Airlines and Delta.
Ford Airport (IMT): 49 miles south in Iron Mountain (~1-hour drive), with regional service to Chicago and Detroit.
Nearby Towns
Republic: The immediate local hub, just minutes away, with basic services like a post office, small grocery (Republic Market), gas stations, and the Republic-Michigamme School District.
Champion: 7 miles north (~10-minute drive), a quiet village with additional rural amenities.
Ishpeming: 20 miles northeast (~25-minute drive), offering more shops and community resources.
Marquette: 28 miles northeast (~45-minute drive), the regional center with hospitals, universities (Northern Michigan University), and cultural sites.
Closest Amenities
In Republic: Essentials like fuel at BP stations, casual dining (e.g., local taverns), and outdoor outfitters. Marquette expands options with full supermarkets (e.g., Family Fare), hospitals (UP Health System), restaurants, hardware stores (Ace Hardware). Iron Mountain (46 miles south) contains similar amenities. The area’s proximity to state forests ensures easy access to hiking, fishing, and boating gear rentals.
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