Rustic Michigan Cabin on 5 Acres Listed for $97,500

Finding an affordable cabin with acreage in northern Michigan can appeal to buyers searching for a weekend getaway, hunting camp, or private rural retreat. A property in Grayling combines a rustic cabin, approximately five acres of land, a detached garage, and a wooded setting for a reported asking price of $97,500.

Located at 1879 Cherry Creek Trail, Grayling, Michigan 49738, the property includes a 1,163-square-foot residence built in 1958. The listing identifies one bedroom, one full bathroom, a wood stove, a wall furnace, a detached garage, and a spacious yard surrounded by trees.

The property is also advertised as being near state land, trails in the Big Creek area, and the Au Sable River, making it potentially attractive to buyers who enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

However, an affordable asking price does not automatically make a property a bargain. The cabin’s age, crawl-space foundation, septic system, road access, and cash-only listing terms all deserve careful consideration before a purchase.

Property Overview: 1879 Cherry Creek Trail

The cabin is listed for $97,500 and sits on approximately five acres. It offers an established dwelling and additional improvements rather than a vacant parcel requiring construction from the beginning.

Here are the main details provided in the listing:

• Address: 1879 Cherry Creek Trail, Grayling, MI 49738
• Asking price: $97,500
• Land size: Approximately 5 acres
• Living area: 1,163 square feet
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1 full bathroom
• Year built: 1958
• Architectural style: Rustic cabin
• Exterior: Log siding
• Foundation: Crawl space
• Heating: Wall furnace and wood stove
• Sewer: Septic tank
• Parking: Detached garage
• Road access: Maintained dirt road, according to the listing
• Annual property taxes: Approximately $972, as reported for 2026
• Listing terms: Cash
• MLS: WWMLS #201842906

The listing information should be independently verified, including the current price, property condition, utility status, and any restrictions affecting occupancy or future improvements.

A Rustic Cabin Surrounded by Trees

The main attraction is the cabin’s traditional appearance and natural setting. Built in 1958, the home features wood-paneled walls and ceilings that contribute to its rustic character.

Listing photographs reportedly show a kitchen with cabinetry and appliances, an open living area, and sleeping space with multiple beds. The home is described as having one bedroom and one full bathroom, although buyers should confirm the actual layout and how the listed living area is measured.

The kitchen appears to include cabinets, a sink, and a range. A refrigerator and washer are also identified among the listed appliances. Their condition and inclusion in the sale should be confirmed rather than assumed from photographs.

This is not a newly constructed vacation home with modern finishes throughout. Its appeal is more closely connected to its established cabin atmosphere, wooded surroundings, and recreational location.

For buyers who appreciate older properties, the setting may be appealing. Still, the age of the building makes a thorough inspection especially important.

A Wood Stove and Wall Furnace for Heating

The cabin features a wood stove positioned on a brick hearth, along with a wall furnace identified in the listing.

These heating features may be useful in northern Michigan, where winter conditions can be demanding. However, buyers should establish whether the equipment is functional, properly installed, and capable of heating the home safely during cold weather.

A qualified professional should inspect the wood stove, chimney, flue, wall furnace, and ventilation system. The inspection should also consider clearances from combustible materials and any repairs required to meet applicable safety standards.

Insulation, window condition, air leakage, and the overall energy efficiency of the building are also worth evaluating. An older cabin may require improvements to remain comfortable and economical to heat throughout the winter.

Five Acres With a Spacious Yard

The property is described as containing approximately five acres, with listing information indicating dimensions of roughly 330 by 660 feet.

Photographs reportedly show a grassy clearing surrounded by trees, offering a combination of open yard space and a wooded backdrop. This arrangement may appeal to buyers who want outdoor space without giving up the feeling of being immersed in nature.

Depending on the parcel’s boundaries, terrain, and local regulations, the land could provide room for outdoor gatherings, gardening, nature observation, or maintaining trails.

The listing also mentions a fire pit and a deck measuring approximately 12 by 16 feet. These features could make the outdoor area useful for relaxing during warmer months, subject to safety and condition checks.

Five acres does not necessarily mean every part of the property is level or easily accessible. Buyers should walk the land where possible, review the survey, and identify any drainage issues, easements, or limitations that could affect their intended use.

Near State Land, Big Creek Trails, and the Au Sable River

The listing highlights the property’s proximity to state land, trails in the Big Creek area, and the Au Sable River.

For outdoor enthusiasts, access to regional recreational opportunities may be one of the most compelling aspects of the location. The Grayling area is associated with outdoor activities, and buyers interested in fishing, hiking, hunting, or exploring northern Michigan may appreciate having a cabin to return to after a day outside.

However, nearby recreational resources should not be confused with features that are part of the property itself. The supplied information does not establish that the cabin has private river frontage or direct legal access to adjoining state land.

Prospective buyers should verify distances, trail access points, public-land boundaries, and any applicable seasonal or recreational restrictions. Anyone planning to hunt or fish should also check current licensing requirements and local regulations.

A Detached Garage Adds Practical Storage

The property includes a detached garage, which can be useful for storing tools, maintenance equipment, outdoor supplies, and personal belongings.

For a recreational cabin, secure storage may be particularly valuable. A garage can help protect equipment from weather and provide additional space for routine property maintenance.

Buyers should inspect the structure’s roof, foundation, doors, drainage, and any electrical installations. They should also confirm the garage’s dimensions and determine whether it is suitable for the vehicles or equipment they intend to store.

The listing photographs reportedly show shelving and stored items in an outbuilding. Buyers should clarify which structures are included and whether any visible equipment, furniture, or personal property will remain after closing.

Reported Recent Improvements

The listing states that the cabin has been newly shingled and that underground electric service has been installed.

A newer roof may reduce the likelihood of an immediate roof replacement, while underground electrical service can offer a different arrangement from exposed overhead wiring.

Nevertheless, buyers should request documentation showing when the work was completed and whether permits or inspections were required. They should also ask about any warranties, receipts, and known maintenance issues.

Even when recent improvements are reported, a complete inspection remains important. New shingles, for example, do not establish the condition of the underlying roof structure, attic ventilation, or any areas affected by past moisture.

Is $97,500 a Good Price for This Michigan Cabin?

At the reported asking price of $97,500 and a listed living area of 1,163 square feet, the property works out to approximately $84 per square foot.

That figure is only a rough calculation and should not be treated as a reliable valuation by itself. The property includes five acres and a detached garage, while the age and condition of the cabin may have a significant influence on its market value.

The supplied listing history indicates that the property sold for $20,500 in January 2013 before appearing on the market at $97,500 in September 2026.

That is a substantial difference over more than 13 years, but the historical sale price does not reveal the property’s condition at the time, the improvements completed since then, or changes in the local real estate market.

A better assessment would compare recent sales of similar cabins in the Grayling area, accounting for acreage, road access, utilities, structural condition, and proximity to recreational amenities.

Property Taxes and Ongoing Expenses

The supplied listing reports annual property taxes of approximately $972 for 2026.

The reported figures show the following history:

Year	Reported property taxes
2023	$879
2024	$918
2025	$960
2026	$972

These figures indicate a gradual increase in the reported tax amount. However, a buyer’s future bill may differ, and the figures should be verified with the relevant local authorities.

Michigan property taxes can change following a transfer of ownership. Prospective buyers should obtain an estimate based on the anticipated purchase rather than relying exclusively on the seller’s historical tax bill.

Other ownership costs may include insurance, heating fuel, electricity, septic maintenance, road-related expenses, tree maintenance, and repairs. If the cabin will be used seasonally, buyers should also budget for winterization and periodic checks when the property is unoccupied.

Important Risks to Investigate Before Buying

Although the property has several appealing features, its condition and practical costs should be carefully evaluated.

1. The age of the cabin: Built in 1958, the home may have aging wiring, plumbing, insulation, framing, or other components. A professional inspection can identify potential issues that are not visible in listing photographs.

2. Crawl-space foundation: Buyers should inspect the crawl space for moisture, poor drainage, pest damage, ventilation problems, and deterioration of supporting structural elements.

3. Septic system: The system’s age, capacity, location, maintenance history, and current condition should be confirmed. A professional inspection can help identify potential repair or replacement costs.

4. Road access: The listing describes a maintained dirt road. Buyers should establish whether it is public or private, who maintains it, and whether access remains dependable during snow, ice, and heavy rain.

5. Cash-only terms: The listing specifies cash as the purchase term. Buyers should ask the listing agent what this means in practice and whether any alternative financing arrangements may be acceptable. The stated term alone does not establish that the property has a defect.

6. Heating and insurance: The wood stove and wall furnace should be professionally evaluated, and buyers should obtain insurance quotes before closing. The intended pattern of use, including seasonal or year-round occupancy, may affect coverage and costs.

A realistic purchase budget should include inspection fees, closing expenses, immediate repairs, potential system replacements, and ongoing maintenance.

Who Might Consider This Grayling Cabin?

This property may be worth investigating for several types of buyers.

Outdoor recreation enthusiasts may appreciate the reported proximity to state land, trails, and the Au Sable River, particularly if they want a base for fishing, hiking, or hunting trips.

Weekend retreat buyers may like the combination of a cabin, deck, garage, and five acres, provided the home is safe and practical for their intended use.

Buyers seeking rural privacy may value the wooded setting and outdoor space, depending on the parcel layout and surrounding properties.

Hands-on property owners who are comfortable maintaining an older cabin may appreciate its rustic character, provided the inspection findings and total costs fit their budget.

The property may be less suitable for buyers who need a newly built, low-maintenance residence or who cannot accommodate the cash-only listing terms.

Final Thoughts: A Rustic Michigan Cabin Worth Investigating

Listed for a reported $97,500, the property at 1879 Cherry Creek Trail in Grayling, Michigan, combines a 1,163-square-foot cabin, approximately five acres of land, a detached garage, and a setting advertised as being near outdoor recreation opportunities.

Its wood-paneled interior, wood stove, spacious yard, deck, and reported recent improvements may appeal to someone looking for a hunting camp or weekend getaway rather than a conventional suburban home.

However, the cabin’s age, crawl-space foundation, septic system, heating equipment, dirt-road access, and cash-only listing terms deserve close attention. Buyers should also confirm the property’s current condition, legal access, and proximity to the recreational areas mentioned in the listing.

The strongest reason to consider this property is the possibility of acquiring an established cabin and acreage for under $100,000. Whether it represents good value will depend on inspection findings, comparable sales, financing arrangements, and the total cost of ownership.

Property: 1879 Cherry Creek Trail, Grayling, MI 49738
Reported asking price: $97,500
Land: Approximately 5 acres
Listing status: Confirm current availability with the listing agent.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute real estate, legal, tax, insurance, lending, or investment advice. Property details, prices, and listing status may change. Independently verify all information with the listing agent, relevant local authorities, and qualified professionals before making a purchase decision.

Original property listing: View 1879 Cherry Creek Trail on Zillow