Trails, trout ponds included in this Michigan river ranch for sale, $6.7 million
MLive Real Estate News

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The thought of a home where actual buffalo roam might conjure up images of the wild American West, but in the case of one Michigan property for sale, such a place can be found just a half-hour from Traverse City.
Deer Tracks Ranch is an enclosed 1,465-acre swath of land in the village of Fife Lake, in Grand Traverse County, with a real-estate listing that reads like an outdoors enthusiast’s dream: 15 miles of trails, three miles of trout streams, half a mile of frontage on the Manistee River, three stocked trout ponds, lush hardwood forests, and plenty of spectacular wildlife. The property is almost entirely surrounded by fencing — nine miles of it in total — and is home to several herds of elk, deer, and even buffalo.
The property is listed at $6.7 million with Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty.
“It’s just a wonderful place,” said current owner Dave Tuxbury, who has resided at the property for more than two decades. “It feels like you’re out in the middle of the Upper Peninsula almost. It has a very peaceful feeling.”
The lodging and outbuildings on the property were constructed with the outdoors in mind when it comes to style as well as utility. The main residences include Big Lodge, a modern, custom-crafted log cabin that can sleep more than 12, and Green Lodge, a mid-century vintage cabin, that sleeps 14. Both are situated on the banks of the Manistee River, putting guests just steps from fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout.
A smaller additional river cabin, called The Brookie, and a rustic treehouse named the Eagle’s Nest, which overlooks a creek, offer more intimate places to escape on the land.
Other structures on the property, in keeping with outdoors interests, include a six-door, 1,600 square foot ATV utility building, a 4,000 square foot workshop, a 2,000 square foot barn that could be easily converted into equestrian stalls, and a designated hunting processing area complete with a 12×12 walk-in freezer.
For hosting big gatherings, the property has a large, separate dining hall with a commercial kitchen. In addition to the dining hall’s attached caretaker quarters, it also has a wildlife-viewing room, a wet bar, laundry facilities, multiple offices, and a half-bath.
One of the most interesting features on this spectacular property is a fully restored fire tower, which, at 110 feet tall, offers panoramic views for hundreds of miles.
Co-listing agent Connie Lenau noted that the property’s proximity to Traverse City — and its airport — is a practical plus.
Read on for more photos and details about this Michigan property for sale. The full listing is online here.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The main residence on the property is a custom-built log cabin called the Big Lodge.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The cabin is full of luxe, rustic details and can sleep 12+ adults.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The home features special fixtures like this rock sink with a granite vein running through it.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The property’s other large residence is a vintage lodge that can sleep 14+ and features ’60s-style details inside.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The property includes about a half-mile of frontage on the Manistee River, and three miles of trout streams.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
There’s a large dining hall on the property, with a commercial kitchen.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The dining hall has lots of seating for big groups. It also has an attached caretakers’ quarters, plus offices, a laundry facility, and more.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
A six-stall utility building and garage allows a space to house ATVs and other gear. A guides’ quarters is attached.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
For hunters and anglers, the property has a processing facility complete with walk-in coolers.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
The tree house doesn’t have electricity or running water, making it one of the property’s most rustic spots.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
There are more than 15 miles of trails on the property for hiking, biking, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
There are three stocked fishing ponds on the property.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger
A restored fire tower affords wide views of the surrounding countryside.

Chris Van Winkle Photography and Brad Rellinger