Looking to build your Leelanau dream home? Peek-a-boo views of Lake Michigan from the quiet, lovely development of Empire Hills near charming, downtown Empire. This 1 acre property is surrounded by large lots with beautiful, well cared for homes, and it also west facing, allowing for a walkout lower level and incredible sunset views. Walk to downtown Empire for dinner, meander a bit further to the incredible Empire Beach and South Bar Lake, and enjoy easy access to the Heritage Trail for biking and cross country skiing, and of course, multiple, excellent hiking spots! This property is in the perfect location to enjoy all the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has to offer, including Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, Glen Arbor, Maple City, and more. Traverse City is also within a 30 minute drive, as is the charming town of Frankfort. This is a wonderful place for a year-round home or vacation escape! Empire Hills has its own website where you can also see all of its bylaws, documents, and more!
Looking to build your Leelanau dream home? Peek-a-boo views of Lake Michigan from the quiet, lovely development of Empire Hills near charming, downtown Empire. This 1 acre property is surrounded by large lots with beautiful, well cared for homes, and it also west facing, allowing for a walkout lower level and incredible sunset views. Walk to downtown Empire for dinner, meander a bit further to the incredible Empire Beach and South Bar Lake, and enjoy easy access to the Heritage Trail for biking and cross country skiing, and of course, multiple, excellent hiking spots! This property is in the perfect location to enjoy all the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has to offer, including Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, Glen Arbor, Maple City, and more. Traverse City is also within a 30 minute drive, as is the charming town of Frankfort. This is a wonderful place for a year-round home or vacation escape! Empire Hills has its own website where you can also see all of its bylaws, documents, and more!
Discover a parcel unlike anything else currently offered in Timber View Ridge—a rare blend of privacy, scenery, and potential. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac atop the bluff and bordered on three sides by protected common space, it feels more like a hidden getaway than a typical neighborhood lot. Thoughtful placement of your future home on the northeast corner opens the door to breathtaking panoramas—expansive views of Big and Little Glen Lakes, the shimmering stretch of Lake Michigan, and the rolling hills that define Leelanau County. In a market where water-view parcels are becoming increasingly limited, this is an opportunity you’ll want to look at twice. The property is already ahead of the curve with two driveway options in place. The primary drive leads you upward to the elevated building site, where the potential for stunning vistas is at its best. A secondary drive takes you to the more level lower area—perfect for a garden, firepit, or another outdoor gathering space. In fact, a firepit already sits here, inviting you to unwind under starry skies. And come spring, bring a camper and savor what this area (and view) has to offer all summer long. Timber View Ridge itself is a peaceful 160-acre community known for its walkable trails, natural surroundings, and commitment to thoughtful design. HOA dues cover essentials like road maintenance and snow removal, helping maintain a sense of ease and cohesion in the neighborhood. From this location, you’re just minutes from Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes, beloved Lake Michigan beaches, and the scenic backroads that make this region special—yet still less than half an hour from Traverse City. If you’re searching for a parcel that delivers both sweeping vistas and a sense of retreat, this one checks every box. Walk the land, take in the views, and envision the Northern Michigan lifestyle waiting for you here.
Discover a parcel unlike anything else currently offered in Timber View Ridgeââ?¬â?a rare blend of privacy, scenery, and potential. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac atop the bluff and bordered on three sides by protected common space, it feels more like a hidden getaway than a typical neighborhood lot. Thoughtful placement of your future home on the northeast corner opens the door to breathtaking panoramasââ?¬â?expansive views of Big and Little Glen Lakes, the shimmering stretch of Lake Michigan, and the rolling hills that define Leelanau County. In a market where water-view parcels are becoming increasingly limited, this is an opportunity youââ?¬â?¢ll want to look at twice. The property is already ahead of the curve with two driveway options in place. The primary drive leads you upward to the elevated building site, where the potential for stunning vistas is at its best. A secondary drive takes you to the more level lower areaââ?¬â?perfect for a garden, firepit, or another outdoor gathering space. In fact, a firepit already sits here, inviting you to unwind under starry skies. And come spring, bring a camper and savor what this area (and view) has to offer all summer long. Timber View Ridge itself is a peaceful 160-acre community known for its walkable trails, natural surroundings, and commitment to thoughtful design. HOA dues cover essentials like road maintenance and snow removal, helping maintain a sense of ease and cohesion in the neighborhood. From this location, youââ?¬â?¢re just minutes from Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes, beloved Lake Michigan beaches, and the scenic backroads that make this region specialââ?¬â?yet still less than half an hour from Traverse City. If youââ?¬â?¢re searching for a parcel that delivers both sweeping vistas and a sense of retreat, this one checks every box. Walk the land, take in the views, and envision the Northern Michigan lifestyle waiting for you here.
An apple a day in LEELANAU COUNTY keeps the doctor away! Rare opportunity to own AG/Residentially zoned SKYE ROSE ORCHARDS in "the land of delight" on over 12 sun kissed county acres with views of Lake Michigan framed by Empire Bluffs & minutes from the village of Empire, North Bar Lake & idolized M22. This delightful & fully operational apple orchard consists of hi-density dwarf apple trees & hard cider apple trees such as Ruby McIntosh, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagolds, Dabinett & Kingston Ciders & is zoned AG/RESIDENTIAL so get creative and realize your destiny with a residence or add a farm manager's quarters to oversee operations. Located on a beautiful plateau off of 11150 Fredrickson Rd via easement amongst neighboring orchards & vineyards complete with irrigation, electric, oak harvesting bins and more. Take a bite out of the county with this once in a lifetime opportunity. Orchard is located off of an easement at 11150 Fredrickson Rd.
3.64 acres of prime Empire property—sold as one, but comprised of three separate lots! Level corner parcel loaded with mature hardwoods, just 0.8 miles from Empire Beach! An easy stroll through downtown Empire awaits its new owner. Enjoy small-town charm near Sleeping Bear Dunes and only 30 minutes from Traverse City.
3.64 acres of prime Empire propertyââ?¬â?sold as one, but comprised of three separate lots! Level corner parcel loaded with mature hardwoods, just 0.8 miles from Empire Beach! Ã? An easy stroll through downtown Empire awaits its newÃ? owner. Enjoy small-town charm near Sleeping Bear Dunes and only 30 minutes from Traverse City.
Your Dream Home Awaits! Imagine waking up each morning to the beauty of your own slice of paradise in Leelanau County, with rolling hills, peaceful woods, and an endless southern countryside view. This 4.87-acre gem is perfectly positioned for your dream home, with the ideal layout for a walkout basement. Nestled in a quiet and serene setting, the property is nicely wooded for privacy, yet partially cleared at the prime building site. A driveway is already in place, and there are three approved locations for your septic system, giving you flexibility for your perfect layout. Few lots like this still exist in Leelanau! Annual association dues are just $150, and once your residence is complete, snow plowing is conveniently handled for $250/year. Don’t just build a house—create your forever escape in the heart of Northern Michigan. Your Leelanau dream starts here.
Your Dream Home Awaits! Imagine waking up each morning to the beauty of your own slice of paradise in Leelanau County, with rolling hills, peaceful woods, and an endless southern countryside view. This 4.87-acre gem is perfectly positioned for your dream home, with the ideal layout for a walkout basement. Nestled in a quiet and serene setting, the property is nicely wooded for privacy, yet partially cleared at the prime building site. A driveway is already in place, and there are three approved locations for your septic system, giving you flexibility for your perfect layout. Few lots like this still exist in Leelanau! Annual association dues are just $150, and once your residence is complete, snow plowing is conveniently handled for $250/year. Donââ?¬â?¢t just build a houseââ?¬â?create your forever escape in the heart of Northern Michigan. Your Leelanau dream starts here.
Discover the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty on this 5-acre wooded parcel in The Timbers, one of Empire’s most desirable settings. Gently rolling terrain offers an ideal layout for a walkout-style home surrounded by mature trees and peaceful Northern Michigan scenery. Located on a paved road with underground utilities, this property combines convenience and seclusion—just minutes from Empire, Glen Arbor, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy easy access to Glen Lake, Lake Michigan beaches, and the Leelanau Wine Trail, all while being a short, scenic drive down M-72 to Traverse City. Experience that quintessential “Up North” feel and build your dream home in the heart of Leelanau County.
Discover the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty on this 5-acre wooded parcel in The Timbers, one of Empireââ?¬â?¢s most desirable settings. Gently rolling terrain offers an ideal layout for a walkout-style home surrounded by mature trees and peaceful Northern Michigan scenery. Located on a paved road with underground utilities, this property combines convenience and seclusionââ?¬â?just minutes from Empire, Glen Arbor, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy easy access to Glen Lake, Lake Michigan beaches, and the Leelanau Wine Trail, all while being a short, scenic drive down M-72 to Traverse City. Experience that quintessential ââ?¬Å?Up Northââ?¬Â feel and build your dream home in the heart of Leelanau County.
Escape to this serene 20-acre property just minutes from the village of Empire. With rolling terrain, wooded privacy, and open meadows, the land invites imagination: whether you picture a nature retreat, hobby farm, or simply a tranquil home site. Imagine morning sunlight filtering through the oaks and maples, afternoons spent exploring trails, and evenings enjoying quiet solitude under northern Michigan skies. All of this within reach of Empire�s shops, restaurants, and Lake Michigan shoreline. Key features: Multiple possible expansion or building sites (Perc test approved), 3 adorable outbuildings. Two of them are used for storage, other houses electrical panel and well infrastructure. (2) 5�wells on property new in ~2012, both with Ag permit for usage, property has irrigation system installed, condition will need to be verified, as it has not been operated for 5+ years. Electric on property for well operations, road access, Wildlife habitat, scenic views, mature trees. Exploring split possibility with Township, minimum split is 5 acres currently. Whether you�re seeking a weekend escape or full-time sanctuary, this property delivers both the canvas and the foundation for your northern Michigan dreams.
Discover 8.56 acres of rolling hardwoods in the heart of Leelanau County, just outside the village of Empire. This beautifully wooded parcel offers a mix of sloping and level terrain, ideal for those looking to build a private retreat surrounded by nature. With mature trees, seasonal color, and a peaceful setting along a quiet road, the land provides both seclusion and convenience—close to Lake Michigan beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the charming shops and dining of Empire. Whether you envision a year-round residence or a seasonal escape, this property offers the space and natural beauty to bring your plans to life. HOA dues cover road maintenance and snow removal. Once a residence is built, the amount can fluctuate based on the winter and the amount of snow removal that is needed.
Discover 8.56 acres of rolling hardwoods in the heart of Leelanau County, just outside the village of Empire. This beautifully wooded parcel offers a mix of sloping and level terrain, ideal for those looking to build a private retreat surrounded by nature. With mature trees, seasonal color, and a peaceful setting along a quiet road, the land provides both seclusion and convenienceââ?¬â?close to Lake Michigan beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the charming shops and dining of Empire. Whether you envision a year-round residence or a seasonal escape, this property offers the space and natural beauty to bring your plans to life. HOA dues cover road maintenance and snow removal. Once a residence is built, the amount can fluctuate based on the winter and the amount of snow removal that is needed.
80 ACRES in Leelanau County! This is a one-of-a-kind acreage parcel that is a Hunting and Fishing paradise. An impressive mixture of hardwoods and open areas lends itself to unlimited potential. This prime location is just a quick drive to the area’s many lakes with fabulous boating, sugar sand beaches, recreational trails perfect for hiking and biking, and more. Get ready to explore the surrounding waterfront communities with great dining and shopping opportunities. Traverse City is close by with an abundance of amenities, vibrant cultural scene, full-service airport and more. This is an ideal place to discover everything Northern Michigan has to offer. If you are looking for seclusion and privacy this is a unique opportunity to own large acreage parcel.
80 ACRES in Leelanau County! This is a one-of-a-kind acreage parcel that is a Hunting and Fishing paradise. An impressive mixture of hardwoods and open areas lends itself to unlimited potential. This prime location is just a quick drive to the area�s many lakes with fabulous boating, sugar sand beaches, recreational trails perfect for hiking and biking, and more. Get ready to explore the surrounding waterfront communities with great dining and shopping opportunities. Traverse City is close by with an abundance of amenities, vibrant cultural scene, full-service airport and more. This is an ideal place to discover everything Northern Michigan has to offer. If you are looking for seclusion and privacy this is a unique opportunity to own large acreage parcel.
Set in the peaceful Timber View Ridge development, this prime corner parcel presents an opportunity to bring your Up North home aspirations to life. With its mix of cleared and forested areas and a rolling topography, you have many choices when it comes to picking the perfect building spot. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee while relaxing on the covered back porch and finishing your day sitting around the bonfire under a star filled sky. You are sure to enjoy this quiet development and the privacy this generous sized parcel provides. Located on the southern side of Leelanau County in the Glen Lake School District, it is just 5 minutes from Empire, 10 minutes to Glen Arbor, and a short drive to numerous beautiful beaches, golfing, wineries, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Traverse City is less than a 30 minute commute for business, pleasure, or work. Come and explore this picturesque parcel and begin dreaming of all the possibilities!
Set in the peaceful Timber View Ridge development, this prime corner parcel presents an opportunity to bring your Up North home aspirations to life. With its mix of cleared and forested areas and a rolling topography, you have many choices when it comes to picking the perfect building spot. Imagine enjoying your morning coffee while relaxing on the covered back porch and finishing your day sitting around the bonfire under a star filled sky. You are sure to enjoy this quiet development and the privacy this generous sized parcel provides. Located on the southern side of Leelanau County in the Glen Lake School District, it is just 5 minutes from Empire, 10 minutes to Glen Arbor, and a short drive to numerous beautiful beaches, golfing, wineries, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Traverse City is less than a 30 minute commute for business, pleasure, or work. Come and explore this picturesque parcel and begin dreaming of all the possibilities!
A Rare Find in the Heart of Empire! Discover the perfect place to bring your vision to life with this picturesque, buildable lot nestled in the charming Village of Empire. Framed by mature hardwoods, a lush green lawn, and blooming shrubs, this serene property offers natural beauty and an inviting canvas for your dream home. Tucked along a quiet village street with convenient rear alley access, you'll enjoy a peaceful setting just a short stroll from Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Empire Beach, and beloved local restaurants. With the Glen Lake Community Library and quaint shops nearby, this is small-town living at its finest—where tranquility and convenience meet.
A Rare Find in the Heart of Empire! Discover the perfect place to bring your vision to life with this picturesque, buildable lot nestled in the charming Village of Empire. Framed by mature hardwoods, a lush green lawn, and blooming shrubs, this serene property offers natural beauty and an inviting canvas for your dream home. Tucked along a quiet village street with convenient rear alley access, you'll enjoy a peaceful setting just a short stroll from Lake Michiganââ?¬â?¢s shoreline, Empire Beach, and beloved local restaurants. With the Glen Lake Community Library and quaint shops nearby, this is small-town living at its finestââ?¬â?where tranquility and convenience meet.
Peaceful and beautiful buildable parcel on over one acre, located in the neighborhood of Timber View Ridge, just off M-72. Timber View Ridge is an 80 acre development with trails and common areas, making it a serene place to build a dream home. This property is adjacent the Village of Empire, Glen Arbor, and the National Lakeshore. There is a gentle slope to this property, lined with sugar maples and beech trees that abuts the common space in the neighborhood. This shared, common space provides more than 500' of protection from any current or future development to the west. To the east, the parcel looks towards 200 acres of land, protected under a perpetual conservation easement. And to the north, a narrow patch of common space separates this parcel from its northerly neighbor. A driveway entry with culvert is already installed - wide paths have been cut through the parcel making this parcel easy to enjoy and to show! An incredibly private and secluded neighborhood, yet in close proximity to Glen Lake Schools and so much in the area!
Peaceful and beautiful buildable parcel on over one acre, located in the neighborhood of Timber View Ridge, just off M-72. Timber View Ridge is an 80 acre development with trails and common areas, making it a serene place to build a dream home. This property is adjacent the Village of Empire, Glen Arbor, and the National Lakeshore. There is a gentle slope to this property, lined with sugar maples and beech trees that abuts the common space in the neighborhood. This shared, common space provides more than 500' of protection from any current or future development to the west. To the east, the parcel looks towards 200 acres of land, protected under a perpetual conservation easement. And to the north, a narrow patch of common space separates this parcel from its northerly neighbor. A driveway entry with culvert is already installed - wide paths have been cut through the parcel making this parcel easy to enjoy and to show! An incredibly private and secluded neighborhood, yet in close proximity to Glen Lake Schools and so much in the area!
Residential Building Site located downtown in the quaint Village Of Empire. Property includes a Historic, 2 Level, 7,400+ square foot Livery Barn built in 1900. This wooded building site offers views of both Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake; is within close walking distance of Lake Michigan beach access; and has access to the following utilities: Natural Gas; Municipal water; and Spectrum high speed Internet, TV and telephone. Additional acreage is available at 11738 S. Lake Street (MLS # 1912604). View Preservation (& Creation) corridors in place, and additional Septic Release Area is available. Listing includes 2 Parcels, Click "Associated Documents" for both Tax ID #'s and Legal Descriptions. Listing data and information, including year built, measurements, Building square footage total, Zoning/Building details, Tax ID#'s, and supplemental Documents have been obtained from third party sources and /or the Seller; all data and information is deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed for accuracy; independent verification should be made by Purchaser and Purchaser�s Agent prior to Closing
Located at the center of the Village of Empire, and just steps away from Lake Michigan and S. Bar Lake Beaches, all surrounded by the beauty of the Sleeping Bear National Park. This 5.34-Acre property includes a Historic, 2 level Livery Barn (7,400 sq ft); former Hardware Store (11,000 sq ft); Pole Building (8,000 sq ft); and 2 Sheds (for Lumber Yard Horizontal storage). (NOTE: "Concept Site Plans" and "Concept Drawings" shown in attached photos, are also included in Associated Documents for easier viewing) Property is zoned Commercial-Residential and is located in the Front Street Zoning District, which allows a wide range of potential uses (For details, Click the Documents Link button for a copy of the Front Street District Zoning Ordinance, along with the Empire Zoning Map). This development property is also supported by a contiguous, 2.29 acre approved septic field (Release Area) with a capacity of up to 20,000 gallons-per-day, the Release Area is included in this sale. Property also has access to the following utilities: Natural Gas; Municipal water; and Spectrum high speed Internet, TV and telephone. Listing data and information, including year built, measurements, square footage totals for Buildings, Zoning/Building details, Tax ID#'s, and supplemental Documents have been obtained from third party sources and /or the Seller; all data and information is deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed for accuracy; independent verification should be made by Purchaser and Purchaser�s Agent prior to Closing.


Empire is located in Michigan. Empire, Michigan has a population of 362. Empire is less family-centric than the surrounding county with 18% of the households containing married families with children. The county average for households married with children is 21.28%.
The median household income in Empire, Michigan is $60,781. The median household income for the surrounding county is $72,709 compared to the national median of $69,021. The median age of people living in Empire is 59.7 years.
The average high temperature in July is 78.9 degrees, with an average low temperature in January of 17.8 degrees. The average rainfall is approximately 33.7 inches per year, with 119.9 inches of snow per year.