Empire Real Estate

Empire Real Estate

Welcome to Empire, Michigan – a hidden gem nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan! This charming village, part of Leelanau County, is not just a picturesque destination; it’s a vibrant community rich in natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With its breathtaking views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire offers residents and visitors alike an unparalleled connection to nature.

Empire boasts a quaint downtown area filled with local shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants that serve up delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to strike up a conversation with friendly locals who are always eager to share their favorite spots. Whether you’re exploring the sandy beaches, hiking scenic trails, or simply soaking in the stunning sunsets over the lake, Empire is a place where you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature.

For those who appreciate a slower pace of life, Empire offers a tight-knit community feel, where neighbors become friends and local events bring everyone together. The annual Empire Asparagus Festival is a highlight, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage with food, fun, and festivities.

Families will find excellent schools and a safe environment, while outdoor enthusiasts will revel in year-round activities, from kayaking in the summer to skiing in the winter. With its unique blend of small-town charm and breathtaking landscapes, Empire, Michigan, is more than just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle waiting to be embraced. Come discover the magic of Empire – your dream home awaits!

Newest Listings in Empire

W Osborn Road, Empire
$175,000
1951910 MLS ⋅ Metes & Bounds BLDG.
Build your Northern Michigan getaway on this beautiful 5-acre parcel, to be split from a larger 10-acre property. Ideally situated near the natural beauty and outdoor recreation of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the property offers a peaceful setting with convenient access to some of the area’s most sought-after destinations. The Empire Airport is less than a mile away, providing an appealing option for small-aircraft enthusiasts. Enjoy easy access to Lake Michigan, the Empire Bluffs Trailhead, Dunes Golf Club, and the historic villages of Empire and Glen Arbor, with their restaurants, shops and local attractions. Whether you envision a year-round home, seasonal retreat or private Northern Michigan escape, this property offers the space and location to make it your own.

W Osborn Road, Empire
10205 W Niagara Street, Empire
$625,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1951541 MLS ⋅ Village Of Empire BLDG.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! A chance to own your own piece of paradise in the Village of Empire. Close to Lake Michigan, South Bar Lake, Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, James R. Johnson Park, pickleball courts, playgrounds, shops, library and restaurants. This well-appointed two-story dwelling has several updates including interior paint, heat plant, roof cover, appliances and whole house generator! Did I mention the custom built three season porch and attached two car garage and fenced in pet area. Located on two platted lots. A very nice dwelling located in a very desirable location!

10205 W Niagara Street, Empire
11934 S Karnes Road, Empire
$994,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1951538 MLS ⋅ Karnes Rd BLDG.
Under Construction - 4 Bedroom, 3 bath home located in the Karnes Road Development. Minutes from Glen Lake and Glen Arbor. Home is estimated to be completed in April of next year. This home is being built by Northworks Builders, and is situated on large 5 acre lot along a wooded ridgeline. This home offers 3,582 finished sqft between the main floor and lower level. The main level features a large primary bedroom with a private bath and walk in closet. Additionally, there is also a second bedroom, office, laundry room and mudroom on the main level. The lower level consists of two bedrooms, one full bath and a large family room. Rare opportunity to purchase a brand new home on a 5 acres, 10 minutes from Glen Arbor. Note some of the photos are renders of what it will look like when it is completed. Seller is a licensed realtor in the state of Michigan

11934 S Karnes Road, Empire
011 W Timber View Trail, Empire
$62,900
1951083 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.
A little bit of open space, a little bit of woods, and a location that puts some of the best parts of Northern Michigan just minutes from home. This corner parcel in Timber View Ridge gives you a great starting point for creating your own place near Empire. The gently rolling terrain and mix of open and wooded areas provide flexibility when deciding where to position your future home and how you want to use the property around it. Keep the trees for privacy, selectively remove a few for a yard or outdoor gathering space, and create a setting that fits the way you want to enjoy Up North. And there is plenty to enjoy beyond your own property. The Dunes Golf Club is right across the road, while Empire, Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and numerous hiking trails are all just minutes away. Spend the morning golfing, hop on the trail for a bike ride, head to the beach for the afternoon, or make the short drive into Empire or Glen Arbor for dinner. Timber View Ridge offers a peaceful setting while keeping you connected to everything that makes this part of Leelanau County such a special place to call home. Located in the Glen Lake School District and less than 30 minutes from Traverse City, you can enjoy the quieter pace of life near Empire while still having everyday conveniences within easy reach. The setting is here, the Up North lifestyle is all around you, and the rest is yours to create.

011 W Timber View Trail, Empire
S Golden Valley Drive, Empire
$223,000
1951063 MLS ⋅ Golden Valley Woods BLDG.
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.

S Golden Valley Drive, Empire
11127 S Hermies Pass, Empire
$233,984
1951060 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.
A one-of-a-kind opportunity in the heart of Leelanau County — the only truly build-ready log home site on the market. Tucked into 1.20 wooded acres in the Timber View Ridge community outside Empire, this parcel arrives with the hard work done: a prepared 28' x 52' slab-ready foundation site, septic tank installed under an active health-department permit, well installation underway, and a 150-foot drive already in. The vision is ready too — full architectural plans for a 1,980 sq. ft. Beaver Log Homes design convey with the sale, along with on-site building materials — and the complete log package is available with an acceptable offer. Better still, this community was planned for exactly this home: the covenants call for natural-wood exteriors with logs expressly preferred. Building, zoning, and health-department permits are paid and executed. Where most vacant land hands you a two-year project, this one hands you a running start: many months of site work, engineering, and supply decisions already behind you, with the savings in both time and cost that come with it. Even the builder question is answered — the seller is a licensed builder and may be available to complete the home under separate arrangement. And you can enjoy the property now: association documents allow camping while you plan (up to 8 weeks per year) and Short term rentals of one week or more, with community open space for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiles. All of it sits minutes from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the village of Empire, Glen Lake schools, and the beaches, trails, and wineries that make this corner of Michigan a destination. Picture the finished cabin in the trees at the end of your own drive — then come see how much of the picture is already real. Renderings shown for illustration; buyer to verify use and rental regulations with the Association and township; see attached documents including Covenants at a Glance.

11127 S Hermies Pass, Empire
8205 W Day Forest Road, Empire
$5,300,000
5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 1950854 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
There are lakefront properties, and then there are places that feel entirely their own. Privately set along coveted West Day Forest Road, this exceptional Little Glen Lake retreat offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and an extraordinary waterfront setting. Set on approximately one acre with 100 feet of private frontage, and a gorgeous boulder wall along the sand, the property begins with a long, beautifully landscaped approach framed by mature trees, lush lawn, and gardens before opening to the residence and lake beyond. Built in 2019 and encompassing approximately 3,700 square feet, the home was thoughtfully designed to embrace its surroundings. Nearly every room captures beautiful water views, while all five bedrooms feature en-suite baths. Generous living spaces open naturally to a covered porch, adjoining deck, and lower patio, creating an effortless setting for both intimate gatherings and entertaining. A custom bunk room comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests and adds a memorable element for family and friends. Beyond the home, the landscape gently unfolds toward Little Glen Lake, where a broad grassy lawn meets 100 feet of beautiful, hard-packed sandy shoreline. A long private dock extends into the lake, offering an exceptional vantage point toward the Sleeping Bear Dunes and spectacular sunsets. Few experiences are more quintessentially Northern Michigan than ending the day at the end of your dock as the sun settles beyond the dunes. A beautifully finished garage with epoxy flooring and a dedicated recreation and gaming area adds functionality to this exceptional retreat. Just minutes from downtown Glen Arbor and Empire, the property offers easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the M-22 scenic corridor, the M-22 Bike Trail, Lake Michigan beaches, and the area’s celebrated restaurants, shops, and outdoor experiences.

8205 W Day Forest Road, Empire
10775 S Benzonia Trail, Empire
$529,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1950344 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
Quality built 2-bedroom, 2 bath home in a private wooded setting on two acres. This home features a massive brick fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and a new metal roof and Hardie siding. Relax on the 33’ x 12’ front deck that was recently refinished with low maintenance trex decking. Bonus four-car detached garage for plenty of storage. Located just two miles South of the Glen Lake Narrows, very close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and in district for Glen Lake Schools.

10775 S Benzonia Trail, Empire
0000 W Timber Lane, Empire
$149,900
1950115 MLS ⋅ The Timbers BLDG.
This is one of the most affordable five-acre parcels currently available in all of Leelanau County, offering an incredible opportunity to own your own piece of Northern Michigan. From the moment you arrive, towering pines and mature evergreens create a peaceful atmosphere and natural privacy. Toward the back of the property, the woods open into a spacious grassy clearing—providing an ideal setting for a future home, Up North getaway, or private retreat. Imagine building among the trees with plenty of room to enjoy quiet mornings, evenings around the bonfire, and the beauty of every Northern Michigan season. Located within the Glen Lake Community Schools district, the property is just minutes from Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan beaches, golf courses, hiking trails, and the scenic M-22 corridor. Downtown Traverse City is approximately 30 minutes away, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, wineries, and year-round entertainment. Whether you enjoy boating, golfing, hiking, or exploring nearby communities such as Glen Arbor and Empire, this location keeps you close to everything people love about Leelanau County while still offering the peace and privacy of a natural setting.

0000 W Timber Lane, Empire
57 S Hermies Pass, Empire
$74,900
1949995 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.
Nestled within a quiet wooded neighborhood off M-77 in Empire, this beautiful parcel offers a peaceful Northern Michigan setting where life naturally slows down. Surrounded by mature trees and a blend of wooded privacy and open space, the property feels calm, natural, and connected to the landscape from the moment you arrive. Sunlight filters through the trees, the setting is quiet and refreshing, and the atmosphere captures the relaxed character that makes this area so desirable. The neighborhood features tree-lined roads, large wooded parcels, and a peaceful setting that feels tucked away while still remaining close to everything Northern Michigan has to offer. Dunes Golf Course is nearby, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, scenic hiking trails, and the charm of downtown Empire are all just minutes away. Traverse City is also an easy drive, offering convenient access to wineries, shopping, restaurants, and year-round entertainment before returning home to the quieter pace of the woods. The HOA maintains the private roads within the community, helping preserve the neighborhood’s well-kept feel and providing easy year-round access. Whether you’re looking to build a year-round residence or a Northern Michigan getaway, this property offers a setting that feels peaceful, connected, and easy to fall in love with.

57 S Hermies Pass, Empire
11789 S Roen Drive, Empire
$67,500
1949928 MLS ⋅ Empire Hills BLDG.
Set in the Village of Empire, this ½-acre buildable lot puts you right where you want to be; close to everything that makes this area special, without feeling crowded. Located at 11789 S Roen Dr, you’re just minutes from Lake Michigan’s shoreline, local shops, and great spots to eat. The lot offers a clean slate with the space and flexibility to bring your vision to life, whether you're planning now or thinking ahead. Opportunities like this, location, size, and value all lining up, don’t come around often in Empire. If you’ve been waiting for the right piece of land in a prime Northern Michigan, Leelanau county setting, this one’s worth a closer look.

11789 S Roen Drive, Empire
15 S Mistys Trail, Empire
$66,900
1949919 MLS ⋅ Timber View Ridge BLDG.
Privacy and nature abound in this one of a kind wooded parcel located in the beautiful development of Timber View Ridge. Mature hardwoods and a gentle rolling topography allow for multiple options, with country side views and walkout opportunities when building your Up North dream home. A driveway has already been cut into the parcel making it easily accessible and vacant land to the East allow for additional privacy. Located on the southern side of Leelanau County in the Glen Lake School District, this slice of heaven is just minutes from Empire, Glen Arbor, numerous beautiful beaches and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Located just off of M72, you can easily commute to Traverse City for shopping, pleasure, or work. This parcel is not like the other lots that have sold over the years in this development. Come and explore this slice of heaven and begin dreaming of all the possibilities!

15 S Mistys Trail, Empire
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