Inland township is a rural escape about 20 miles from Traverse City
Dense forests of maple, oak and pine trees fill the Inland township, a rural escape about 20 miles from Traverse City. “People want to be away from it all, where all you can see is woods,” says Realtor Joe Schmidt with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, who has worked in the area for over 35 years. The only businesses in the area include some farms and a convenience store, further creating a sense of isolation. Still, with Traverse City about a half-hour away, amenities like major retailers, hospitals and an airport are not too far away. Smaller communities offer more local businesses closer to home.
Recreation includes the Platte River, hunting and snowmobile trails
The Platte River winds through the northern part of Inland, branching off into lakes and creeks throughout the community and ending at Lake Michigan. People fish, kayak and tube down the river. The large, wooded lots in the township offer themselves to private hunting, but there are also several public sites nearby. One of the closest is Lower Woodstock Lake Nature Preserve, where popular game includes deer and turkey. There are over 3 miles of hiking trails and a 22-acre lake. Part of Michigan’s expansive snowmobile trail system goes through Inland, crossing U.S. Route 31 near Carmean Road. “You’ll get snowmobiles and four-wheelers,” Schmidt says. “There’s recreation all year round.” Amenities at Inland Township Park include a playground, half-sized basketball court and nine-hole disc golf course.
Properties are on wooded lots that range from 2 to over 10 acres
Wooded lots starting at 2 acres split off of country roads. Properties range from late-1800s National Folk styles to ranch-style houses and custom-built homes. There are also parcels of undeveloped land that start at 2 acres but can exceed 10 acres. While smaller residences cost $210,000 to $370,000, most properties range from $400,000 to $680,000. A handful of larger homes on over 10 acres cost $880,000 to $1.2 million. There are some manufactured houses, which cost $150,000 to $350,000.
The Inland township has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Students attend well-rated Benzie County schools
The township is part of Benzie County Central Schools, with open enrollment through School of Choice. Lake Ann Elementary and Benzie Central Middle receive a B-minus from Niche, while Benzie Central Sr. High School earns a B. Both the middle and high school have SEEDS after-school programs that include homework help, career exploration, STEM-related activities and field trips. New Covenant Christian Academy is an unrated private school with kindergarten through 12th grade.
U.S. Route 31 connects Inland to nearby small communities
Residents need a car to get around. U.S. Route 31 goes through the middle of Inland. Interlochen is about 7 miles east, while Honor is about 7 miles west. Most people fly out of Cherry Capital Airport, about 20 miles away. Munson Medical Center, also about a 20-mile drive, is one of the closest hospitals. “Munson would service most people, but as you get more west you might go to Frankfort,” says Schmidt, referring to Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, about 21 miles away.
Locals shop and dine in Interlochen, Honor and Traverse City
People travel to nearby communities for a bite to eat. Restaurants in Honor include the Platte River Inn, which serves pub food, and the retro-themed Papa J’s Pizzeria & Diner with daily buffet specials. There is live music at Oaky’s Tavern in Interlochen, which has barbecue food. Locals get fresh produce and meat from Zane Gray Farms at Gray’Zin Place, a self-serve market off U.S. Route 31. Cherryland Grocery is a convenience store and bait shop in the township. Otherwise, residents buy groceries from Tom’s Food Markets in Interlochen and shop at big-box stores like Walmart and Home Depot in Traverse City.
Dunesville Music Festival is a family-friendly event every June
Dunesville Music Festival is held at Harmony Pines Campground every July. Campers set up RVs and tents and enjoy a weekend of music that plays on two main stages. Between performances, people explore the craft and food vendors or join a fireside jam session at the drum circle, also known as a drum kiva. It is a family-friendly event with a kids tent set up with games and activities.
