Discover a truly rare legacy property that has remained in the same family since 1899. Located within 2 hours of the Twin Cities, this remarkable 359-acre property offers an exceptional combination of privacy, recreation, natural beauty, history, and income potential—making it an ideal weekend getaway, hunting retreat, or family recreational property. The property borders the Nemadji State Forest, providing direct access to thousands of acres of public land for hunting, hiking, ATV riding, snowmobiling, and other year-round adventures. Miles of groomed ATV and snowmobile trails are nearby. There are 269 acres enrolled in the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA) program, providing annual income that can help offset property taxes while still allowing hunting and other compatible recreational activities.
Acreage reference table:
269 Enrolled in SFIA
14 Tax-Exempt Wetland
16 Agricultural (two pieces)
9 Residential (three 3-acre sites: D, F, R)
50 Lake Surface (parts of two lakes)
1 Power Line Easement
_____
359 Total
Water is another major highlight, with 50 acres of lake surface across portions of both DeLong Lake and Maheu Lake. Enjoy fishing for northern pike and perch, explore the shorelines, or simply take in the beautiful scenery. Residential Site D overlooks Maheu Lake and includes a 1992 40×24 double-wide mobile home with two bedrooms, two ¾ baths, propane forced-air heat, and central air. A 24×24 garage with concrete floor and workbench is located alongside the home. The home has not been occupied since 2017 and needs some repairs.Residential Site F features a vintage farmhouse dating to approximately 1900. The home is pretty rustic as it has no electricity or running water and also needs some repairs. Site R, located off Old Highway 23, contains a ruined concrete block building planned for demolition, with electricity wired to the site.Beyond Site F is a 2021 30×32 red pole barn with a concrete floor and two drive-through 8×12 overhead doors, currently used for tree-farm maintenance equipment.The history of this property is truly unique. It encompasses the original location of the town of Nickerson, including the former sawmill and planing mill that operated until about 1907. DeLong Lake was once heated during winter so logs unloaded from trains could be floated to the sawmill, and remnants of the old train trestle can still be seen in the lake. The property was a dairy farm until the late 1930s before becoming a family recreational property. Significant tree planting began in the 1950s creating beautiful views across the property.The land is predominantly high ground with beautiful rolling ridges and a diverse mix of red and white pine, balsam fir, maple, and red oak. This creates excellent wildlife habitat for deer, bear, grouse, and turkey while providing a scenic setting for outdoor recreation. With three gated entrances leading to three separate residential sites, two lakes, extensive timberland, historic significance, SFIA income, and direct access to the Nemadji State Forest, this is an extraordinary opportunity to own a truly one-of-a-kind Minnesota legacy property.
