Here is a unique opportunity to own 160 +/- acres of recreational land in Clay County, MN. This property has an excellent mix of grassland, trees and wetlands providing quality habitat for whitetail deer, waterfowl and other wildlife. With good access, private hunting and thousands of acres of additional recreational land in the surrounding area, this is a property that offers a lot for the outdoor enthusiast.

Nearly the entire property is protected through the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve Program, helping preserve the grassland, wetlands and wildlife habitat that make this property special. Approximately 7.5 +/- acres were intentionally left outside of the RIM conservation easement, providing an area for a potential homesite, hunting camp, food plot or other permitted use. Buyers should verify allowable uses and building requirements with Clay County and the appropriate agencies.

The property was previously enrolled in a walk-in hunting program; however, that arrangement has ended. The new owner will have control of hunting access to the property.

This is an opportunity to own a private piece of recreational land in an area with an impressive amount of surrounding wildlife habitat and public recreational land.

Property Highlights

The property consists primarily of established grassland and wetland habitat with scattered tree cover. The 2024 land-cover report identifies approximately 52.1% grassland/pasture, 33.3% herbaceous wetlands and 3.4% deciduous forest, along with developed/open space and other cover.

That mix gives the property good diversity. The grass and tree cover provide bedding, security and travel habitat for deer, while the wetlands add waterfowl opportunities without taking away from the property's overall upland character.

Approximately 152.5 +/- acres are in RIM, with 7.5 +/- acres excluded. The excluded acreage is located in the northwest portion of the quarter and was left out intentionally to preserve options for the owner. The conservation-easement map also shows the excluded area within the northwest portion of the property. 

Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM)

The Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve program is a state conservation program administered through the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Through conservation easements, RIM protects and restores wetlands, grasslands and other environmentally sensitive lands while the property remains privately owned.

For this property, RIM has helped maintain the type of habitat recreational buyers are looking for. Instead of having the wetlands dominate the entire tract, there is a good balance of grass, tree cover and wetland areas. The result is a property with habitat for both deer and waterfowl.

An important feature is the 7.5 +/- acre area that is not subject to the RIM easement. This area was purposely excluded to provide flexibility for a potential home, cabin or base camp, food plot or other permitted use. Any building, development or land-use plans should be confirmed by the buyer with Clay County and the appropriate governmental agencies.

Hunting & Recreation

This property sets up well as a private hunting property. The established grasses and tree cover provide quality whitetail habitat, while the wetland areas provide additional opportunities for ducks and geese.

Just as important is what surrounds the property. Nearby public and protected lands add considerably to the amount of wildlife habitat in the immediate area. The property gives an owner a private 160 +/- acre base while being located in a much larger recreational landscape.

The previous walk-in hunting arrangement has ended, so hunting access to the property is now controlled by the landowner. For someone looking for their own hunting ground rather than relying entirely on public access, that is an important feature.

Access

The property has excellent road access, with County Road 34 along the north side and County Road 33 along the east side.. 

Property Note

This is the kind of recreational property that is difficult to duplicate. It has the habitat, access and surrounding recreational acreage hunters look for, along with 7.5 +/- acres outside of the RIM easement that gives the buyer additional flexibility.

Whether you're looking for a deer and waterfowl property, a place for a hunting camp, or simply want to own land where you can spend time outdoors, this 160 +/- acre property deserves a look.