Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about River Trails, straight from the source. Reach out to us directly by email or phone if you have additional questions.

About the Development

  • River Trails LLC is a Michigan LLC owned by Donald R. McLean, Norman McLean III, and Andrew McLean. Don serves as Manager and is the primary contact for questions about the community.

  • Yes.

    Phase 1, consisting of 13 homesites, has been approved and filed under the Michigan Land Division Act as of September, 2024.

    Phase 2 with additional homesites has been approved and filed under the Michigan Land Division Act as of July, 2026.

  • Yes. Use and deed restrictions are in place to ensure quality development and shared stewardship of the private road and trail systems. All buyers are encouraged to review these before purchasing.

    Read more about community standards and covenants.

Infrastructure + Utilities

  • Yes. Road construction for Phase 1 and Phase 2 is complete.

  • Yes. Underground electric has been installed for all Phase 1 homesites.

    Electric for homesites in Phase 2 will be installed on or before July 2027. 

  • Yes. Each homeowner is responsible for installing their own well and septic system.

  • The current plan is for individual satellite service as the primary internet provider.

  • Yes. Both roads are private and will be managed jointly by the future association and River Trails LLC as the community develops.

  • During the early years of home construction, the roads will remain gravel. Once the community is more established, the association can vote on a paving assessment if residents choose to pursue it.

Open Space, Trails + Stewardship

  • Approximately 39 acres of open space is set aside within the development with over 26 acres owned by Michigan Technological University. The balance to be owned by owners cooperative.

  • Yes. All trails are anticipated to be open year-round. Some will be multi-use and others designated for specific activities depending on final trail design. Planned uses include hiking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

  • Trail plans are complete, and the McLean Brownell River Trail on Michigan Tech’s open space is accessible to the public. All other trails are private.

  • Yes. Multiple access points are being planned to connect the River Trails trail system directly to the MTU trails. Property owners and guests can access the MTU trails with a day pass or annual trail pass available through the Student Development Center.

  • School bus service is expected at the corner of Lahti Road and River Trails Road. Houghton Middle and High School is approximately 1.8 miles from that intersection. The MTU trail system also connects to the SDC and provides a continuous hike, bike, and ski route to the school without crossing a single road.

  • Details are still being finalized. One area may be dedicated to community gardens, while another could support an independent grower with on-site food production, a Saturday farmer's market presence, and a greenhouse for year-round fresh food access.

  • Catch and release is strongly encouraged throughout River Trails. All anglers are expected to follow State of Michigan fishing regulations. Taking care of the Pilgrim River is something this community takes seriously, for residents today and for generations to come.

Building + Zoning

  • Upon closing, you can apply for the necessary building permits through Portage Township and Houghton County.

  • Yes. Portage Township's Rural Residential zoning allows for a single-family home plus an attached or detached guest house. Many River Trails buyers choose to build the guest house first and live on site during construction of their primary home.

  • All homesites fall under Portage Township's Rural Residential zoning regulations. Setbacks are 30 feet front and rear, 20 feet on the sides, with a 35-foot height limit for residential structures. There is also a 30-foot utility and drainage easement along the lot lines adjacent to River Trails Road and Applewood Drive. Additional homeowner controls cover site coverage, garage size, siding materials, and landscaping.