K. I. Sawyer, MI

Located in Marquette County about twenty minutes south of Marquette, K.I. Sawyer has a unique backstory that shapes how the community looks and feels today. Originally established as an active Air Force base during the Cold War, the area transitioned into a residential neighborhood and regional transportation hub after the base closed in 1995. Today, the repurposed base housing offers some of the most accessible and budget-friendly homes in the county, providing a quiet, laid-back option for families, retirees, and commuters working in Marquette or nearby Gwinn.

Daily life around K.I. Sawyer revolves around peaceful neighborhood streets and quick access to the Upper Peninsula outdoors. Residents can spend summer afternoons swimming and fishing at Little Trout Lake, explore miles of wooded walking and cross-country ski trails along the Silver-Lead Creek Greenway, or stop by the community air museum. Having Sawyer International Airport right down the road makes traveling out of town simple, while the short drive into Gwinn or Marquette keeps groceries, dining, and Lake Superior shoreline within easy reach.