• Rifle River Recreation Area
  • Snowmobiling
  • Irons Park

Photo

A visit to Ogemaw County is one that your family will remember for many years to come. Enjoy the Ogemaw Hills, Rifle River Valley and traverse the many nature trails that will provide you with hours of entertainment. During your visit here you will become enthralled with the enchanting beauty that this region holds for you. When your travel plans include northern Michigan come spend some time with us here in Ogemaw County.

Ogemaw County is an ideal place to spend a day, a long weekend or an entire vacation. Everything you can imagine is here for your enjoyment. We offer many great scenic adventures that will make your stay seem like a fairy tale. Enjoy the beauty of the Ogemaw Hills and the many trails that abound in the area. If your interest lies in this type of recreation be sure to call us at (800) 755-9091.

Enjoy the

The Great Outdoors

The beauty of this region lies in the wide variety of hills, lakes and streams. Canoeing, trout fishing and swimming are just a few of the many recreational activities that you will find in this vast four season playground. Let your mind wander back to your childhood and remember the fun you had while enjoying the beauty of nature and the feeling of renewed life that comes with being outdoors.

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Places to Stay

Places to

Stay

The Ogemaw County area offers a wide variety of hotels, motels, resorts, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds and other lodging opportunities for you to take advantage of.

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Golf

Tee Time!

Golf

Championship golf and Ogemaw County have a lot in common and we think that once you have visited us you will agree that the ultimate golf destination is found right here.

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Let's go

Shopping

If shopping is part of your vacation agenda, you've come to the right place. You will find outlet shopping, antique treasures and a wide variety of specialty shops in West Branch.

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Ogemaw County

Events

Fourth of July heritage Days, the Ogemaw County Fair and the Victorian Art Fair are just a few of the many outstanding events that take place here each year. For more information and a complete listing of events check out the calendar of events.

Calendar of Events

Introduction to West Branch from Great Getaways' Heart of Michigan Circle Tour

A unique turn-of-the-century Downtown Victorian West Branch is the the cultural focal point for Ogemaw County. The heritage of this area is evident in the architecture with the century old Victorian buildings, the towns pride is reflected in the pleasing atmosphere and the vitality that is displayed in the variety of unique shops, personal services and free convenient parking.

Great Getaways:

Heart of Michigan Circle Tour

With its abundant lakes, scenic hills and trails Ogemaw County is considered the Gateway to the North. Ogemaw County sits right in the heart of Michigan and is filled with history, beauty and great events. The online travel planner for this episode of Great Getaways collects information and web links related to the area, combined with photos and video clips from the show in what they hope will be a helpful guide as you plan your trip.

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Heart of Michigan Circle Tour

12 Reasons to Visit West Branch

Discover some of the many reasons to visit Ogemaw County, listed here in no particular order.

  • Downtown West Branch

    Downtown West Branch

    A unique turn-of-the-century Downtown Victorian West Branch is the the cultural focal point for Ogemaw County. The heritage of this area is evident in the architecture with the century old Victorian buildings, the towns pride is reflected in the pleasing atmosphere and the vitality that is displayed in the variety of unique shops, personal services and free convenient parking.

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  • Historical Driving Tours

    Historical Driving Tours

    Take a drive into the past with historical driving tours. They will take you back into another time and place. The Ogemaw County Genealogical and Historical Society has four different tours. The books give you directions and the historical information of the location. They are $10 per book and can be purchased at the Historical Society, the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce office and other retailers in West Branch.

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  • Irons Park

    Irons Park

    A Municipal Park located on the West Branch of the Rifle River just S of Houghton Avenue on S Valley & Shrigley Streets. Amenities include: "Fort Austin" - a modern playscape, reservable shelters for picnics or weddings, bathroom facilities, tennis & basketball courts. The Rivertrail also runs throughout the park and connects to downtown Victorian West Branch.

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  • Ogemaw County Fairgrounds

    Ogemaw County Fairgrounds

    Ogemaw County Fair Carnival and Exhibits, working hands-on Antique Village, free entertainment, home cooked meals all in a free and flower covered park like setting.

  • Rifle River Recreation Area

    Rifle River Recreation Area

    The Rifle River Recreation Area covers over 4,000 acres in Ogemaw County. The park offers 159 campsites, has several hiking trails and several lakes in its boundaries. Also in the watershed are two state forest campgrounds. The Rifle River campground provides 40 campsites and is located on both sides of the Rifle River. Hardwood Lake State Forest Campground has 22 campsites available. Public canoe access to the Rifle River is fairly good. Access sites are located in the Rifle River Recreation Area, the state forest campground, near Skidway Lake, Moffatt Bridge, and at Omer. In addition, there is a partially developed access site near the confluence of Klacking Creek with the Rifle.

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  • Rose Valley Winery

    Rose Valley Winery

    Our wines are well balanced, fruity, priced to please, and personal as a fond embrace. We welcome visitors to our winery seven days a week to sample and to buy, to browse and to banter in our warm, welcoming and cheerful atmosphere. Rose Valley Winery is committed to making quality wines from locally-grown, cold-hardy grapes.

  • Ogemaw County ORV Trails

    Ogemaw County ORV Trails

    Ogemaw County has an extensive trail system and you will find that an ordinance has been passed to make it easier for riders to get back and forth from the trails. This ordinance allows ORV riders to ride on streets and highways in Ogemaw County. We encourage you to become familiar with the ordinance as well as familiarize yourself with the trails maps in the area.

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  • Camp Timbers Eagles Flight Zipline

    Camp Timbers

    The Eagles Flight Zipline takes riders on an exhilarating ride- nearly 1,200 feet long, over the backwaters of Piper Lake. Experience the thrill of the 60 ft drop on one of the longest ziplines in the region. Only at YMCA Camp Timbers in West Branch, Michigan.

  • Ogemaw Hills Pathway

    Ogemaw Hills Pathway

    In terms of forest cover types the area varies from large expanses of jack pine on the sandy plains, to low conifer swamps. The tree species are primarily associations of jack pine, red pine, and black oak, in the sandy areas. Finally on the ridges along the higher elevations bigtooth aspen and red oak are found on the better quality soils. Much of the state forest land originated after the large forest fires during the early 1900's, and many areas were replanted by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

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  • Ogemaw County Golf

    Ogemaw County Golf

    Championship golf and West Branch/Ogemaw County have a lot in common and we think that once you have visited us you will agree that the ultimate golf destination is found right here. The West Branch Collection of Great Golf Courses - The Dream, Green Briar, Apply Valley, The Nightmare, and West Branch Country Club (all 18 hole golf courses) offer challenging, exciting and affordable golf for every level of golfer. From rolling hills, wooded fairways, bunkers and water, you will find the picturesque vistas provided at each of these golf courses making them a pleasure to play.

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  • Snowmobiles In Ogemaw County

    OGEMAW COUNTY SNOWMOBILING

    Whatever your preference for outdoor activities in the wintertime, come to Ogemaw County and enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Snowmobilers will find 95 miles of some of the finest groomed trails in Michigan. Easy access to snowmobile trails is one of the many pluses you will find in Ogemaw County. Check with your hotel for the easiest route to any of the trails in the system. Current snow and ski conditions reports are available 24 hours a day at (800) 755-9091 during the winter season.

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  • Outlets at West Branch

    OUTLETS AT WEST BRANCH

    Outlets at West Branch feature more than 2,200 outlet stores which are owned and operated by the most popular, brand name manufacturers. Buying direct from the manufacturer means you'll always save more. What could be more fun than spending the day with family and friends bargain hunting at The Outlets?

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Newsletter from the President

January Newsletter 2018

January thaw, February snow not sure on which way to go. A lot of things are warming up in the midst of the cold weather. Our inland Lakes are reporting nice catches of bluegill & northern pike and modest numbers of perch and walleye being caught. Ice reports are between 8 & 12 inches, however never take anything for granite on a frozen lake. Different natural springs, weed beds and water currents always impact ice safety, so always us caution.

Several awesome reports of homemade ice skating area’s along the residential shores of some lakes, which always goes better with hot cocoa & a winter fire. For those without access to these areas, I will look forward to seeing you at Irons park for a casual skate with neighbors & friends.

Winter is also a great time to tour the country side for pristine snows capes. Why not take start your tour at Rifle River Recreation Area, climb the lookout tower and hike through the wilderness like you are a million miles away. Get your cross county on at Ogemaw Hills Pathway or stop at Frank Alley Park to offload your winter fun vehicle and go for a trail ride.

Afterwards head downtown for wine tasting & shopping, or visit one of our great eateries and try some local craft beer. Please check out the Chamber of Commerce Event schedule to partake in some local events and reconnect with old friends. Good things are happening in West Branch. More details to follow.

Emil Rousseau
Visitors Bureau President