Local Area Attractions
There’s so much you can do when you visit West Branch!
A trip to West Branch, MI is packed with exciting and interesting things to do and see! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, there’s experiences you’re sure to enjoy.
One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Ogemaw Hills Pathway, a network of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing that wind through the beautiful forests and hills of northern Michigan.
Rifle River Recreation Area features some of the most popular campgrounds in Michigan! Plus, Rifle River and the many lakes offer ample opportunities for canoeing, swimming, fishing, and more!
In the winter, ice fishing becomes a popular sport across our many frozen lakes. The snowy Ogemaw Hills becomes an ideal path for snowmobiling.
For those looking to shop, Downtown West Branch offers a variety of unique shops and boutiques, and there’s also fun activities like geocaching that are great for the whole family! Check out some of our local attractions now.
The Dream & The Nightmare
These sister golf courses attract visitors from all the state to hit the links on their beautiful fairways. Both courses feature a full 18 holes and were both designed by legendary course artist Jeff Gorney. Play both and see if you prefer The Dream to The Nightmare.
Downtown West Branch Shopping
RIFLE RIVER RECREATION AREA
This beautiful state park covers over 4,000 acres and is basically West Branch’s natural playground! The park boasts spots for camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and so much more!
OGEMAW HILLS PATHWAY
A network of hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails that span over 15 miles through the beautiful forests and hills of northern Michigan. Trails range in difficulty from beginner to difficult, meaning anyone can find the right challenge for them!
SUNRISE SIDE WINE AND HOPS TRAIL
The trail offers you more time to truly revel in our beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. Enjoy our local eateries, wineries, special events, festivals, and attractions. Taste the locally made wine at Modern Craft Winery and Rose Valley Winery.
IRONS PARK
Located near Downtown, Irons Park is a lovely place for families to enjoy geocaching! The park is also popular with families thanks to the park’s picnic spots, sport courts and sledding hill!
FALL COLOR TOURS
Some of Michigan’s most beautiful autumn colors can be found in Ogemaw County. Our area trees ablaze in gold, reds and orange give way to the splendor of the hills. You will not be disappointed with our Fall Color Tours!
OGEMAW NATURE PARK
Ogemaw Nature Park gives visitors the opportunity to have an up-close experience with Michigan’s Whitetail Deer. The reserve exists to educate the public on the delicate balance of the hunter-deer ecosystem in our state. Bring the kids and feed our wild friends, including rabbits and peacocks! There is no admission fee but donations are greatly appreciated.
OGEMAW SPRINGS
Ogemaw Springs is a historic site honoring our county’s oldest village. Ogemaw Springs was actually a settlement started in partnership with the Lansing and Saginaw Railroad in 1872. The bustling lumber town eventually lost out to West Branch in a vote for county seat. Today, visitors can see the historic site marker next to a natural spring which provided water to the early settlers.
WEST BRANCH DISC GOLF COURSE
Located in the Ogemaw Hills, West Branch’s disc golf course features 18 holes alongside Rifle Creek. The river even acts as a natural water hazard on four holes on the course, so be careful not to lose a disc!
CAMPGROUNDS
Staying the night in West Branch? Immerse yourself in our natural wonder and stay in one of our many, completely outfitted campgrounds! Find spots for tents, RVs, motorhomes and much more. Don’t forget to bring marshmallows and graham crackers for s’mores!
Rifle Creek Archery Park
Archery can be a great, casual competition with the family! Rifle Creek Archery Park lets people practice archery year-round with their indoor and outdoor target ranges. Best part, their family pricing program means the whole family can shoot for as little as five dollars!
Axe Throwing
Test your aim at West Branch’s axe throwing range!
Rebel Axe Co. is our premier axe throwing venue, complete with safe corn hole and darts for the kids.
INDOOR GOLF SIMULATOR
Weather isn’t cooperating with your golf plans? Head over to Great Lakes Golf in West Branch Outlets and try out their full golf simulator! On this screen, you can golf at practically any course in the world! Perfect for practicing or just playing around with friends on a not-so-sunny day!