West Branch: Riverwalk, Trails, and Victorian Streetscape

For a trip to West Branch, you can choose from several points of interest: the Riverwalk along the West Branch of the Rifle River, a Victorian-influenced shopping district, and trails for a range of activities. The Rifle River Recreation Area is also nearby. If you’re looking for a hotel in West Branch, you can plan your stay around whether local history, outdoor recreation, or the Ogemaw County Fair will be its main focus.

Riverwalk and trails for a range of activities

The Riverwalk is along the West Branch of the Rifle River and is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It offers a range of ways to stay active. Another option is the Ogemaw Hills Pathway, which starts at the corner of Clear Lake Road and Fairview Road in West Branch. It offers more than 13 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing, and is suitable for all skill levels.

The activities on offer can help you choose between the two trails: the Riverwalk is mainly for walking, jogging, and cycling, while the Ogemaw Hills Pathway also offers hiking and cross-country skiing. You can plan your trip around which of these activities matter most to you.

Parks and nature nearby

Irons Park is near downtown West Branch. For family recreation, it offers geocaching, picnic areas, sports fields, and a sledding hill. When weather permits, the park’s sports fields are converted into ice-skating rinks. This offers a clear distinction for winter plans: cross-country skiing is available on the Ogemaw Hills Pathway, while ice skating at Irons Park specifically depends on suitable weather.

Outside West Branch, the Rifle River Recreation Area is nearby. It offers fishing, paddling, and camping. The area also includes ten lakes and ponds with no-wake rules, including Grousehaven and Devoe, as well as the Rifle River, scenic streams, and trails. Activities range from spending time on the water to exploring nature trails. The Recreation Area is a separate option nearby; the Riverwalk, by contrast, is along the West Branch of the Rifle River.

Victorian streetscape and history

West Branch has a Victorian-influenced shopping district downtown. The historic district extends along Houghton Avenue (M 55), north and south, includes the Downtown District, and also features Victorian architecture. If you’re interested in the townscape and history, this downtown area is a distinct attraction alongside activities on trails and waterways.

The Ogemaw County Fair also offers a way to experience local heritage. Held annually in West Branch, it celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. Events include livestock shows and exhibits, a carnival with rides and games, live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts displays. Individual events may change, so if you’re planning your trip around the fair, check the dates and current program.

At the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds in West Branch, the Antique Village offers living history of pioneer life during fair week. It features buildings filled with antiques and volunteers in period costumes. This experience is tied to fair week and adds a seasonal historical experience to the downtown’s historical attractions.

Disc golf at Rifle Creek

West Branch’s disc golf course is another recreational option. It has 18 holes along Rifle Creek, with the river serving as a natural water hazard on four of them. This is a clearly defined offering alongside the trails, parks, and events. When planning your trip, you can choose between an activity on a disc golf course, outdoor recreation on trails, and the city’s cultural or agricultural attractions.

For a broader travel overview: Ogemaw County.