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Some of Michigan's most beautiful colors can be found in Ogemaw County. A visitor will not be disappointed during a fall tour of the region. Trees ablaze in gold, reds and orange give way to the splendor of the hills. |
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» Fall Color Tour - West Branch Visitors Bureau |
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Location: Ogemaw County Genealogical & Historical Society - 123 S 5th St, West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 343-0177
When: Driving Tours are not recommended in the winter or early spring when conditions are at their poorest |
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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.
| Ogemaw Trails Driving Series |
| Tour I |
Ghost Towns & Legends |
Tour III |
First People: An Ancient Journey |
| Tour II |
Barons, Bosses & Scoundrels |
Tour IV |
Architectural Jewels of Ogemaw County |
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» History Driving Tours - West Branch Visitors Bureau |
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Location: 2990 Cook Road -
West Branch MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-2594 or (800) 406-8874
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm,
Sun 10am-7pm (January 02 - December 30) |
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A great place to view some beautiful murals and see many things that represent the culture of this town founded on lumbering, no it’s not a museum. It’s a shopping mall, one of the most unique in the state. What could be more fun than spending the day with family and friends bargain hunting at the Outlets at West Branch! The 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'l always save more.
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» Outlets at West Branch |
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Location: Clear Lake Road & Fairview Road |
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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 Hills Pathway - West Branch Visitors Bureau
» Download Ogemaw Hills Pathway Map  [pdf - 2.17 MB] |
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Location: 3269 Horseshoe Lake Road - West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-2630 |
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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. |
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» Camp Timbers |
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Location: 2550 E Rose City Road - Lupton, MI 48635
Phone: (989) 473-2258 |
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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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» Rifle River Recreation Area - West Branch Visitors Bureau
» Download Rifle River Recreation Area - Trails Map [pdf - 365 KB]
» Download Rifle River Recreation Area - Fishing Map [pdf - 315 KB] |
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Location: Bachelder Spool & Fly: 1040 Gerald Miller Rd - West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: (989) 345-3234 |
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If fishing is your favorite pastime, then this is the place for you! Ogemaw County is home to many terrific trout streams, panfish lakes. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) access sites to streams and lakes in the county are available at many locations throughout Ogemaw County.
You will also find many bait shops and sporting good stores that have excellent information available. They will assist you in finding lake access sites. The county has many lakes that provide a wide variety of fishing experiences. Local fishing guide Mike Bachelder owns Bachelder Spool & Fly. Mike is a veteran guide with over 20 years in the business. He is THE GUIDE on the Rifle River, but also fishes the Au Sable above and below Mio as well as the South Branch, Alcona, Foote and Tawas Bay. Trout, Steelhead and Smallmouth are his specialties. |
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» Fishing - West Branch Visitors Bureau |
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Location: Irons Park is at S Valley and Shrigley Streets in Downtown West Branch |
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Irons Park is a Municipal Park located on the West Branch of the Rifle River in downtown West Branch. It includes a modern playscape called Fort Austin that is every child’s dream. The park has a river running through it and an old fashion covered bridge that keeps with the park's early 20th century charm. There are reservable shelters for picnics or weddings, bathroom facilities including tennis & basketball courts.
Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online. |
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» Irons Park - West Branch Visitors Bureau
» www.geocaching.com
» The Ultimate Guide To Geocaching [Montem Outdoor Gear | Hiking Blog] |
