West Branch preserves its history and small-city charm
Named for its location on the west branch of the Rifle River, the small city of West Branch started as a railroad town in the 1870s and has maintained its historic aesthetic ever since. “They still have the old railroad station and the cute original buildings downtown,” says Cheryl McDonell, a broker at Happy Acres Real Estate who has been selling homes in the region since 2015. “They also have lumberman houses from the 1900s that are cool and gingerbready.” The city of around 2,300 also serves as the seat of Ogemaw County in northeast Michigan. Locals gather for several events throughout the year, and their community spirit is symbolized by a giant smiley face strewn across the bright yellow water tower overlooking the town. The tower's loving nickname: "Smiley."
Older houses closer to downtown, newer homes toward the countryside
Houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s are closer to downtown, including bungalows, Nationals and Colonial Revivals. Century-old houses needing renovations sell for around $60,000 to $90,000, while updated homes range from around $120,000 to $240,000. A bit farther from downtown, midcentury ranch-style houses sell for $100,000 to $240,000. Toward the countryside, ranch-style and New Traditional homes with acres of land can range from around $275,000 to $520,000.
Downtown businesses and Hamburger Hill on M-76
Most local stores and restaurants are downtown along Houghton Avenue in attached Italianate-style buildings. There are several bar and grill-style restaurants, including Tipsy Bear Bistro, Loggers Depot and The Harvest Grill, plus G’s Pizzeria and Deli, a well-known Michigan chain. Downtown also has several boutiques and antique shops, along with the West Branch Cinema 3 historic movie theater. Houghton Avenue transitions into Michigan Highway 76, which is lined with national retailers like Walmart and Tractor Supply Company. The highway is nicknamed Hamburger Hill because of its many fast-food restaurants.
Irons Park, a country club and an indoor recreation center
Irons Park is one of the primary spots locals visit to get outdoors. “Smiley” can be seen in the distance from the park’s wooden, castle-like playground. Ogemaw Creek winds through the park with bridges crossing over from the playground to the gazebo and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. West Branch Country Club’s 18-hole golf course is open to the public. The city has a Little League complex with four ballfields. The West Branch Rec Center offers youth basketball and volleyball leagues. Members can also use the indoor batting cages, pickleball courts and fitness center.
Ogemaw County Fair and other community events throughout the year
The Ogemaw County Fair is held in West Branch every year. Locals also look forward to the Pioneer Power Antique Tractor Show. It’s held on the third Thursday of July, featuring a tractor parade, tractor pull and demonstrations. During the holiday season, locals gather for the annual Christmas Light Parade and Santa Train. “Big trucks and tractors get all lit up for the parade. For the Santa Train, Santa rides across the state of Michigan. He makes a stop in West Branch every year and comes out to greet the kids.”
High-quality machining program at Ogemaw Heights High School
Students are zoned to Surline Elementary School and Surline Middle School. The buildings are connected, and each school receives a C-plus grade from Niche. Ogemaw Heights High School, rated C, is about 10 minutes from town. The high school offers a state-of-the-art machining program, which gives students hands-on experience creating parts for the school district, local businesses — even for NASA.
Access to I-75 and other highways
Locals have access to several highways, including Interstate 75, Michigan Route 55 and Michigan Route 76. “Because it’s off I-75, it tends to be a big pit stop,” McDonell says. Travelers can take the interstate about an hour south to MBS International Airport near Saginaw. It’s also more than 2 hours to Detroit.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
