West Branch: the county seat and I-75 stopover

West Branch is the heart of Ogemaw County. It’s the county seat, the biggest town around, and the spot where most everyone goes for shopping, healthcare, and errands. It sits right on I-75. That highway spot has made it a natural stopping point for travelers heading up north for generations.

To outsiders, the town is probably best known for the Outlets at West Branch (formerly Tanger Outlets). The open-air mall sits right off the highway with a dozen-plus brand-name stores. It pulls in shoppers from a wide area. But there’s also a historic downtown full of specialty shops, antique stores, and bakeries. The area’s hospital and the main schools are here too.

For buyers, West Branch is the practical anchor of the county. It has highway access, a hospital, a real downtown, and more amenities than anywhere else in Ogemaw. And it’s still a small northern-Michigan town surrounded by woods and lakes.