At Grebe Lake in the Rifle River Recreation Area, an accessible fishing pier combines time by the water with a dedicated fishing spot. Paddling and other river activities also shape the options in Ogemaw County: the Rifle River rises in Devoe Lake within the Recreation Area. The county offers opportunities for canoeing, tubing, fishing and camping.
Rivers, Lakes and Forest Trails
The Rifle River Recreation Area has several boat access points and portage launch sites along the river. Paddling is popular there on the Rifle River and on numerous lakes designated for leisurely boating. Another portage-paddling option is Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground, with access points on the campground’s northwest shore and at some campsites.
The Ogemaw Hills Pathway is a scenic 15-mile loop through the Au Sable State Forest. Two trailheads are near the intersection of East Clear Lake and North Fairview Road and near Sage Lake and Stoney Ridge Road. In winter, all 15 miles are groomed for cross-country skiing; the entire route is also open to mountain biking. The activities on this same trail length therefore vary mainly by season: winter grooming for cross-country skiing contrasts with access for mountain biking.
At Ogemaw Nature Park, children and adults can see white-tailed deer up close. Admission is free, and the park also has a picnic area with grills and a pavilion. Its history dates back to the 1920s, when the site began as a sanctuary for wild deer. Nature experiences, early conservation history and practical picnic facilities give the park a distinct focus alongside the county’s trails and waterways.
Local History and Living Insights
The Ogemaw County Historical Museum preserves the history of the county and its families. Exhibits include wedding attire, “Buttons and Bows,” a trophy room and a military room. The museum also offers genealogical and historical research resources for the region. This makes a visit especially worthwhile if you want to do more than view individual exhibits and also trace the stories of families and local history.
Ogemaw Springs commemorates the county’s oldest village as a historic site. The settlement began in 1872 in connection with the Lansing and Saginaw Railroad. Another way to explore is a self-guided tour of barn art around the county. The Ogemaw County Color Tour consists of two loops with five distinct sections to view. The two tours offer different highlights: barn art on one, and several designated sections across two loops on the other.
Food and local products are also on offer: the Sunrise Side Wine and Hops Trail features tastings of locally made wine at Modern Craft Winery and Rose Valley Winery. Rifle Creek Archery Park has indoor and outdoor archery areas. The outdoor area is open to the public seasonally; a “Park Pass” is required for the indoor area.
Events in Ogemaw County
The Ogemaw County Fair is held annually in August; exact dates may vary. During fair week, Withey School offers craft activities for younger children. At the General Store, woodcarvers and other craftspeople demonstrate their skills, while the Pioneer Encampment showcases skills such as cooking, daily tasks and ax throwing. The Antique Village brings pioneer life in Ogemaw County to life, and the Withey School exhibit features period school desks and teaching materials. If the fair is an important part of your plans, check the specific event dates in advance.
In West Branch, Irons Park has a five-mile River Trail for biking and hiking; in winter, sledding is also possible there. The West Branch Disc Golf Course has 18 holes along Rifle Creek. Also held annually in West Branch, the Pioneer Power Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show is dedicated to historic farm machinery. The Antique Snowmobile Festival features displays and demonstrations of antique and historic snowmobiles, as well as rides, races and competitions.
Discover more destinations: West Branch, Baraga County, Genesee, Iron County, Kalkaska County, Kalamazoo, Huron County, Lenawee County.
For the broader travel overview: Michigan.
