West Branch, MI

Hiking and fishing on the Rifle River, snowmobiling in winter, enjoying a spring afternoon picnic at Iron Park … life in West Branch will definitely have you smiling. Residents here enjoy year-round outdoor activities that include cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing in winter and hiking, golfing, canoeing, bicycling, and camping in the summer. When you put away your sled/snow boots/hiking gear/golf clubs, you can head to Downtown Victorian West Branch -- usually called Downtown Victorian -- and enjoy unique shops and restaurants lining wide sidewalks and featuring historic Victorian architecture.

A variety of events are held in Downtown Victorian, from Wine Walks to parades to the largest annual craft show in the state, the Victorian Art Fair. In winter, residents can participate in snow sculpting and ice skating (along with live music and plenty of food) at the annual "Family Fun Night." And from June to October, the West Branch Farmers' Market highlights locally-grown produce, baked goods, and crafts. The market is held downtown along South 3rd Street. West Branch is part of Michigan's Wine and Hops Trail, which features fantastic locations throughout Michigan's "Wine Country."