Cities and Towns in Ogemaw County, Michigan
Founded in 1840, Ogemaw County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Ogemaw County was formed from unorganized territory. Annexed to Iosco County in 1867 and reinstated in 1873. The city of West Branch is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Ogemaw County has a population of 20,726 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).
List of all cities in Ogemaw County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Lupton, MI | 48635 | 989 |
| Prescott, MI | 48756 | 989 |
| Roos, MI | 48756 | 989 |
| Rose City, MI | 48654 | 989 |
| South Branch, MI | 48761 | 989 |
| West Branch, MI | 48661 | 989 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ogemaw County, Michigan
West Branch
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.53 square miles
- Population: 2,061 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48661
- Latitude: 44.2761° N
- Longitude: 84.2386° W
City Location and History
West Branch is the county seat of Ogemaw County, located in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The city is situated along the West Branch of the Rifle River, from which it derives its name. Established in the late 19th century, West Branch grew as a hub for the lumber industry, with the river playing a key role in transporting logs. Over time, the community transitioned to agriculture, retail, and tourism, particularly benefiting from its location near I-75, which provides easy access for travelers. Today, West Branch is known for its charming downtown area, outlet shopping, and its close proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
West Branch-Rose City Area Schools serves the community, with Ogemaw Heights High School being the main educational institution. Notable landmarks include the West Branch Riverwalk, a scenic trail that follows the Rifle River and offers peaceful walking and biking paths. Downtown West Branch features Victorian-style buildings, boutiques, and cafes that reflect the city’s rich history. The nearby Outlets at West Branch attract shoppers from across the region. Every August, the Ogemaw County Fair brings the community together with livestock shows, rides, and family-friendly entertainment. Additionally, the Rifle River is popular for canoeing, fishing, and kayaking, making West Branch a prime location for nature lovers.
Rose City
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 653 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48654
- Latitude: 44.4214° N
- Longitude: 84.1175° W
City Location and History
Rose City is located in the northeastern part of Ogemaw County, about 10 miles north of West Branch. The town was originally established in the late 1800s as a logging settlement, benefiting from the dense forests that surrounded the area. Initially named Churchill, the town was renamed Rose City in honor of its founder, Rose Graham. As the logging industry declined, Rose City shifted to a more agricultural economy, with farms and small businesses sustaining the community. Today, Rose City is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including nearby forests, lakes, and hunting grounds.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rose City is part of the West Branch-Rose City Area Schools district, with students attending Ogemaw Heights High School. Landmarks in the area include the nearby Au Sable State Forest, which provides endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting. The Rifle River Recreation Area, located just outside of town, is a major destination for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation. The Rose City Park is a popular local spot for picnics and community events. Each summer, the Rose City Lions Club hosts the annual Rose City Summer Festival, celebrating the town’s heritage with parades, games, and local food vendors.
Prescott
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.00 square mile
- Population: 258 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48756
- Latitude: 44.1933° N
- Longitude: 84.0167° W
City Location and History
Prescott is a small village located in the southeastern part of Ogemaw County, near the Arenac County border. Founded in the late 19th century, the village initially served as a stop on the Detroit and Mackinaw Railroad, which contributed to its early growth. Prescott developed as a lumber and agricultural community, with logging camps and farms forming the backbone of the local economy. Over time, as the timber industry waned, Prescott became a quiet rural village with a strong agricultural focus. Its location near the Rifle River makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking peaceful surroundings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Prescott is part of the Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools district, with Whittemore-Prescott High School serving students from the village and surrounding areas. The village’s main landmark is the Rifle River, which offers fishing, kayaking, and camping opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The nearby Skidway Lake, a small community just to the north, provides additional outdoor recreation options, including boating and swimming. Prescott’s close-knit community is evident during the annual Prescott Days Festival, which features parades, games, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the village’s rural heritage. The surrounding forests and trails are popular for hunting and hiking.
Skidway Lake
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 9.85 square miles
- Population: 3,228 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48756
- Latitude: 44.1403° N
- Longitude: 84.0292° W
City Location and History
Skidway Lake is a census-designated place (CDP) located in the southeastern part of Ogemaw County, near Prescott. The community grew around the lake that shares its name, which was originally a hub for the logging industry. Skidway Lake was used by lumberjacks to transport logs downstream, and the area later became a popular vacation spot for those looking to enjoy Northern Michigan’s natural beauty. Over time, Skidway Lake transitioned into a residential and recreational area, attracting both year-round residents and seasonal visitors drawn by the lake’s fishing, boating, and peaceful surroundings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Skidway Lake is part of the Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools district, with Whittemore-Prescott High School serving local students. The lake itself is the community’s most significant landmark, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during the warmer months. The area is also home to several parks and nature trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Skidway Lake hosts various community events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments and seasonal festivals that bring residents and visitors together. The proximity to the Rifle River adds to the area’s appeal, providing additional opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Lupton
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: 348 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48635
- Latitude: 44.4261° N
- Longitude: 84.0283° W
City Location and History
Lupton is a small village located in the northeastern part of Ogemaw County, just east of Rose City. The village was established in the late 1800s as a lumber town, with sawmills driving the local economy. Lupton’s proximity to the Rifle River made it an important location for transporting logs downstream. As the logging industry faded, Lupton became a quiet agricultural community, with nearby forests and rivers providing a backdrop for outdoor activities. Today, Lupton is known for its rural charm and access to the Rifle River Recreation Area, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lupton is part of the West Branch-Rose City Area Schools district, with students attending Ogemaw Heights High School. The Rifle River Recreation Area is the village’s primary landmark, offering miles of hiking trails, camping sites, and access to the Rifle River for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The park is a favorite destination for nature lovers and draws visitors from across the state. Lupton hosts the annual Lupton Fourth of July Parade, a community event that includes fireworks, family activities, and local vendors. The surrounding forests and farmland add to the area’s peaceful, rural atmosphere, making Lupton an ideal location for those seeking tranquility.
Whittemore
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: 379 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48770
- Latitude: 44.2300° N
- Longitude: 83.8031° W
City Location and History
Whittemore is a small village located in the southeastern corner of Ogemaw County, near the Iosco County border. The village was founded in the late 1800s and named after William C. Whittemore, an early settler and prominent businessman. Whittemore developed as a lumber and agricultural community, with logging being the primary industry during its early years. As the timber resources were depleted, Whittemore transitioned to a farming town, and agriculture remains an important part of the local economy today. The village’s quiet, rural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Whittemore is part of the Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools district, with Whittemore-Prescott High School being the main educational institution for local students. The village’s landmarks include Whittemore Speedway, a popular local racetrack that hosts stock car racing events throughout the summer. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Whittemore also celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Whittemore Pumpkin Festival, a community event that features a parade, contests, and family activities. The village’s close proximity to the Au Sable River and Huron National Forest makes it a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the region.
