Branch County

Branch County is an administrative county in southwestern Michigan with multiple townships, lakes, and parks distributed across its landscape. The county seat of Coldwater serves as the center for government services and public facilities throughout the region.

The county was created in 1829 after separating from Calhoun County, becoming a new administrative division of Michigan. This change came as European settlement expanded across the region and displaced earlier Native American presence.

Agriculture shapes daily life here, with local farmers markets and seasonal festivals bringing people together around food and harvest traditions. The rural character influences how communities gather and what they celebrate throughout the year.

The county has several parks and lake areas with open shorelines for those seeking outdoor recreation like hiking and water activities. Late summer and early fall offer the best conditions for exploring, with pleasant weather and comfortable water temperatures.

The area contains a notably high concentration of freshwater lakes scattered throughout its townships, making it popular for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Many visitors overlook the fact that several of these lakes connect to each other, allowing paddlers to travel across multiple bodies of water.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1829

Capital city: Coldwater

Shares border with: Calhoun County, LaGrange County, Steuben County, St. Joseph County, Hillsdale County, Kalamazoo County

Website: http://co.branch.mi.us

GPS coordinates: 41.92000,-85.05000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:32