Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · Michigan

Branch

A ghost town of unknown status in Branch County, Michigan.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Branch ghost town, Michigan
Photo: rossograph (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Boomtowns are built on optimism; ghost towns are what's left when it runs out. Welcome to Branch. Branch County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 44,862. The county seat is Coldwater. One of the "cabinet counties", it was named for John Branch, U.S.

Branch is the lone documented ghost town in Branch County — for now.

The story of Branch

Michigan's ghost towns are copper and iron towns of the Upper Peninsula, plus lumber camps the pine barons abandoned.

Branch County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 44,862. The county seat is Coldwater. One of the "cabinet counties", it was named for John Branch, U.S. Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson. The county was founded in 1829, and was organized in 1833. Branch County comprises the Coldwater, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Branch is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Branch is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Branch FAQs

Where is Branch located?
Branch is in Branch County, Michigan. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Branch in?
Branch sits in Branch County, Michigan. See our full guide to ghost towns in Branch County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Branch?
Branch County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 44,862. The county seat is Coldwater. One of the "cabinet counties", it was named for John Branch, U.S. Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson.
What remains at Branch today?
The on-the-ground condition of Branch is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Branch?
Here's the honest truth: access to Branch is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Branch County, Michigan”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Branch County

See all 1 ghost towns in Branch County, Michigan