Gaylord MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gaylord, Michigan.
1. Call of the Wild Museum
WILDLIFE EXHIBITS AWAIT
The Call of the Wild Museum offers visitors an immersive experience with impressive wildlife exhibits and natural history displays. Guests can explore the educational exhibits showcasing northern Michigan's diverse fauna in a family-friendly environment. The museum also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and sample their famous homemade fudge.
2. Gaylord's City Elk Park
MAJESTIC WILDLIFE VIEWING
Gaylord's City Elk Park maintains a herd of approximately 40 elk that visitors can view year-round in their natural habitat. The 108-acre refuge is easily accessible and perfectly located near the Elks Lodge off Grandview Boulevard. Visitors often spot the magnificent animals grazing or resting in the shade near the viewing fence, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
3. Up North Blueberry Farm
FRESH BERRY PICKING PARADISE
Up North Blueberry Farm delights visitors with the opportunity to pick fresh, juicy blueberries straight from the bush during harvest season. The farm cultivates several different varieties of blueberry plants, each producing unique types of berries with distinct flavors and characteristics. Families and fruit enthusiasts alike can enjoy this hands-on agricultural experience while taking in the picturesque northern Michigan landscape.
4. Otsego Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Otsego Lake State Park features a stunning half-mile of sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. The 62-acre wooded park includes a fishing pier, playground facilities, and scenic walking trails that wind through the natural landscape. Often described as a hidden gem by visitors, this state park offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water recreation, hiking, or simply enjoying Michigan's natural beauty.
5. Aspen Park
HIDDEN RECREATIONAL TREASURE
Aspen Park stands as a thoughtfully designed recreational space that surprises visitors with its well-maintained facilities and natural beauty. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages, from walking trails to picnic areas nestled among aspen trees. Families appreciate the playground equipment and open spaces that make this park a perfect destination for a day of relaxation and outdoor enjoyment in Gaylord.
6. Treetops Resort
PREMIER GOLFING DESTINATION
Treetops Resort boasts four distinctive golf courses: the Masterpiece, Treetops Premier, the Signature, and the Tradition, each offering unique challenges and spectacular views. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the beautifully maintained fairways and greens set against the backdrop of northern Michigan's rolling hills and forests. Beyond golf, the resort provides year-round recreational opportunities including skiing in winter and various resort amenities throughout the seasons.
7. Otsego County Sportsplex
INDOOR RECREATION CENTER
The Otsego County Sportsplex offers a comprehensive indoor recreation facility for visitors and locals alike, regardless of weather conditions outside. The complex features an ice arena, swimming pool, fitness center, and walking track to accommodate a wide range of athletic interests and activities. Families particularly appreciate having this all-seasons option for physical activity and entertainment when visiting the Gaylord area.
8. Alpine Village
CHARMING SWISS-INSPIRED DOWNTOWN
Gaylord's Alpine Village features distinctive Swiss-inspired architecture that creates a unique and charming downtown atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Michigan. Visitors can stroll along Main Street to discover one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, and restaurants housed in picturesque Alpine-style facades. The area becomes especially enchanting during holiday seasons when festive decorations and lights transform the village into a winter wonderland centered around the iconic town clock tower.
9. Sturgeon River Paddlesports
THRILLING RIVER ADVENTURES
Sturgeon River Paddlesports offers visitors exciting opportunities to experience the fastest flowing river in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Adventure seekers can choose between adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting expeditions or leisurely tubing trips down the scenic Sturgeon River. The professional guides ensure a safe and memorable outdoor experience while navigating through the beautiful northern Michigan landscape.
10. Pigeon River Country State Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Pigeon River Country State Forest encompasses over 100,000 acres of pristine wilderness just outside Gaylord, offering an authentic northern Michigan outdoor experience. Visitors can explore extensive trail systems while potentially spotting the forest's famous elk herd, black bears, eagles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The forest also features several rivers and lakes perfect for fishing, canoeing, and connecting with Michigan's untamed natural beauty.
11. Shopping
UNIQUE BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCES
Shopping in Gaylord provides visitors with a diverse array of unique boutiques and specialty stores nestled within the charming Alpine-themed downtown. Shoppers can discover everything from locally made crafts and artisanal products to outdoor gear and northern Michigan souvenirs. The welcoming atmosphere and one-of-a-kind merchandise make exploring Gaylord's retail scene an essential part of any visit to this northern Michigan destination.
12. Dining
NORTHERN MICHIGAN FLAVORS
Dining in Gaylord showcases the region's vibrant and growing culinary scene with options ranging from cozy cafés to upscale restaurants serving locally-inspired cuisine. Visitors can sample craft beer from local microbreweries while enjoying hearty northern Michigan fare featuring fresh regional ingredients. The diverse dining options ensure that every palate will find something delicious, making culinary exploration a highlight of any Gaylord vacation.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NORTHERN TRAILS
Hiking in Gaylord offers outdoor enthusiasts access to an extensive network of trails winding through diverse northern Michigan ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and meadows. Trail systems range from easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging routes that showcase the region's natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities. Seasonal changes transform these hiking experiences throughout the year, from spring wildflowers to vibrant fall foliage, making Gaylord a year-round destination for nature lovers.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S NORTHERN PARADISE
Fishing in Gaylord provides anglers with exceptional opportunities across numerous lakes and rivers teeming with various fish species including trout, bass, and pike. Otsego Lake stands as the centerpiece of the area's fishing scene, offering a 2,000-acre playground for both casual and serious fishing enthusiasts. The region's clean waters and natural beauty create the perfect backdrop for memorable fishing adventures throughout the fishing season.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR WILDERNESS RETREATS
Camping in Gaylord offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of options from developed campgrounds with modern amenities to more rustic sites immersed in nature. Otsego Lake State Park provides popular camping facilities with easy access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails for a comprehensive outdoor experience. Campers can enjoy starry northern Michigan nights around a campfire while creating lasting memories in the heart of the state's natural beauty.