What will your wide-open winter look like in Gaylord, Michigan?  Let us walk you through the next few months in our winter wonderland…

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing
Treetops Resort and Otsego Resort are your winter hotspots this season – offering up slopes and terrain parks that will get your adrenaline pumping. Both perched atop valleys, downhill skiers and snowboarders will love our epic elevation at 1,380 feet above sea level.  Legs a little wobbly?  There’s no skill required to sail downhill on a tube with the biggest smile you’ve ever had on your face.  The latest snow-making technology helps winter start early at both resorts!  

Snowmobiling
And speaking of adrenaline…how about riding along Trail #7 all the way to the Mackinac Bridge on your snowmobile?  Or take a trail in any direction from our central location and explore the northern Michigan wilderness.  Find trail reports here and request your free snowmobile trail map today!

Winter Rafting
Keep the fun flowing by rafting the Sturgeon River on a guided trip!  Experienced guides take care of the details while you float through some of the loveliest, untouched wilderness in our area.  Yes, you’ll have to do a little paddling, and no, you won’t get wet.  Find more information and tips in Winter Rafting 101.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
If the idea of exploring a tranquil forest is more your speed, head out on any of our trails to experience our favorite silent sports – snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.  You’ll be so enamored with our peaceful woodlands that you won’t even notice the calorie-burning workout taking place.  Bring your own gear or conveniently rent when you arrive. 

Snow Cams
Maybe you can’t make the trip right now but still need a taste of Gaylord.  We’re linked up to snow cams throughout the area, which bring your favorite Alpine Village right to your living room.  Enjoy views of Otsego Lake, local wildlife and our bustling snowmobile trails from the comfort of your couch.  Promise us one thing…don’t forget to tune in with a cup of hot cocoa. 

Visit us soon – we don’t want you to miss out on winter in Gaylord, Michigan!   

Get ready to groove your way into the weekend all summer long! Our outdoor summer music series in Gaylord will be happening every Friday night. That’s 15 free concerts right downtown (minus Alpenfest weekend). These family-friendly events start at 7:00 pm in Claude Shannon Park. If you think you’ll need a break from dancing, don’t forget to BYOC (bring your own chair). Drinks and food are available just steps away at our downtown locations.  

Formed in 2010, The Remedee comprises a collective of singers and musicians whose combined talents have delighted audiences across Michigan and Canada. The group consists of Jeff FitzGerald, Mike Walker, James Tobin, and Ed Fellabaum.

Infusing elements of southern rock into his country sound, Spencer Oppermann distinguishes himself from many contemporary country artists. Often described as possessing an old-country soul with a classic rock twist, his songwriting seamlessly blends heartfelt, mature experiences with a youthful perspective, captivating listeners across multiple generations.

Shawn Riley embarked on his professional music journey in 1979 as a solo artist. In 1997, he assembled a group of exceptional musicians, giving rise to The Shawn Riley Band, which swiftly ascended to become one of Michigan’s premier live performance acts.

Based in Kalamazoo, Grace Theisen is a talented Blues/Americana artist. Grace secured the title of Best New Artist of 2021 in Cari Cole’s awards and was heralded as an “Artist To Watch” by Michigan’s Local Spins media outlet in January 2022.

Psychedelic Rock meets Blues in this band of forward-thinking enthusiasts. Robby Hovie takes the helm on lead vocals and guitar, supported by Sammy Hovie on guitar, Cody Fryczynski on guitar, Gabe Rellinger on bass, Cole Adrian on keys, Dan Schillinger on drums, and Jeff Neill on world percussion. View them on Facebook.

Serita Crowley, a self-proclaimed “Funkateer,” from Grand Rapids, Michigan leads the band Serita’s Black Rose. She delivers an electrifying fusion of FUNK, ROCK, BLUES, NEO-SOUL, and AMERICANA. Serita and her partner Jon Hayes have been the driving force behind the band for almost two decades.

Originating in a small Detroit studio apartment, Pinter Whitnick pared down their favorite tunes into duo-sized versions in 2020. Kayleigh on bass and vocals, Alex on guitar, keys, vocals, and foot percussion, creating an 80s/90s duo with a big sound. They’ve since brought their unique style to venues across Michigan, offering a nostalgic sonic journey.

Hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, The Go Rounds are hailed as one of contemporary indie rock’s most innovative groups. With five studio albums and numerous live shows under their belt, they’ve earned a reputation as bold visionaries in the music scene, firmly establishing themselves within the Great Lakes music community.

Michigan’s own creators of funky, sultry, and unconventional rock & roll vibes, Distant Stars are all about pushing boundaries and leaving lasting impressions.

The Marsupials bring to life a genre-defying, high-octane blend of rock and an array of sonic marvels straight from Michigan.

The Empty Pockets ignite a bright blend of Americana, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll with roots soul. With countless miles on the road and performances alongside legends like Kenny Loggins, the Chicago quartet shines on their 2023 LP, Gotta Find The Moon.

Aldrich embodies an organic, dynamic one-man-band experience, combining robust vocals with rhythmic foot percussion and acoustic guitar. His soundscapes are a fusion of folk, rock, pop, and blues influences.

Jake Allen offers a captivating sonic experience, blending prog-pop with ambient instrumentals and intricate guitar work. His music creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, showcasing the guitar’s versatility and captivating listeners with its ethereal sound.

Erin Zindle’s solo music diverges from the sound of her nationally touring band, Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds. It’s intimate and poetic, characterized by layered piano and introspective strings.

Northern Michigan’s vibrant and dynamic rock ensemble, known as Driving Dawn, energizes audiences with their electrifying performances and infectious sound.

Stay up-to-date by following the Downtown Gaylord Summer Concert Series on Facebook.

By Christy Walcott

There’s no denying it’s spring in Gaylord, Michigan! After a mild winter, we’re now basking in longer days and warmer weather. To say we’re fortunate would be an understatement, given our desire to simply sit outside in our own backyards or wander along quiet pathways in the towering forests surrounding us.

Whether you spend your time outside riding bikes, looking for the first buds of wildflowers or sunning yourself on the patio, springtime never disappoints. But one of our favorite things to look forward to during this season is wildlife viewing!

There’s joy in spotting a newborn fawn or hearing the first robin sing, and spring is bustling with critters! From the vantage point on your back porch to one of those wooded trails we mentioned earlier, creatures are once again on the move and seeing how many you can track down might just help summer get here quicker.

Here’s a quick checklist for an All Outdoors wildlife safari you can experience from anywhere:

Bugs (No Joke!)

Let’s start small. We wouldn’t usually admit it, but there’s excitement to seeing the first bugs emerge in the spring. Of course, we’re referring to “cute” bugs such as butterflies, bumblebees, and maybe even a grasshopper or two. 

Fish

You don’t need legs to be “on the move.” Walking along the shoreline or kayaking your favorite lake can give you a glimpse into the underwater wildlife world without getting wet. Be on the lookout for spawning beds with small clusters of fish in late spring. Or better yet, drop a line during any season and see what you come up with!  

Pond Dwellers

Along with lakes, ponds are excellent places to pass time looking for critters. Most of us would be lying if we said we’ve never cupped our hands in the water to see how many tadpoles we could catch. Frogs and turtles are favorite pond-dwellers, but count yourself lucky if you happen to encounter something fuzzy like a muskrat or beaver.

Birds

While bird watching is a favorite year-round hobby for many, springtime is especially interesting as you await the arrival of new species to your feeder. Do a little tweaking and you can entice specific types of birds right to your backyard. The Michigan DNR has some great hints on feeding and identifying our flying friends.

Deer

We take our Michigan whitetails for granted sometimes because they are so abundant. But your first fawn sighting of the season always stops you in your tracks (often because they are crossing the road in front of you). Those white spots grab your attention and the involuntary “Awww…” often follows.

Elk

Maybe not everyone is as fortunate as we are in Gaylord, Michigan when it comes to elk, but we simply can’t leave them off our list. Our free-roaming elk herd graces the Pigeon River Country State Forest with its presence, while the City of Gaylord maintains an elk enclosure just a few blocks from downtown. If you don’t have an elk herd in your line of vision, we’ll share ours with you in the video below.

We understand if the great outdoors just isn’t your thing, so we’ve even put a wildlife viewing backup plan in place! Gaylord’s iconic Call of the Wild Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the animals around us (and a few that, fortunately, are NOT around us – no one wants to run into a polar bear!). Take a virtual tour of the plentiful animals calling this popular museum home in the video below. The best part? There are no bugs.

Grab your friends and celebrate your love for suds!

While beer itself has been a popular drink for ages, trendy craft beers and microbrews have been taking over in recent years, offering a plethora of flavor combinations never before imagined. The craze has struck Gaylord full force, and you can make your way through our extensive lineup of restaurants to sample what the Alpine Village has to offer!

Just a few of our favs from around the block:

Big Buck Brewery

The Big Buck is better than ever!  With new owners in recent years, an outstanding Brew Team and state-of-the-art equipment, this Gaylord icon has a focus on Michigan-made products.  Count on seeing some of your favs from before revitalized, along with exceptional new beers.

Snowbelt Brewing Company

Snowbelt Brewing Company, Gaylord’s downtown brewery, has unique craft beers on tap every day. Not only do they brew their own beer in house, but they also create “community beers,” with a portion of the sales going to a local charitable organization.

Pine Squirrel

Beer and sports go hand-in-hand, and that’s why you need to make a stop at the Pine Squirrel during the summer. Take in a softball game with a cool one out on the patio, then wander indoors for more than just a bite to eat!

Porter Haus

Otsego Lake views and brews greet you at one of Gaylord’s favorite stops along the Iron Belle Trail. Refuel your body and quench your thirst at Porter Haus after a day on our county’s largest lake or newest pathway.

Bennethum’s Northern Inn

Fine dining with an extensive wine collection are what Bennethum’s Northern Inn is known for, but their beer collection is equally impressive. Rustic yet refined, Bennethum’s caters to creating the perfect date night or casual dining experience, complete with a cold one.

Have fun sampling our suds in Gaylord, Michigan but stay responsible and use one of our taxi services to transport you and your friends back to comfortable lodging at one of our area hotels, motels, resorts or homes.

By Paul Beachnau

We are so blessed to live in a four-season community. Just when we run out of patience with one season, we are able to look forward to the next with renewed vigor. With the first official day of spring behind us, I am enthusiastically joining the “let’s hurry up and get this snow melted!” bandwagon. The weather was strange this winter, but there were points with enough snow for the many winter recreation pursuits that our visitors enjoy. However, now we are able to look forward to warmer seasons and transition over to our bountiful spring activities.

The Gaylord area is home to some of the best biking trails in Michigan. The North Central Trail that extends from Waters 73 miles north to Mackinaw City is one of the most scenic trails in the Midwest. The views from this trail, numerous crossings of the Sturgeon River and abundant wildlife make it one of the crown jewels of trails. We’ll be able to enjoy the Iron Belle Trail extension running along Otsego Lake even more now that the new trailhead is completed downtown. I can’t wait to get out and experience the sun on my back and the gentle breeze on my face as I enjoy the northern Michigan landscape laden with trillium and dark green groundcover.

As the ice melts, it will open up our 90+ lakes in Otsego County for boating, fishing and enjoying all types of water sports. With numerous boat launches, Otsego County is a haven for kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding. There is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than gently paddling along a quiet, pristine lake shore.

What were just a short time ago outstanding snowshoe trails will transform into some of the finest and most scenic hiking trails in our state. Some of my favorites are Aspen Park, the Shingle Mill Pathway in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, Dead Man’s Hill east of Elmira and Pine Baron Pathway just west of Gaylord.

The recently melted snow gives way to greening open fields perfect for our elk herd. This creates many viewing possibilities north of Otsego County near the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Thanks to excellent wildlife management by the DNR, our elk herd continues to thrive. We are blessed to have such an outstanding natural resource in our backyard. It amazes me how many people don’t realize Michigan has one of the largest elk herds east of the Mississippi River.

Of course, warm temps, sunny skies and gentle, warm rain also brings along with it the elusive morel mushroom. If there was ever a better symbol for spring weather, I can’t think of it. This delightful mushroom is as much fun to look for as it is to find. Our plentiful state land holdings offer unlimited opportunities for foraging for nature’s spring delicacy.

As much as I love winter and all it has to offer in the Gaylord area, I will always delight in the first signs of spring.  A brief and lovely precursor to the summer months we are all anticipating, spring once again draws everyone back to nature to enjoy what our “All Outdoors” community has to offer. 

Spring weather can be fickle. When that sunny 60 degree day hits, you want to be ready to get out and start exploring! While you’re waiting for the weather to cooperate, why not spruce things up so you’re ready for those awesome spring and summer adventures in Gaylord, Michigan heading your way? 

Now is the time to run through the gears on your bike and dust the cobwebs from your kayak if you haven’t already. But what about your less-frequently-used outdoor accessories and those little extras you just can’t go outside without? No one likes to give up even one second of a sunny day looking for something, so we’ve put together a blog to help you get your gear ready. Here are a few quick hints and items to pull out of storage:

Kayaking Accessories

Open water means it’s time to dunk your paddle! Cleaning up your kayak is a no-brainer, but now’s the time to make sure everything else is ready to hit the water. After inspecting your life preservers, take a few minutes to gather up waterproof bags, water shoes, a small cooler for snacks and tie-downs for travel. Even digging out your kayak cup holder ahead of time will make a sunny afternoon that much sweeter. 

Camping

There are plenty of outdoor experts when it comes to roughing it in the wild. We are not them. Camping doesn’t have to be an extreme adventure. It can be as simple as driving up to a marked site, pitching your tent and roasting marshmallows over an open fire for the evening. Even for low-key, occasional campers, there are a few must-do’s before heading out – inspecting your tent seams for tears, applying a waterproofing spray, making sure you have all your stakes and poles and inflating your air mattress to check for leaks. And, of course, making sure you have enough marshmallows.

Pet Supplies

Who doesn’t love being All Outdoors with their four-legged friends? Purchase an inexpensive backpack and keep it loaded with everything you need for pawesome adventures. Of course, a stash of those little plastic baggies is a must when traveling with canine companions, but don’t forget a collapsible water dish, extra water, healthy treats for energy and even a simple pet first aid kit including tweezers, gauze, tape and small socks for paw incidents. Before hitting the dusty trail, make sure collars are secure and tags have the correct contact information. 

The Little Things You Always Forget

And after these steps have been taken, you finally head out feeling confident and ready for action…but forget something minor that can make or break your day. Bug spray. Sunblock. Reusable water bottle. Band-Aids. These “little” things deserve their own category because they are, in fact, hugely important! Make a stash of your go-to items so you know right where to find them. Keep these essential extras together and you won’t be as likely to trek out without one. 

Morels are often described as the “steak” of the mushroom world, a delicacy hidden among last autumn’s remaining dried leaves and the bright green mossy cover of early spring. While mouthwateringly delicious, this most sought after tidbit can be difficult to find, to say the least. 

We have some helpful hints for those wishing to seek out this coveted treat, and believe me, you’ll need them! Mushroom picking spots are nearly sacred in our neck of the woods and no one is about to give up their GPS coordinates and risk missing out on one savory morsel! 

Where:  Look in sandy soil, near tall trees—typically elm, ash and poplar trees, sometimes fruit trees (old orchards are awesome), and sometimes under pines. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is prime hunting ground for morel seekers. This Pigeon River Map will help you find your way around our favorite stretch of wilderness.    

When:  Head out about six weeks after the snow has melted. Morels like things warm and moist (not soggy), so a day following a spring rain improves your odds. Hunt when daytime highs have hovered in the 60s and nights have gone no lower than the 40s. 

How:  Slowly, patiently and carefully. Pinch and twist the stem at ground level, leaving the roots and a few whole mushrooms to reproduce again next season.

Tip:  Collect morels in a mesh or net sack—an onion bag is perfect. Not only will the holes allow your mushrooms to breathe and keep them from turning to mush, but they can cast their spores as you hike, hopefully inspiring growth in new spots.

Identification:  Like many mushrooms, morels have lookalikes. Uncertain you’ve got the real McCoy? The Michigan DNR has a page to help you learn more about morels.  

The good news is that even an unsuccessful day of mushroom hunting is enjoyable! Remember to give yourself a break from looking down to view wildlife, explore scenic trails and appreciate the forest surrounding you. In the end, it’s all about being outdoors and appreciating all nature has to offer.

Ready to have a pawesome adventure with your four-legged friend?  Pack your bags and head to Gaylord, Michigan to enjoy the dog days of summer!

Where to Rest Your Paws

Campgrounds are always a great place to stay with your furry friends, but if your dog is used to the more pampered life, many of our local lodging properties are pet-friendly.  Whether Fido is used to resort life, looking for a lakeside cabin or happy anywhere he can rest his paws, you’ll have lots of options when you visit Gaylord.

Chow Time

Now this can be tricky…but it is possible to dine with your doggy in the Alpine Village.  Many area eateries, including but not limited to Alpine Tavern, Big Buck Brewery and Snowbelt Brewing, offer outdoor pet-friendly patio dining! Savor some of the tastiest meals and brews Gaylord has to offer, knowing your loyal companion is by your side.

Ready to visit?  Request your free Visitor’s Guide here!  

Best Places to Sniff

Happy trails make waggin’ tails and our pathways and preserves were made to be enjoyed by both humans and canines!  We welcome you and your dog to explore all our lovely trails, no permits required.  Two areas you won’t want to miss are Aspen Park and the Shingle Mill Pathway in the Pigeon River State Forest.  Please remember to clean up after your pet and keep all dogs on a leash. 

Wild and Free

Some pups just need a little extra room to roam.  No worries, the Otsego County Dog Park caters to pooches of all sizes.  With separate, secured areas for large and small dogs, you’ll be able to unleash some energy with a quick jaunt to this park.  Conveniently located a few blocks from downtown, the dog park has a pavilion, picnic table and water on site. 

Where to Dip Your Paws

After a long day taking in the all the sights and sniffs, your best friend may need a little aqua-therapy. The best place to cool your paws after a day of exploring is at the designated dog beach at the Otsego Lake State Park! 

Stay up-to-date on everything happening in Gaylord!  Sign up for our e-newsletter here!  

Outdoor dining has been on the rise in recent years and is more popular than ever this summer! While we already had a myriad of notable patios to choose from in Gaylord, Michigan, many of our dining partners have expanded their outdoor spaces even more.

We can’t possibly list them all, but here are a few of our favorite alfresco eateries:

Alpine Tavern & Eatery

Alpine Tavern takes the cake for originality with one of the most variable dining experiences offered in our Alpine Village. Saddle up to the tiki bar, enjoy basking in the sun or select your seating under the portico. You’ll also find a selection of outdoor games including cornhole available for your enjoyment.

Bennethum’s Northern Inn 

Rustic, yet refined, Bennethum’s is known for some of the finest dining you’ll find in Northern Michigan, with a casual vibe. Their back patio is described as a “park-like” setting with lush, green grass, elegant landscaping and ample tree coverage.

Big Buck Brewery

Big Buck Brewery hosts one of the most spacious patios in our area. Delicious eats and regularly scheduled live music are both on the menu this summer, along with a full lineup of fresh brews! The best part? There’s plenty of room for everyone to dine and enjoy some tunes.

Otsego Resort

Just outside of the downtown district, you’ll run across the rolling hills and valleys of the historic Otsego Resort, which is credited with starting our Alpine theme. Their dramatic views of the Sturgeon River Valley pair nicely with a gourmet meal or refreshing drink after a round of golf.

Pine Squirrel

Sports enthusiasts flock to Pine Squirrel’s patio all season to take in a softball game while enjoying a tasty meal. Every seat along this sprawling setting offers a front-row view of the softball field and all the action! 

Porter Haus

Watch the sun set over Otsego Lake as you quench your thirst at Porter Haus. Or, treat yourself to the picnic experience on their back patio, complete with cozy umbrella-covered picnic tables and some of the softest grass in the north.

Snowbelt Brewing Company

Seeking out something frosty and foamy on a hot day? Stop by Snowbelt Brewing Company and enjoy the best of both worlds – an indoor dining room that opens up to a sidewalk patio. Dine inside or outside…the fresh air will follow you! Bonus points for being pet-friendly, as many of our outdoor options are.

Treetops Resort

If you’re looking for a memorable setting with a view after a day at the spa or on the greens, then Treetops Resort is the place to be. Their large deck overlooks the Pigeon River Valley, a panoramic feast for the eyes! This scenic vista is one of the most photo-worthy backdrops you’ll find in northern Michigan. 

This is just a sampling of dining alfresco in the Alpine Village. While not everyone can offer spacious seating under the sky, our area restaurants range from dining rooms adorned with up north charm to elegance around every corner. Filling up in Gaylord also means meeting some of the friendliest staff you’ll find anywhere. Enjoy our great outdoors, then explore our vibrant culinary scene!     

Out See Go
By Chris Engle, contributor

Take a few blind steps within Otsego County and you’re bound to get a wet foot. With dozens of public lakes and the headwaters of five major trout streams, there’s no shortage of water to explore as an angler — whether that’s by boat, canoe, kayak, wading or walking. If you’re headed to the Gaylord area for your own fish-centric family trip, here are five things to know about what Otsego County has to offer anglers of every level of experience, enthusiasm and interest. Welcome, get settled in, then get outdoors!

Looking for lakes? Get started with your free Lakes Brochure!

1.  Otsego by the numbers

1,500 feet: Peak elevation in Otsego County – that’s more than 900 feet above lakes Michigan and Huron, meaning all the rain that hits the ground here (or gurgles up from underground springs) flows down and away into Northern Michigan’s many rivers.

120 feet: Maximum depth of Heart Lake, near Waters, only 60 acres in size but it’s the county’s deepest, making it an ideal fishery for rainbow trout and smelt.

3.1 million: Number of walleye fry stocked in Otsego Lake in 2017. Another combined 1 million were planted in 2016 and 2018.

33: Number of Master Angler catches reported in Otsego County for 2018, including a 45-inch pike speared on Opal Lake, a 31.25-inch walleye caught on Otsego Lake, and a 15.5-inch brook trout caught on Ford Lake, along with numerous monster bass and panfish.

Ready to start fishing?  Buy your license online HERE!

2.  Catch a living fossil

There’s no doubt Otsego Lake is home to monsters (note the aforementioned 31-inch walleye) but it is one of only a handful of places in all of Michigan where you can catch a true living fossil: the lake sturgeon. Started in the mid-1980s, the lake’s sturgeon stocking program began as an experiment to study how fast sturgeon could grow in an inland environment. The fingerling fish grew fast, hitting 40 inches and beyond in just a dozen years, meaning a tightly controlled but unique fishery could be established. Since then, small plantings of excess fish from the Black River hatchery in Onaway have helped sustain this special fishery, and anglers can keep a single, 50-inch sturgeon during the season which runs July 16 to March 15.

3.  Go small for big fish

You don’t need to stick to the big water to catch monsters. When late-summer sun drives up water temps, trout are forced to find cooler, shaded water in upstream stretches. Even in spots where a sprightly angler can leap the river in a single bound, monster brookies, browns and rainbows can lurk in undercut banks or among submerged timber. Wear dark clothing and be sneaky in your approach, and you might just be rewarded with a trophy – or a bunch of small ones is always a possibility, too! If fishing doesn’t pan out, the blueberry and raspberry bushes are in full fruit so you definitely won’t go hungry.

Don’t worry if you had to leave your boat at home.  Check out our rentals page!

4.  Fish early or late for best odds

These glorious summer days bring out skiers, tubers, wake boarders, wave runners and boaters of all kinds and can make midday waters a pretty noisy, choppy place for a fisherman to be. On top of that, direct sun sends fish to deeper water where they hunker down and wait until things cool off.  This means your best odds for good fishing comes early morning and late evening – about the first 90 minutes after sunup and before sunset – when fish of all species will be most active, not to mention the lake most peaceful. Take advantage of light morning or evening winds to cast topwater plugs or surface flies for bass and panfish, or to bobber fish without interference from boat wake. This way, you’ll be on your way off the lake with your limit of fish before the first speedboat shows up!

Stay up-to-date on all things Gaylord with our weekly e-blasts.  Subscribe HERE!

5.  Be careful what you fish for

Following are two of my favorite stories to tell friends I take out fishing here.

The first takes place in the 1980s, when a fisherman working the shallows of Bradford Lake near Waters came across an odd shape lying on the soft bottom. Scooping the object up in his net, he held in his hands a small, streamline bomb complete with fins and presumably packed with explosives. As it turned out, the “dummy” practice shell had likely fallen off a National Guard jet during training exercises at the nearby bomb range.

The other story takes place in 1945 when physicist Arthur Compton met fellow scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer on the shores of Otsego Lake County Park to work out a vexing concern of the Manhattan Project: “There they discussed their problem – the possibility that a mere test of the (atom) bomb could completely disintegrate the entire world,” read a story in a September 1955 Gaylord Herald Times. After further discussion – which I like to think involved the two men casting into the lake as they talked – they concluded Earth’s abundance of nitrogen and hydrogen just wasn’t enough to ignite during a nuclear test, killing us all. Whew.

It’s time to plan your fishing trip!  Request your free Visitor Guide today!

Good luck, tight lines, and thanks for visiting (and fishing) Otsego County!

While we all love vacationing, creating memories and enjoying new experiences, there’s more to travel than meets the eye. Not only can the power of travel strengthen families, improve your health and even make you more productive at work, but it’s also one of the most crucial industries in our nation. 

In recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week, taking place May 19-25, 2024, your friends at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau encourage you to get out and explore! 

Family Ties

Travel is one of the most effective ways to reconnect with your family. Spending quality time together means leaving behind chores, homework and that ever-growing honey-do list. Take photos of your loved ones making new memories together and consider stepping out of your comfort zone to experience something new and adventurous! 

Gaylord Family Highlights

For the little ones, plan a trip to the Call of the Wild Museum. This quaint wildlife museum tops many lists of “when I was young” memories. And if you think you’ve already seen it all, they recently added an interactive display on the Great Lakes. After touring the extensive museum (and picking out your favorite fudge from the gift shop), treat yourselves to a round of mini golf or a quick race around the go-cart track!  

Healthy Habits

Would you believe that travel can actually have health benefits? How much better can it get?! Scratching your travel itch can greatly relieve everyday stress, which can then improve your heart health, lower your blood pressure, help you sleep better and simply create a sense of well-being. Another bonus to travel is that you’ll exercise without even realizing it. Seeking new experiences could mean kayaking, biking or fishing, but even walking downtown to do some window shopping will give you a much-needed boost!

Being Healthy in Gaylord

The All Outdoors paradise offered in Gaylord and the surrounding area is a healthy haven for visitors! Bring your bicycles and leisurely cruise along the new southern trail extension of the North Central State Trail. Ride along scenic Otsego Lake and even stop at the Otsego Lake State Park to take a refreshing dip to cool off. For the expert cyclist, head north from downtown and bike as many of the 62-miles stretching to Mackinaw City as your heart desires! 

Increased Productivity

Employers provide vacation time so their employees can recharge. While a staycation may offer you the opportunity to take care of home improvement projects that leave you feeling accomplished, using your time for travel has even greater benefits. Unplugging from having set tasks to complete gives you the chance to truly relax, allowing you to return to work feeling refreshed and ready to take greater initiative. 

How to Unplug in Gaylord

Leave your phone and laptop behind and set out to the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Adventure awaits on every winding dirt road throughout “The Pigeon” and you can look forward to breathtaking lakes and rivers, endless miles of hiking and biking trails and even catching a glimpse of one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi.

There’s no denying travel is a favorite hobby among Americans, but maybe it’s time to change our perspective and recognize it as a priority moving forward. Travel not only solidifies the bond between families, reduces stress and helps you improve your workplace performance, but it also supports the residents living in destination communities, helps small business owners thrive and overall has a positive impact on our economy.

And if those aren’t enough good reasons to venture out and travel the world, you have to admit, it’s just good ol’ fashioned FUN.