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!   

There’s no question about it…Northern Michigan summers are pure bliss. If you haven’t experienced one yet, it’s high time to head to Gaylord, Michigan to see what all the fuss is about! So what does the “Alpine Village” have in store for you?

Biking

Gaylord is recognized as a top biking destination! The scene here is diverse, from picturesque paved routes to undulating single tracks at Aspen Park, Shingle Mill Pathway and Pine Baron Pathway to the crown jewel of all trails – the North Central State Trail.  Newly expanded and now running 73 miles from Waters all the way to Mackinaw City, this former railroad line is covered with a crushed limestone surface. Perfect for families out for an afternoon ride or experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, the North Central State Trail meanders through some of the loveliest countryside in Northern Michigan. Check out the new Gaylord Gateway Trailhead conveniently located downtown! If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, then you won’t want to miss the 82-mile High Country Pathway. Located in the heart of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, this extensive and rustic trail is recognized as having “Epic” status by the International Mountain Bike Association. 

Hiking

If you lack pedal power but still want to hit the trails, hiking is the way to go! Spend a leisurely afternoon weaving through the trails at Aspen Park. With rolling hills, open fields, plentiful wildlife and a quaint pond, you can lose track of time on these paved and unpaved trails. Those looking for an all-day excursion or even a weekend of backpacking can head for the Jordan Valley Pathway, an 18.8-mile loop with a rustic campground at the halfway point. Be ready for stunning vistas, high ridges and skirting along the banks of the striking Jordan River. If you’re limited on time, venture out on the Deadman’s Hill Loop for a 3-mile taste of this exceptional trail. 

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

Elk Viewing

While you’re out enjoying Gaylord’s plentiful trail systems, keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to a herd of over 1,000 of these magnificent animals, and while they are always on the go, there are popular viewing areas they frequent. Exploring Pigeon River country is a great escape, but your schedule may not allow you to spend a day searching for elk. For a guaranteed sighting, head to the City Elk Park, just a few blocks from the downtown district. The City of Gaylord maintains this herd of over 30 animals and they are known for greeting visitors right at the fence.

Lakes & Rivers

If being on the water is more your style, you’ll be happy to know that Otsego County is home to over 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of 5 major rivers. And just what does this mean for your summer getaway? How about countless places to launch your kayak, reel in your catch of the day or simply soak up some rays on a strip of white sand? From Otsego Lake, the largest in our area stretching over 5 miles, to Dixon Lake, with its clear turquoise waters, there’s plenty of water to never feel crowded. Anglers will relish the chance to catch plentiful panfish, walleye, trout and even the elusive lake sturgeon. 

Ready to get out on the water?  We’ve got convenient Recreation Rentals!

Downtown

While Gaylord is a haven for outdoor lovers, sometimes you need a little slice of civilization to recharge. With a recently remodeled streetscape, trendy new eateries and unique stores with up north charm, there’s definitely a new vibe in town! Stroll the streets in search of one-of-a-kind gifts and visit each unique boutique. Don’t forget to take a break from your active routine long enough to let your inner “foodie” shine!  Get a real taste of what the Alpine Village has to offer by sampling delicacies from our vibrant and growing culinary scene.

Events & Festivals

It wouldn’t be a summer road trip without events and festivals!  Schedule your plans around one of our premiere events such as Gus Macker or Alpenfest.  Each crowd-pleaser offers a unique experience that’s sure to create memories you’ll be talking about for years. Along with these time-tested favorites, you’ll find our new Downtown Summer Concert Series, featuring weekly performers in the Claude Shannon Park right in our Alpine Village. Browse our events calendar for more activities including the Otsego Lake Fly-In, Michaywe Arts & Crafts Fair, Otsego County Fair, races, fireworks and celebrations for all ages!

Blissful Slumber

The best way to end your day is by resting in comfort with one of our lodging members. Offering accommodations from resorts and cabins to vacation homes and trusted hotels, you’ll find the perfect pillow to catch your zzz’s in Gaylord. We’ve expanded our lodging options over the past few years to include brand-new, brand-name hotels including the recent Tru by Hilton and Comfort Inn & Suites/MainStay Suites. Enhancements and renovations at other existing properties are keeping them at the top of their game (hint – check out the newly remodeled chalets at Treetops!). Let us lead the way to the relaxation you seek after experiencing what our lively community has to offer.

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

It’s undeniable that Gaylord is an All Outdoors paradise and your new favorite summer destination! 

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.     

Being active and healthy is a top priority for most people, and what better way to get your exercise than by celebrating National Bike Month in May? How, one might ask, should you go about celebrating this special time? Go ride a bike, of course! 

For avid cyclists, this is yesterday’s news. They’ve been out on the pavement and single tracks since before the last snow melted. For those of us struggling to take that inaugural ride, or even those who haven’t ridden in years, let’s use National Bike Month as a launching point to once again embrace this favorite pastime! 

See Gaylord, MI Trails Here

Biking is an excellent outdoor activity for people of all ages. Whether you ride as a family or prefer pedaling solo, you’ll appreciate the instant burst of energy, taking in the fresh, green scenery and feeling of accomplishment once you return home. Don’t forget about the big picture, too – whether you’re riding for fitness, family fun or even transportation, you’re supporting the movement for safer streets and a healthier planet. 

If biking is second nature to you, skip the rest and have an awesome day outdoors! Newbies, here are some tips you may find helpful for your first peddling adventure of the season:

Give your bike a quick tune-up

If you haven’t ridden in a while, take the time to make adjustments to your handlebars and seat. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re less likely to take another stab at this, so a little early maintenance will go a long way. Also, be sure to check the air in your tires and take a quick run through your gears.

Accessories don’t need to be extravagant

You don’t have to be on the cutting edge of fashion or have all the brightest and best gadgets to enjoy biking. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. If you plan on taking your phone or might need to refuel with some snacks, a well-fitted backpack will work wonders. Water bottle holders are inexpensive and can easily be attached to most bikes if you’ll be out for more than a quick cruise around the block.

Wear a helmet

Invest in a comfortable, quality helmet. This can be purchased at a bike shop or most general retail stores. The majority of cyclists are diligent about wearing helmets, so take note of the regulars and join in.

Don’t overdo it the first time

You’re excited. You’re confident. You’re ready to explore on your trusty bike! But then you venture too far down that trail or decide to go “one more block” for the fifth time…and now you’re stuck pedaling all the way back. It’s easy to keep going when you’re having fun, but try to set a realistic goal and don’t let your first ride turn into your last because you can’t move your legs the next day. Give your body time to adjust to this new sport and you can always tack on “one more block” next time.

Check Out Our Biking Page

Enjoy your favorite trail or stretch of scenic road safely during National Bike Month and for many months to come!  And don’t worry if you’ve taken a little break from this activity over the years – picking it back up is as easy as riding a bike. 

Earth Day is not only a time to appreciate the natural world around you, but to make positive changes for our environment. Although there is only one day dedicated to Earth Day, here in Gaylord, we believe in celebrating Earth Day every day. The founder of this special day was even named Gaylord Nelson! How cool is that?

Will you join us in honoring our planet? Keep reading for some easy tips on reducing your carbon footprint.

Help with a cleanup project 

Seek out local volunteering opportunities for trail cleanup projects or create your own.  All you need is a positive attitude, a pair of gloves and garbage bags or buckets to remove refuse.  White Birch Outfitters is spearheading a downtown cleanup project on April 22, 2024. Anyone interested is welcome to join them between 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Directions and cleaning supplies will be given out at 3:30 p.m., but you’re welcome to jump in at any point and start helping! Not able to make it to our downtown cleanup? You can always volunteer with the Michigan DNR to Adopt-A-Forest or Adopt-A-Highway.

Ride your bike 

Not only will riding your bike give you a boost of energy to start your day, but it also cuts down tremendously on air pollution. While visiting our area, you can experience “green” transportation in true up north style!

Invest in reusable items 

Plastic shopping bags and water bottles are two easy items to keep out of your recycling bins by purchasing reusable alternatives.  These are inexpensive items to buy and spending an afternoon wandering our lovely downtown shops will surely lead you in the right direction.

Plant native trees and wildflowers 

Restoring native plants is not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide shelter to local wildlife and support vital pollinators such as honeybees.  The Otsego Conservation District is an excellent resource on native vegetation and your one-stop shop for local wildflowers and grasses found in northern Michigan. Along with their nursery, they offer a unique demonstration garden throughout the summer.

Buy from your local Farmer’s Market 

Supporting your local farming community comes with oodles of benefits! While eliminating packaging and transporting of goods is obviously helpful to our environment, no one can deny that first bite into a farm fresh apple, strawberry or piece of sweet corn. The Downtown Gaylord Farmer’s Market is opening for the season soon! Follow them on Facebook for updates on dates, times and vendors.

Earth Day can be every day when you take small steps in the right direction!

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.