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Welcome to Gaylord, Michigan!

An outdoor paradise for every season and every pursuit.

Breathe in fresh forest air and glide along pristine waterways in Gaylord, Michigan. Here, there’s enough room to roam and enough unspoiled wilderness to go around! Located in the heart of northern Michigan, Gaylord is the perfect place to gear up for adventure and unwind in nature. Bountiful forest trails, winding rivers, over 90 sparkling inland lakes, and four seasons make Gaylord the ultimate outdoor playground and oasis.

And while our rustic beauty will captivate you, we also offer a more manicured outdoor experience. The Gaylord Golf Mecca beckons golfers to stay and play with 17 championship courses where greens stretch as wide as the sky.

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6 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Fall

Biking

The biking 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.

go ride a bike

6 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Fall

Hiking

Whether you’re looking for a quick picnic along the Sturgeon River or a week-long backpacking trip, we know just where you’ll want to hike to see the best colors of the season!

Hit the trails

6 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Fall

Elk Viewing

A unique Gaylord area activity, elk viewing is a must-do in the fall! Visit the City Elk Park for a guaranteed sighting or venture out to the Pigeon River Country State Forest to search for our free-roaming herd. Elk are at their most active during autumn and you’re likely to hear their haunting “bugle.”

Elk Viewing

6 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Fall

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. While you may not be jumping in for a swim, fall paddles offer some of the loveliest color tours and the fishing is fantastic!

Paddle adventure

6 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Fall

Downtown

With a recently remodeled streetscape, trendy new eateries and unique stores with up north charm, there’s definitely a new vibe in town! Stop by the Farmer’s Market for the freshest fall veggies, or nab a decadent caramel apple from the Alpine Chocolat Haus.

Alpine Village

6 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Fall

Special Events

It wouldn’t be an autumn road trip without events and fun!  Browse our events calendar for activities including concerts, color tours, pumpkin patches and hay rides!

Find fun

Michigan’s Wild Elk Herd

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be hot on the trail of Michigan’s wild elk herd? Our friend, Roy Heilman of neveragoosechase.com, shared his first-person experience of a DNR guided tour to find our elusive elk herd. Join him on his journey through the rustic Pigeon River Country State Forest to seek out these impressive animals!

Read the blog here

Events

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Downtown

Hit the Town

Gaylord may be known the world over for its outdoor recreation opportunities, but that’s only half the charm. Shop, sip, sample, and savor the best of Gaylord’s downtown scene.

Come On Down

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