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Welcome to Gaylord, Michigan!

An outdoor paradise for every season and every pursuit.

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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.

There’s nothing like springtime in Gaylord, Michigan! We wait in anticipation for flowers to bud and morel mushrooms to emerge from the ground that was blanketed with snow only weeks ago. It’s time to get outdoors and explore our trail systems, parks and preserves, while appreciating all Northern Michigan has to offer!

VISIT OUR SPRING PAGE
VISIT OUR SUMMER PAGE

5 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Summer

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.

BIKING

5 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Summer

Hiking

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. To name a few, Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve, Sturgeon River Preserve, High Country Pathway, Jordan Valley Pathway and Deadman’s Hill Loop are all excellent hiking trails.

HIKING

5 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Summer

Elk Viewing

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. 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 65 animals and they are known for greeting visitors right at the fence.

ELK VIEWING

5 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Summer

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.

DOWNTOWN

5 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Summer

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.

EVENT CALENDAR

Morel Mushrooms: The Fickle Fungus and How To Find It

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! 

Read the blog here

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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.

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