Articles

Gaylord is known for its Alpine-style downtown, beautiful Up North scenery and outdoor adventures. But our little corner of northern Michigan has a rich history, too! Here are a few fun facts you might not know:

Gaylord Wasn’t Always Called Gaylord

When the community was first established in the 1870s, it was unofficially called “Barnes” after railroad official Orlando M. Barnes. It was later renamed Gaylord in honor of railroad attorney Augustine Smith Gaylord.

Fun fact: Gaylord is in Otsego County, which was originally named Okkuddo County in 1840. In 1843, the name was changed to Otsego, a name often interpreted as “clear water” or “meeting place.”

A Gaylord Native Helped Shape the Digital World

Claude Shannon grew up in Gaylord and graduated from Gaylord High School at just 16. Known as the “Father of Information Theory,” his work helped lay the foundation for modern computers and digital communication.

Fun fact: Ever heard of Claude AI? The AI assistant’s name has been linked to Claude Shannon, the Gaylord-raised mathematician whose work helped shape the digital world.

There’s a Reason Gaylord Looks Like an Alpine Village

Gaylord’s Alpine roots began in 1939 with the opening of Otsego Ski Club, now Otsego Resort, which featured Swiss-inspired architecture. In 1964, the Alpine theme made its way downtown, giving Gaylord the distinctive look visitors know today.

Fun fact: Gaylord sits about 1,350 feet above sea level, making us the highest-elevation city in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We’re also on the 45^th parallel, which puts us right between the Equator and the North Pole. 

Gaylord Once Made Its Own Cars

Michigan is famous for its automotive history, but Gaylord had a small part in it, too! The Gaylord Motor Company operated from 1910 to 1913 and produced around 350 cars.

Fun fact: One of the original Gaylord cars still exists, and it runs and drives! You can see it at our Visitor’s Center downtown, except during Alpenfest week when we bring it out for the Grand Parade.

The Ice Tree Started with Discarded Christmas Trees

One of Gaylord‘s favorite winter traditions is the famous Ice Tree. The tradition began in the 1950s, when local businessmen piled up discarded Christmas trees and sprayed them with water, creating a giant frozen attraction.

Fun fact: In 1957, the Gaylord Herald Times held a contest to name its famous Ice Tree. The winning name was “Cold Faithful,” and the winner received a two-pound box of chocolates!

Lumber helped put Otsego County on the map

In the late 1800s, lumber companies came to Otsego County for its plentiful white pine. The railroad helped move timber out of the area, and small communities grew around the industry. The railroad ran through Sparr, carrying lumber and other goods and bringing workers to the area.

Fun fact: Sparr (an unincorporated community within Gaylord) was once a busy lumber town with six lumber camps and several sawmills nearby.

Discover More Local History

From the lumber industry and railroad days to the Alpine Village we know today, Gaylord and Otsego County have plenty of stories worth sharing. Next time you’re downtown, stop by Claude Shannon Park, explore the area’s historic landmarks or visit the Historical Museum. You might discover a little piece of local history you never knew was there!

Thank you to the Otsego County Historical Society for the preservation of these photos!