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There’s no denying that northern Michigan summers are pure bliss! When planning your next meeting, gathering or event, it’s only natural you would seek out a warm weather paradise with stunning scenery and abundant reasons to be outdoors.

Even though a great deal of time is spent in meeting or banquet rooms, as a planner, you still want your guests to have unique experiences in new destinations. Gaylord has a fantastic blend of business and pleasure during any season, but summer is where we shine!

Let us light up the pathway to planning success with some warm weather tips and recommendations:

1
Plan ahead as early as possible

We can’t stress this one enough. Summer is peak travel season to the Gaylord area, and once you arrive, you’ll realize why. Comfortable daytime temperatures, extended daylight that stretches past 9:00 p.m., lush forests alive with wildflowers and rivers teeming with fish. Plus, our central location right on I-75 in the heart of Northern Lower Michigan makes us a convenient choice for business or leisure travel. Everyone has a reason to be here.

2
Regardless of the nature of your visit, you’ll want to visit some of our nature

Balance is important. Break up a lengthy board retreat with some outdoor teambuilding, including wilderness hikes, elk viewing, bicycling, kayaking and golfing. Rentals are available and with a little planning, your group can be hitting the links or the trails with ease. Or, tack on an extra day to your stay and explore the Pigeon River Country State Forest, relax along the expanse of sandy beach at the Otsego Lake State Park or rent an e-bike and cruise as far along the North Central State Trail as you desire (it goes all the way to the Mackinac Bridge!).

3
Our venues were made for summer

While every venue in Gaylord offers comfort and amenities during any season, some outdo themselves in the summer. For example, what has been called America’s top-rated par 3 golf course, Threetops, can be found onsite at, of course, Treetops Resort. Along with top-tier golf, Otsego Resort has a beckoning outdoor pool with a classic sundeck. Water seekers will find themselves in heaven at Sojourn Lakeside Resort, which not only boasts a top deck pool, but 700’ of private, sandy beach on crystal clear Dixon Lake. On a smaller scale, but equally as impressive, host a gathering downtown at CRAVE with the wide garage door style windows open to have an indoor/outdoor event.

4
Nightlife thrives during the summer

Evenings are meant for winding down and hanging where the locals do, and Gaylord’s warm season nightlife will wow you. Stroll the streets of our friendly Alpine Village and sip a cool beverage in our social district while you admire inspiring murals. You can even listen to the concerts in Claude Shannon Park that take place every Friday night. While not every night has a full concert, you’ll still find live music at a variety of restaurants to add to your dining pleasure, whether you’re comfortably seated indoors or on a lavish outdoor patio.

5
Come prepared for adventure

We want your Gaylord experience to be a memorable one, so come prepared to get outdoors. Even if your plan is to stay behind and catch up on e-mails during your downtime, the chance to hop in a kayak and paddle inland waters or go on an elk viewing adventure might be too much temptation to resist. Be sure to bring along tennis shoes, shorts or hiking pants, a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunblock and even binoculars if you’re so inclined. This is a trip worth overpacking for.

Happy planning and we hope to see you during our stunning summer!