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Things are looking up for Gaylord since the ice storm in late March and we can’t wait to see you this summer! Please check this blog regularly for updates on trails, campgrounds and public access sites.

If you’re interested in helping our community during this recovery process, the Otsego Community Foundation is accepting donations here. If you would like to volunteer your time to restore parks and trails with the Michigan DNR, click here. The Gaylord Cycling Club would also greatly appreciate some extra hands. Find their cleanup events on their Facebook.

June 12th, 2025

Summer is shaping up beautifully in Gaylord. Rivers are flowing strong, almost all campgrounds are open and most local trails are ready to explore. It’s a great time to get outside!

While the majority of cleanup is behind us, some state-maintained trails are still being worked on by the DNR. You can check the latest trail updates and campground openings here.

Sections of the singletrack at Aspen Park are also open, and volunteers from the Gaylord Cycling Club are continuing their efforts to clear the remaining areas. If you love the trails and want to help out, they’re always happy to welcome new hands.

Thanks to our amazing community and hard-working crews, we’re bouncing back strong. We can’t wait to see you out there enjoying everything Gaylord has to offer this summer!

May 29th, 2025

Sturgeon River Paddlesports and Big Bear Adventures have officially opened sections of the river for the season! That’s especially exciting news considering the amount of cleanup our rivers needed after the ice storm. Huge thanks to everyone who pitched in to clear debris and get things flowing again! Fly fishers have already been spotted casting lines, and while additional sections are still being worked on and some downed trees remain, the outlook for our river systems is definitely improving.

May 20th, 2025

We’re so happy to announce that Aspen Park has reopened! Huge thanks to the City of Gaylord Department of Public Works and the Gaylord Cycling Club for making it happen. The single track is still being worked on, but sections 1 and 2 are rideable. If you’d like to volunteer to help, the Gaylord Cycling Club would greatly appreciate some extra hands. Find their cleanup events on their Facebook.

May 15th, 2025

The Otsego Lake State Park and Otsego Lake County Park are both fully open, including campgrounds.

May 12th, 2025

Sturgeon River Preserve has reopened!

The Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve has a section of trails that will reopen on Wednesday, May 14th. You will be able to view both lakes. A map is available on their Facebook page showing what areas will be open.

The DNR is still hard at work on State Parks, campgrounds, public boating access sites and trails. The Otsego Lake State Park is partially open, including the boat launch. The campground is anticipated to open on May 15th. All state-maintained trails, including the North Central State Trail are technically closed at this time. Click here to view their interactive map that reflects openings and closures.

Cleanup efforts are progressing in Aspen Park. The paved trails are expected to open soon, but crews are still working on removing hanging limbs. The Gaylord Cycling Club has been holding cleanup events with volunteers to clear Aspen Park’s singletrack. Check their Facebook page for upcoming opportunities to help out.

May 6th, 2025

There are several boating access sites that have reopened in Otsego County, including the access site at Otsego Lake State Park. For the latest updates, check out the Michigan DNR’s interactive map.

The City of Gaylord DPW continues clean-up efforts in Aspen Park. Once the hanging limbs are removed from the trees, the park will be able to reopen safely.

The singletrack trail system in Aspen Park is maintained by the Gaylord Cycling Club, who are currently seeking volunteers to help clear the trails.

At Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve, crews are working hard with the goal of opening a portion of the park within the next few weeks.

Please note that all state-maintained trails, including the North Central State Trail, remain closed for now. For the latest updates and an overview of affected areas, visit the Michigan DNR’s Storm Recovery page and check out their interactive trail map.

We’ll continue to share updates as more trails reopen. We’re confident Gaylord will bounce back to the outdoor playground we all know and love in time for summer!

April 29, 2025

The City of Gaylord’s Department of Public Works has been hard at work over the past month clearing debris from the recent ice storm. Aspen Park remains closed for now, but it’s currently 80–90% cleared. Once the remaining hanging trees are safely removed, the park will reopen.

The Gaylord Cycling Club is currently seeking volunteers to help clear the singletrack trails within Aspen Park. If you’re able to lend a hand, your help would be appreciated!

At Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve, crews continue their efforts with the goal of opening a section of the park in the next few weeks.

Please note that all state-maintained trails, including the North Central State Trail, remain closed for the time being. For the latest updates and an overview of affected areas, visit the Michigan DNR’s Storm Recovery page and check out their interactive trail map.

Stay tuned — we’ll share more updates as more trails reopen.

April 21, 2025

The City of Gaylord continues working hard to bring Aspen Park back to its beautiful, walkable self. Over at the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve, their team has been putting in long hours to clear trails and reopen safely. Every day brings more progress! For the latest updates on state trails, campgrounds and public access sites, check out the Michigan DNR’s interactive map and their Storm Recovery page.

April 14, 2025

We’re happy to report that most of our community’s power has been restored, and Gaylord is back in action! The City of Gaylord has begun cleaning up Aspen Park, though it remains closed for now. The DNR has also started clearing parks and boat launches, working hard to get them ready for visitors. Stay tuned for more updates!

April 7, 2025

More and more of our community is regaining power and most roads are now accessible. Our downtown businesses are open for business, as are most on the west side of town. Stores and restaurants are operational, warm and welcoming!

The DNR recently announced that all state-maintained trails and campgrounds are closed until further notice. These areas may be inaccessible or unsafe due to downed trees. The DNR has been doing an outstanding job getting started on debris removal and will continue their efforts until our pathways and campgrounds are restored.

April 3, 2025

Main roads are mostly clear at this time, but you may find detours where linework is taking place. Our lodging members are having power restored quickly, as are many restaurants and shops. Multiple gas stations are also open throughout town. If you have travel plans in the next few weeks and are not staying on a main roadway, please call ahead to ensure the road is accessible and that power has been restored.

While our first priority is restoring power and resources to the residents of our vibrant community, we also realize our trails, parks and preserves are in need of care. It will take time to clear fallen trees and debris from our natural areas and we will do our best to keep you updated of those efforts as we are made aware.

March 31, 2025

As you may know, Gaylord and much of northern Michigan was hit by an ice storm that started on March 29th. Most of our community has been without power since that time. If you plan to travel to the area in the next few weeks, please call ahead first to ensure you will have power and access to your lodging. 

There are many trees and powerlines down, but the amazing linemen and first responders are working tirelessly to restore everything. We appreciate their efforts more than words can say!

Please bear with us as we work on clearing our roads and trails; the cleanup may take some time. We’re optimistic that our community will come together, just like before, to reclaim Gaylord as the outdoor wonderland we all love.

Thanks for your patience and support! Stay tuned for updates on our progress—we can’t wait to welcome you back!