Entertainment

Fireworks in Gaylord, Michigan

Jun 01, 2023 / maddendev

Keep your eyes to the sky in July to catch one of our outstanding fireworks displays!  The Gaylord area has several sparktacular events to help you celebrate Independence Day and enjoy some Alpine Village fun!  All fireworks displays start at dusk (be ready by 9:30 p.m.).  Otsego Lake Fireworks Saturday, July 1, 2023 Whether sitting on a blanket in the sand, boating on the lake or chilling in a camp chair, perfect views of the Otsego Lake Fireworks are not difficult to find.  Stretching for approximately 5 miles along Old 27 South, our county’s largest lake is also the staging grounds for a stunning display to commemorate Independence Day! Johannesburg Fireworks Tuesday, July 4, 2023 The quaint community of Johannesburg, located just a short drive east of Gaylord, boasts one of the most dazzling fireworks displays around! MORE

Dine Alfresco in Gaylord, Michigan

May 26, 2023 / maddendev

Outdoor dining has been on the rise in recent years and is more popular than ever this summer!  While we already had a myriad of notable patios to choose from in Gaylord, Michigan, many of our dining partners have expanded their outdoor spaces even more. We can’t possibly list them all, but here are a few of our favorite alfresco eateries: Alpine Tavern & Eatery Alpine Tavern takes the cake for originality with one of the most variable dining experiences offered in our Alpine Village.  Saddle up to the tiki bar, enjoy basking in the sun or select your seating under the portico.  Be sure to watch their Facebook page for the entertainment lineup. MORE

7 Reasons to Visit Gaylord, MI this Summer

/ maddendev

There’s no question about it…Northern Michigan summers are pure bliss.  If you haven’t experienced one yet, it’s high time to head to Gaylord, Michigan to see what all the fuss is about!  So what does the “Alpine Village” have in store for you? 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.  Perfect for families out for an afternoon ride or experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, the North Central State Trail meanders through some of the loveliest countryside in Northern Michigan.  Check out the new Gaylord Gateway Trailhead conveniently located downtown!  If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, then you won’t want to miss the 82-mile High Country Pathway.  Located in the heart of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, this extensive and rustic trail is recognized as having “Epic” status by the International Mountain Bike Association .  Hiking If you lack pedal power but still want to hit the trails, hiking is the way to go!  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.  Those looking for an all-day excursion or even a weekend of backpacking can head for the Jordan Valley Pathway, an 18.8-mile loop with a rustic campground at the halfway point.  Be ready for stunning vistas, high ridges and skirting along the banks of the striking Jordan River.  If you’re limited on time, venture out on the Deadman’s Hill Loop for a 3-mile taste of this exceptional trail.  Ready to visit?  Request your free Visitor’s Guide here!   Elk Viewing While you’re out enjoying Gaylord’s plentiful trail systems, keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi.  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.  Exploring Pigeon River country is a great escape, but your schedule may not allow you to spend a day searching for elk.  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 30 animals and they are known for greeting visitors right at the fence. MORE

Downtown Gaylord Summer Concert Series 2023

Apr 27, 2023 / Christy Walcott

Get ready to groove your way into the weekend all summer long! Our outdoor summer music series in Gaylord will be happening every Friday night. That's 15 free concerts right downtown (minus Alpenfest weekend). MORE

Spring Is Here & You Should Be, Too!

Mar 27, 2023 / maddendev

By Paul Beachnau We are so blessed to live in a four-season community. Just when we run out of patience with one season, we are able to look forward to the next with renewed vigor. With the first official day of spring behind us, I am enthusiastically joining the “let’s hurry up and get this snow melted!” bandwagon. MORE

Gaylord – The Inside Scoop

Mar 29, 2022 / maddendev

By now you think you’ve got this whole Gaylord thing down – the trails are exhilarating, each season is its own masterpiece and the downtown district is filled with eateries and shopping galore.  While you may be a Gaylord expert at this point, we thought we’d tantalize the trivia fan in you with a few tidbits of information you didn’t know.  For example…  Where did the Alpine theme come from? We have the elegant, yet up north Otsego Resort to thank for the Alpine ambiance Gaylord embraces.  Following the development of the Otsego Resort (formerly Hidden Valley Resort), there was a boom in local chalet-style architecture with high peaks and distinguishable lines.  Community leaders soon adopted this theme throughout town, hoping to set Gaylord apart from other vacation destinations in northern Michigan.  The plan worked and Gaylord is now widely known as “the Alpine Village.”  Who is Claude Shannon? MORE

7 Unexpected Reasons to Visit Gaylord, Michigan

Feb 16, 2022 / maddendev

Is it time to start planning your next Michigan vacation?  In a state overflowing with sparkling lakes, clear rivers, untamed wilderness, an assortment of themed festivals, unique attractions and unending charm around every turn, choosing just one location can be a daunting task.  We’re here to help you narrow down your search.  Set your compass for Gaylord, Michigan and find everything you’ve been looking for! Plan your next trip with our free Visitor’s Guide If you’ve done your research, then you already know a little about us.  Sitting smack dab on the 45th parallel, Gaylord is (quite lovingly and literally) the heart of the northern Lower Peninsula.  Easy access off I-75 makes getting here a pinch, and once you’ve arrived, we’re quite sure you’ll never want to leave.  An outdoor lover’s paradise, our four seasons each offer distinct recreational opportunities for visitors of any age, ability and thrill-seeking level!  The best part?  While we exude the rustic up north charm you’ve been searching for, our community is filled with all the comforts you desire – shopping, restaurants, spas and resorts. MORE