Jul 25, 2024 / Val Wright
Find Elk in the Pigeon River Country State Forest Ready to go on a wild elk adventure? Head to the Pigeon River Country State Forest! Locally known as "The Pigeon," this massive, 114,000-acre forest playground stretches across three counties and is the ultimate hotspot for elk viewing in Michigan. MORE
Jul 24, 2024 / maddendev
There’s a little slice of paradise tucked away on the eastern side of our county – the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve. Filled with all the nature you can absorb, sprawling trails, remnants of a former lumber mill and lovely lakes, this Gaylord gem is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. MORE
By Paul Beachnau While the days are getting shorter and everyone is basking in the cooler temperatures, there is still plenty of time to get “all outdoors” and enjoy the beauty that surrounds Gaylord and the Otsego County area. Fall travel has grown tremendously over the past few years and it is the perfect season for those who are looking to leisurely explore new experiences. MORE
You can’t take a wrong turn in Gaylord, Michigan in the fall even if you try. Every mile of highway, scenic country road and dirt two-track has its own hidden gem for leafers to discover. We’ve come up with two diverse treks for you to explore the fantastic foliage during your stay. You can find maps of both routes on our Fall page, along with our Top 5 Scenic Fall Vistas. Of course, we wanted to give you a sneak peek as we enter the peak of our color season! Our northern tour leads you down a Natural Beauty Road to a designated overlook on Pickerel Lake Road, part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Feel free to continue down the road and visit The Pigeon’s sinkhole lakes, hiking trails and elk viewing areas. MORE
As autumn approaches each year, you can’t help but feel excited seeing the first leaves meld from their usual green state to varying shades of red, orange and gold. It’s those peek-a-boo moments through the lush greenery and the sudden crisp air filling your lungs that truly signal the beginning of fall. When October finally rolls around, the landscape transforms into an intricate mosaic of colors. Northern Michigan is in its glory during this season…there’s no way around it. Gaylord is simply stunning this time of the year, and it doesn’t matter which direction you take. Paddle a kayak along one of our glassy shorelines, hike or bike any trail of your choice or just turn down a dirt road and explore…you will not be disappointed. MORE
Jul 16, 2024 / maddendev
Water wonderland is an understatement. How do you refer to an All Outdoors paradise bursting with over 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of 5 rivers? Simply stated, it’s Gaylord, Michigan. How you choose to spend your sun-drenched days in the land of lakes and rivers is up to you. The Gaylord area offers a sampling of everything water lovers are hungry for – boating, kayaking, fishing, lazing on the beach and even floating down the river. With convenient outfitters offering up everything you’ll need to get your toes or line wet, enjoying our H2O couldn’t get any easier. MORE
Jun 17, 2024 / maddendev
Keep your eyes on 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 pm). Otsego Lake Fireworks Saturday, July 6, 2024 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! MORE
Jun 10, 2024 / Val Wright
As the days tick down to the 59th annual Alpenfest, we're gearing up for all the festivities that make this event unforgettable! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned festival-goer, this list will prepare you to make the most of the music, contests and community spirit that awaits in Gaylord. MORE
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