Family Fun

Morel Mushrooms: The Fickle Fungus and How To Find It

Mar 08, 2024 / maddendev

Morels are often described as the “steak” of the mushroom world, a delicacy hidden among last autumn’s remaining dried leaves and the bright green mossy cover of early spring. While mouthwateringly delicious, this most sought after tidbit can be difficult to find, to say the least.  We have some helpful hints for those wishing to seek out this coveted treat, and believe me, you’ll need them! Mushroom picking spots are nearly sacred in our neck of the woods and no one is about to give up their GPS coordinates and risk missing out on one savory morsel!  Where:  Look in sandy soil, near tall trees—typically elm, ash and poplar trees, sometimes fruit trees (old orchards are awesome), and sometimes under pines. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is prime hunting ground for morel seekers. This Pigeon River Map will help you find your way around our favorite stretch of wilderness.     When:  Head out about six weeks after the snow has melted. Morels like things warm and moist (not soggy), so a day following a spring rain improves your odds. MORE

Pet-Friendly Guide to Gaylord, Michigan

/ maddendev

Ready to have a pawesome adventure with your four-legged friend?  Pack your bags and head to Gaylord, Michigan to enjoy the dog days of summer! Where to Rest Your Paws Campgrounds are always a great place to stay with your furry friends, but if your dog is used to the more pampered life, many of our local lodging properties are pet-friendly.  Whether Fido is used to resort life, looking for a lakeside cabin or happy anywhere he can rest his paws, you’ll have lots of options when you visit Gaylord. MORE

Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week

/ maddendev

While we all love vacationing, creating memories and enjoying new experiences, there’s more to travel than meets the eye. Not only can the power of travel strengthen families, improve your health and even make you more productive at work, but it’s also one of the most crucial industries in our nation.  In recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week, taking place May 19-25, 2024, your friends at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau encourage you to get out and explore!  Family Ties Travel is one of the most effective ways to reconnect with your family. Spending quality time together means leaving behind chores, homework and that ever-growing honey-do list. Take photos of your loved ones making new memories together and consider stepping out of your comfort zone to experience something new and adventurous!  Gaylord Family Highlights For the little ones, plan a trip to the Call of the Wild Museum. This quaint wildlife museum tops many lists of “when I was young” memories. And if you think you’ve already seen it all, they recently added an interactive display on the Great Lakes. After touring the extensive museum (and picking out your favorite fudge from the gift shop), treat yourselves to a round of mini golf or a quick race around the go-cart track!   Healthy Habits Would you believe that travel can actually have health benefits? How much better can it get?! Scratching your travel itch can greatly relieve everyday stress, which can then improve your heart health, lower your blood pressure, help you sleep better and simply create a sense of well-being. Another bonus to travel is that you’ll exercise without even realizing it. Seeking new experiences could mean kayaking, biking or fishing, but even walking downtown to do some window shopping will give you a much-needed boost! Being Healthy in Gaylord The All Outdoors paradise offered in Gaylord and the surrounding area is a healthy haven for visitors! Bring your bicycles and leisurely cruise along the new southern trail extension of the North Central State Trail. Ride along scenic Otsego Lake and even stop at the Otsego Lake State Park to take a refreshing dip to cool off. For the expert cyclist, head north from downtown and bike as many of the 62-miles stretching to Mackinaw City as your heart desires!  Increased Productivity Employers provide vacation time so their employees can recharge. While a staycation may offer you the opportunity to take care of home improvement projects that leave you feeling accomplished, using your time for travel has even greater benefits. Unplugging from having set tasks to complete gives you the chance to truly relax, allowing you to return to work feeling refreshed and ready to take greater initiative.  How to Unplug in Gaylord Leave your phone and laptop behind and set out to the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Adventure awaits on every winding dirt road throughout “The Pigeon” and you can look forward to breathtaking lakes and rivers, endless miles of hiking and biking trails and even catching a glimpse of one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. MORE

National Bike Month

/ maddendev

Being active and healthy is a top priority for most people, and what better way to get your exercise than by celebrating National Bike Month in May? How, one might ask, should you go about celebrating this special time? Go ride a bike, of course!  For avid cyclists, this is yesterday’s news. They’ve been out on the pavement and single tracks since before the last snow melted. For those of us struggling to take that inaugural ride, or even those who haven’t ridden in years, let’s use National Bike Month as a launching point to once again embrace this favorite pastime!  See Gaylord, MI Trails Here Biking is an excellent outdoor activity for people of all ages. Whether you ride as a family or prefer peddling solo, you’ll appreciate the instant burst of energy, taking in the fresh, green scenery and feeling of accomplishment once you return home. Don’t forget about the big picture, too – whether you’re riding for fitness, family fun or even transportation, you’re supporting the movement for safer streets and a healthier planet.  If biking is second nature to you, skip the rest and have an awesome day outdoors! Newbies, here are some tips you may find helpful for your first peddling adventure of the season: Give your bike a quick tune up If you haven’t ridden in a while, take the time to make adjustments to your handlebars and seat. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re less likely to take another stab at this, so a little early maintenance will go a long way. Also be sure to check the air in your tires and take a quick run through your gears. 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

5 Ways to Enjoy the Water in Gaylord, Michigan

/ 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

Gaylord – The Inside Scoop

Feb 21, 2024 / 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

Five Really Cool Things To Do In Gaylord, Michigan This Winter

Nov 09, 2023 / maddendev

By Paul Beachnau So winter is here and your normal outdoor routine is shelved. It is cold and there is snow and you’re just not crazy about it. There are many of us crazy folks that LOVE winter. It is quiet, it is pretty and with the proper gear, you can stay warm and cozy!  Don’t have a snowmobile? MORE