Lakes & Rivers

Snow Days in Gaylord, Michigan

Nov 09, 2023 / maddendev

What will your wide-open winter look like in Gaylord, Michigan?  Let us walk you through the next few months in our winter wonderland… Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding & TubingTreetops Resort and Otsego Resort are your winter hotspots this season – offering up slopes and terrain parks that will get your adrenaline pumping. Both perched atop valleys, downhill skiers and snowboarders will love our epic elevation at 1,380 feet above sea level.  Legs a little wobbly?  There’s no skill required to sail downhill on a tube with the biggest smile you’ve ever had on your face.  The latest snow-making technology helps winter start early at both resorts! MORE

National Take a Hike Day

Nov 08, 2023 / maddendev

We’re not sure who scheduled National Take a Hike Day in mid-November, but they obviously weren’t hunters or accustomed to northern Michigan’s weather!  If you choose to head out today, you may need winter boots and be sure to wear bright colors.  Whether you’re hiking today or daydreaming about your next adventure, let this list of our favorite natural areas in Gaylord, Michigan serve as inspiration to embrace being All Outdoors! Jordan Valley PathwayWhile Deadman’s Hill overlook at the trailhead of this 18-mile loop is known for offering one of the most stunning vistas in our area, the view from the valley floor might just knock your hiking boots off as well.  If you’re not up for the full trek, you can take the quick 3-mile down and back loop from the parking lot or don your backpack and make a weekend of it. MORE

Why You Need to Go Winter Rafting When Visiting Gaylord, Michigan

Nov 07, 2023 / maddendev

Before you shake your head and say “no way!” to winter rafting, let’s clear one thing up from the get-go:  NO, YOU WILL NOT GET WET!  This is a guided trip with experienced professionals calling the shots.  If you’ve ever been spilled out of your kayak or canoe into the brisk waters of the Sturgeon River, we can understand your hesitation.  But hear us out and keep reading because we would hate for you to go home without experiencing one of Gaylord, Michigan’s most extraordinary winter experiences. https://youtu.be/gjZFoihCnPw So many winter activities are dependent on the weather – Is there enough of a base for snowmobiling?  Did a fresh foot of the fluffy stuff just change your cross country skiing plans?  Whether we’re experiencing epic accumulation or a sudden January thaw, winter rafting is just as rewarding of an adventure. MORE

Your All Outdoors Autumn

Aug 01, 2023 / maddendev

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

Gaylord, MI Fall Driving Tours

/ maddendev

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

Discover “The Pigeon”

Jun 01, 2023 / maddendev

Nothing says “All Outdoors” quite like the Pigeon River Country State Forest.  This unspoiled wilderness stretching over 3 counties and 114,000 acres contains seemingly endless miles of trails, rustic campgrounds and unique sinkhole lakes, along with being home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. Photo by Datema Media Locally known as “The Pigeon,” this pristine forest beckons to outdoor lovers looking for an off-the-grid experience.  And if you’re not sure where to start, we have a few suggestions for you: TRAILSImmerse yourself in the forest on some of the most scenic and rugged trails in the Lower Peninsula.  Trek out for a few hours on the Towerman’s Watch Pathway or pack up all your gear and tackle the Shinglemill Pathway. MORE

Gaylord’s Peaceful Places

/ maddendev

Wide open spaces – that’s what so many of us crave.  Room to roam and captivating scenery that takes our attention away from our phones, laptops and TVs.  Gaylord, Michigan is a haven of peaceful places, whether you’re looking to be on the water or dry land.  Here are a few of our favorites, along with some hidden gems you may not have heard of: Big Chub LakeA short drive past Otsego Lake and a few turns will lead you to Big Chub Lake.  With only a scattering of homes along the shore and nature greeting you from every angle, Big Chub Lake is a true up north experience.  A small boat ramp welcomes fishermen or kayakers to easily launch their vessels and even stand up paddleboards dot the surface of these calm waters.  Deer and bald eagles frequent this forest lake and a charming canal affords you the opportunity to paddle your way to adjoining lakes.  Read our full Chain Lakes blog for more information on that adventure! Sturgeon River PreserveWith the recent addition of a boardwalk at the trailhead, Sturgeon River Preserve offers one of the loveliest sections of universally accessible pathway in our area.  Meander along the Sturgeon River for the first stretch of this short but sweet trail, linger at the lookout, then continue along the rustic footpath through forests and small fields.  This secluded hike is less than one mile, so don’t be surprised if you circle back for seconds. MORE

5 Ways to Enjoy the Water in Gaylord, Michigan

May 30, 2023 / 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