Aug 14, 2026 / Val Wright
Elk View Park has been a favorite stop for visitors to Gaylord since the 1980s. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’ve been coming for years, you may have a few questions about the park and the elk that call it home. MORE
Aug 12, 2026 / Val Wright
Gaylord is surrounded by farms that aren’t just for growing. They’re for gathering, celebrating and making memories. Each season brings something new, from fall harvest fun and summer berry picking to the magic of winter tree farms. MORE
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
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. FALL COLOR UPDATES 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 Natural Beauty Road to the Headquarters of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Feel free to explore the Pigeon and uncover 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
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, 120,000-acre forest playground stretches across three counties and is the ultimate hotspot for elk viewing in Michigan. 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
Jul 07, 2026 / maddendev
Whether lounging at the beach, dipping in to cool off or paddling along a forested shoreline, we are naturally drawn to water. When you need a true escape into nature coupled with the peace that only water can bring, seek out the Pigeon River Country State Forest’s coveted sinkhole lakes, just north of Gaylord in Vanderbilt. MORE
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