webcam icon for link to webcams Webcam calander icon for link to hotel booking Book a room email signup icon of an envelope Sign Up for Email Updates visitor guide link icon of a book Get a free visitors guide meeting icon of group of people Meetings & Group Events
Search icon Search
Skip to content Gaylord Michigan Area Convention and Tourism Bureauhomepage

Fall in Gaylord, MI

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooling and fall is settling into Gaylord. It’s the perfect time to hit the road for a scenic drive, explore the trails or get out on the water for a peaceful paddle. Add in a stop at one of our local farms and a visit with the elk, and you’ve got a great fall day.

Get a Free Visitors Guide

Experience Autumn

Fall Farms

Lose yourself in a corn maze, take a hayride into the pumpkin patch to choose from 1,000s of plump pumpkins, visit the friendly animals at the petting zoo and more!

Fall farms

Experience Autumn

Downtown Farmer’s Market

Autumn is harvest time at the Downtown Gaylord Farmer’s Market under the Pavilion!  Along with fresh cut flowers, homemade desserts and locally sourced honey, you’ll find an abundant selection of delectable in-season fruits and veggies.

Farmer’s Market

Experience Autumn

Elk Viewing

Elk are most active during the fall, so whether you’re viewing them from the sidelines of Elk View Park or touring backroads in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, our elk are on the move! Visit our elk viewing blog for helpful hints and viewing areas.

Elk Viewing

Experience Autumn

Get All Outdoors

Glide along our glassy shores in a kayak or canoe. Lace up your hiking boots, throw on your favorite hoodie and trek out on a leaf-strewn pathway. Cast a line into the cooling waters of our lakes and streams. Being All Outdoors takes on a whole new meaning during our most vibrant season!

Get OUtdoors

Your All Outdoors Autumn

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. It is also a perfect time for us locals to get out and do some of the things we just didn’t have time for over the summer. What a splendid time with glorious fall colors coming our way! Read the blog for some fresh ideas.

YOUR ALL OUTDOORS AUTUMN

Fall Vistas

The Pigeon River Valley and Sturgeon River Valley

Yes, these are two different locations. But our point is simple – valleys make for stunning views! Visit Treetops Resort or Otsego Resort for two of the most breathtaking views in Otsego County.    

Learn more

Fall Vistas

Gaylord Golf Mecca

Technically, this encompasses 17 different locations, but who’s counting? This is a no-brainer for golfers, but if you’re not skilled at swinging a stick, take your camera and don’t worry about it if you can’t hit the ball. 

Interested in golf? Request your free copy of Northern Michigan Golfer Magazine!

Learn More

Fall Vistas

Inland Lakes and Rivers

While you may not want to take a swim during peak color season, our waterways are still filled with activity. Paddle the glassy shoreline of our birch and maple-lined lakes or rent a raft and tour the rushing waters of the Sturgeon River. 

Learn More

Fall Vistas

Aspen Park

This 100 acre park just minutes from downtown Gaylord may not have the sweeping views of a lush valley, but you’ll love being encompassed in colors from every angle. As an added bonus, Aspen Park shares a boundary with our City Elk Park, giving you the opportunity to see and hear majestic elk during one of their most active seasons. 

Learn More

Fall Vistas

Deadman’s Hill Overlook

The crown jewel of our area is undoubtedly Deadman’s Hill. An easy walk uphill will treat you to views of the Jordan River Valley you will remember for a lifetime. Hikers will delight in jumping on the 18-mile Jordan Valley Pathway here, or simply spending a few hours on the 3-mile Deadman’s Hill Loop.

Learn More

Driving Tours

Gaylord Area Driving Tours

You can’t take a wrong turn in Gaylord 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 local treks for you to explore the fantastic foliage during your stay!

Our northern tour leads you down a Natural Beauty Road to the Headquarters of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. 

Our northwestern tour features taking the “long way around” to Deadman’s Hill overlook by meandering along country roads bursting with color.

Northern Michigan Driving Tours

With Gaylord’s central location in the heart of northern Michigan, color tours can branch out into any direction!   

Tour #1 travels north and west of Gaylord, taking in the scenic drive south of Cross Village, continuing along the Lake Michigan shoreline and winding back along M-32. This rolling and beautiful stretch meanders through hardwoods and forest-lined farmlands.

Tour #2 travels north and east of Gaylord, passing through the pristine woodlands surrounding the Pigeon River State Forest and the shoreline drive along expansive Lake Huron. 

Maps of Local Driving Tours
Maps of Northern MI Driving Tours

Any Season!

Get a free visitors guide

Book a room