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Welcome to Gaylord, Michigan!

An outdoor paradise for every season and every pursuit.

Breathe in fresh forest air and glide along pristine waterways in Gaylord, Michigan. Here, there’s enough room to roam and enough unspoiled wilderness to go around! Located in the heart of northern Michigan, Gaylord is the perfect place to gear up for adventure and unwind in nature. Bountiful forest trails, winding rivers, over 90 sparkling inland lakes, and four seasons make Gaylord the ultimate outdoor playground.

There’s nothing like springtime in Gaylord, Michigan! We wait in anticipation for flowers to bud and morel mushrooms to emerge from the ground that was blanketed with snow only weeks ago. It’s time to get outdoors and explore our trail systems, parks and preserves, while appreciating all Northern Michigan has to offer!

VISIT OUR SPRING PAGE

Spring Is Here & You Should Be Too

Biking

The Gaylord area is home to some of the best biking trails in Michigan. The North Central Trail that extends from Waters 73 miles north to Mackinaw City is one of the most scenic trails in the Midwest. The views from this trail, numerous crossings of the Sturgeon River and abundant wildlife make it one of the crown jewels of trails.

BIKING

Spring Is Here & You Should Be Too

Lakes

As the ice melts, it will open up our 90+ lakes in Otsego County for boating, fishing and enjoying all types of water sports. With numerous boat launches, Otsego County is a haven for kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding. There is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than gently paddling along a quiet, pristine lake shore.

LAKES

Spring Is Here & You Should Be Too

Hiking

Our snowshoe trails will quickly transform into some of the finest and most scenic hiking trails in the state. Some of our favorites are Aspen Park, the Shingle Mill Pathway in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, Dead Man’s Hill east of Elmira and Pine Baron Pathway.

HIKING

Spring Is Here & You Should Be Too

Elk Viewing

The melting snow gives way to greening open fields perfect for our elk herd. This creates many viewing possibilities at Elk View Park and near the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

ELK VIEWING

Spring Is Here & You Should Be Too

Morel Mushrooms

Of course, warm temps, sunny skies and gentle, warm rain also brings along with it the elusive morel mushroom. If there was ever a better symbol for spring weather, we can’t think of it. This delightful mushroom is as much fun to look for as it is to find. Our plentiful state land holdings offer unlimited opportunities for foraging for nature’s spring delicacy.

MOREL MUSHROOMS

Morel Mushrooms: The Fickle Fungus and How To Find It

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! 

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Gaylord may be known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, but that’s only half the charm. Shop, sip, sample, and savor the best of Gaylord’s downtown scene.

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