There are several things to do in Gaylord, Michigan. The city is located in Otsego County and has an estimated population of 4,286 at the 2020 census, up from 3,645 in the 2010 census. The city is home to several attractions, including the Gaylord Bowling Pathway and Otsego Lake State Park.
Otsego Lake State Park
Otsego Lake State Park is a public recreation area that covers 62 acres in Otsego County, Michigan. The park is located in the township of Otsego Lake. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. There are a variety of things to do at this park, including fishing, boating, and hiking.
The park is surrounded by large trees and offers a beautiful setting. It offers a half-mile sandy beach and large camping sites near or on the lake. The park was established in 1920 and is managed by the state. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many of the park’s original structures. These structures are still in place today.
Located just south of Gaylord, Otsego Lake State Park has plenty to offer visitors. There is a five-mile-long lake that is filled with a variety of fish. Fishing is popular year-round at Otsego Lake State Park. The lake is also a great place to go paddling. In addition to fishing, you can spend a relaxing day relaxing on the sand or splashing around in the swimming area.
There are two campgrounds near the lake. One is open year-round and the other accepts reservations. There are no established hiking trails, but the park offers fruitful blueberry bushes and rare wild orchids. The park has a two-lane boat launch and ample parking for boat trailers.
Gaylord’s City Elk Park
Gaylord’s City Elk Park is a nature park that offers a close encounter with wild elk. You can drive through this large park to see these elk, and you can even view them from your car. It’s an exciting experience and one that you won’t forget easily.
City Elk Park is a 108-acre area that is home to a large herd of elks. The park was originally a wastewater treatment facility, but was converted in the late 1980s into a park where the elks can roam freely.
The Gaylord Department of Public Works is responsible for the care of the elk at the park. The city has a full-time elk caretaker, Ed Tholl. He feeds the elk on a regular schedule of hay and special nutritional pellets. Elk can weigh up to 800 pounds.
The Gaylord City Elk Park is free to visit. The elk are most active in the fall and winter months. The best time to see the elk is around dawn or dusk, but you can visit at any time. Visitors can feed the elk once a week with molasses-flavored nutrient pellets.
Gaylord’s Bowling Pathway
If you love bowling, then you won’t want to miss Gaylord’s Bowling Pathway. It is one of the city’s most famous attractions, and offers a number of family-friendly activities. Along with bowling, the facility features horseshoeing, volleyball, and more. It also hosts birthday parties and team-building exercises. It also offers leagues for bowling enthusiasts.
In addition to bowling, there is also a miniature golf course, Bavarian Falls Park, in the city of Gaylord. It is located right next to the Call of the Wild Museum and is a fun activity for the whole family. Afterwards, you can enjoy some ice cream and drinks at the small but fun Mary’s Tavern.
The bowling alley also features a lanes-for-all system. This allows players to save time for more challenging games. For more advanced bowlers, there are six lanes of lanes to choose from. For younger bowlers, a family package includes a free game.
Winter rafting
If you’re looking for an exciting winter adventure, try winter rafting in Gaylord. This activity is low-impact and offers the thrill of viewing wildlife. If you prefer to take it more slowly, you can choose a mellow, leisurely float down the Sturgeon River. Big Bear Adventures and Sturgeon River Paddlesports offer guided trips that last about 90 minutes. Both companies offer lessons and equipment rentals.
If you’re planning a trip during the winter, you’ll want to make sure you bring warm clothing. The cold can settle in quickly and you’ll be sitting for long periods of time. While you’re rafting, you’ll want to relax and get to know your fellow rafters. You may even make some new friends.
While your guide keeps control of the raft, you’ll be free to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. At the half-way point, you’ll get a hot drink and a treat. This is a great time to talk with your guide and make new friends.
If you’re looking for a fun, adventurous winter activity, there are many places to go. Big Bear Adventures is a full-service outdoor outfitter located in the quaint town of Indian River. You’ll also find Burt Lake and Mullett Lake, the third and fourth largest lakes in Michigan. In addition to these, you’ll find a 40-mile Inland Waterway system, which is Michigan’s longest chain of lakes and rivers.
Golfing
If you enjoy golf, you will love Gaylord, Michigan, which has two championship golf courses. The Classic course, which was established in 1985, is a 6,348-yard, three-star resort course. The new Tribute course, which opened in 2002, is a 6,528-yard, par-72 course that sprawls across 1,100 acres and features towering hardwoods, crystalline wetlands, and stunning vistas. Two Guys Who Golf rates Tribute as one of the top-rated golf courses in Michigan.
Gaylord is a small town located in Northern Michigan’s lower peninsula. It is bustling with cross-country skiers in winter and summer sports enthusiasts. Several courses are designed by famous architects, making Gaylord a golfer’s dream. In addition, many of the courses feature extended summer days, which make it an ideal golfing destination year-round.
There are 13 golf courses in the area. One course is municipal, but there are many more within a twenty-mile radius of the city. Gaylord’s Lakes of the North Golf Course was designed by William Newcomb and opened for play in 1968. The longest course in the area is the Otsego Resort, which features a 7,347-yard course. The Treetops Resort is another popular course in the area.
Shopping
If you’re visiting the area, consider making a shopping trip to Gaylord Michigan. The shopping options here are plentiful and will make for a day or weekend filled with great shopping. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for unique gifts and souvenirs.
If you’re a music lover, you can try out new guitars at local musical instrument shops. You can also trade in your old guitar to purchase a new one. There are also many on-the-go restaurants in downtown Gaylord, including food trucks. Whether you’re craving Mexican, Chinese, or Korean food, there’s sure to be a place that has it.