Want to take a trip to Gaylord? Go through this article as we take you through all the fascinating things to do in Gaylord (MI).
Over the years, Gaylord has been known to be a charming city in Otsego County, Michigan, and a major tourist center in Michigan.
Gaylord has several historic sites and exciting places to visit, such as Aspen Park, Gaylord’s City Elk Park, Call of the Wild Museum, Holistic Spa, Otsego County Sportsplex, etc.
There are numerous things to do in Gaylord (MI), such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Tourists visiting Gaylord, Michigan, could also take the opportunity to visit other cities in Michigan, such as Cadillac and Kalamazoo.
We have put together for you some of the best attractions and fun things to do in Gaylord (MI).
Fun Things to Do in Gaylord (MI)
1. Spend a Day at the Beach at Otsego Lake State Park
Otsego Lake State Park is a peaceful place and a fantastic place for a weekend break from all the work/business activities in town.
The park is strategically located to give you a great view of the beautiful sunset behind the trees. It has 62 acres of beach and shady trails.
This beautiful holiday park consists of giant pines, oaks, fantastic shade, and maple.
Otsego Lake State Park is a relaxing park as well as a rewarding place.
This is a great area to bring your family or friends for fun. You might like to plan a picnic at the picnic pavilion on the beach.
The park also consists of a concession shop with camping reservations, a boat launch, and specific paddleboarding and fishing areas.
You can also take a walk with your loved one at Otsego Lake State Park because of the excellent hiking trails.
2. Go Golfing at the Natural Golf Course
The natural golf course is one of the best attractions in Gaylord and a hidden gem that draws tourists to this town.
A natural golf course has always been a choice for many people and visitors who visit the course and are among the fun things to do in Gaylord.
Although recognized as an elite sport, many people play golf for the challenge, sport, camaraderie, and opportunity to interact with nature.
Appreciate the beauty of the unique undulating terrain. You can also have the opportunity to play golf at The Natural Golf Course.
3. Watch a Movie at Gaylord Cinema West
Gaylord is the perfect place to go if you want a place to watch great movies.
They have a wide selection of movies to choose from and are always waiting for a new movie to be released.
Perhaps you don’t have the time to go to the cinema, but you want to see a new movie, then Gaylord Cinema West is the place you should visit.
They have an incredible selection of new and old movies and always have something new on hand.
Things to Do in Gaylord (MI) at Night
1. Have Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant
Are you arranging a date with your significant other? Thinking of a fantastic location? BJ’s Restaurant is the place you’ve been looking for.
They offer a wide variety of large buffets and home-cooked meals.
As soon as you enter BJ’s Restaurant, you are greeted with a sweet and beautiful aroma.
Few places in Gaylord can make you salivate, and hungry like BJ’s Restaurant does.
BJ’s Restaurant has a comfortable and well-organized seating area, a fireplace, a small terrace, and a salad bar.
It is designed to meet customers’ tastes and satisfy them with its services.
The catering staff at the Restaurant are warm and friendly and provide excellent service.
The menu includes freshly prepared salads, appetizers, delicious rolls, and main courses. Having dinner at BJ’s is one of the best things in Gaylord.
2. Unwind Over Some Bottles at Mary’s Tavern
Looking for things to do in Gaylord (MI) after a busy day of activities? You can stop by Mary’s Tavern for a drink or two at the bar on your way home.
Mary’s Tavern is a fantastic little place for a cold drink with friends.
The local microbrew is one of the good beers on the menu and is one of the locals’ favorite drinks. Mary’s Tavern is a friendly place as you can also interact with the locals at the bar.
The bar has a nicely organized beer section.
Enjoy a drink while listening to the excellent music playing in the background or the pool table playing.
The atmosphere in the bar is pleasant and provides an ideal environment for enjoying a drink accompanied by good music.
3. Spend a Night at American Best Value Inn Gaylord
The Best Value Inn is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a great room deal. You can’t go wrong with rates starting at just $60 per night.
In addition, the staff are friendly and helpful and will ensure you have everything you need during your stay. You will also appreciate the excellent facilities that this hotel offers.
From free breakfast to comfortable beds and excellent customer service, the Inn is just the perfect choice when it comes to affordable and quality lodging.
Things to Do in Gaylord (MI) For Couples
1. Test Your Golf Skills at Bavarian Falls Park
Having a boring day and looking for things to do in Gaylord? Maybe you don’t have anything in mind to cheer you up or a fantastic place to visit.
Bavarian Falls Park can help solve this because it is a place where you can find all the fun and excitement you need.
Bavarian Falls Park is a nice-looking miniature golf course located right next to the Call of the Wild Museum in Gaylord.
You can visit the park with your families or friends and enjoy and have fun because there are things to play with. You can either play or watch others play.
The beautiful scenery around the park is so attractive; that’s why people go there to have romantic moments.
Natives and tourists also visit Bavarian Falls Park to have fun and spend time with their family and friends, as it is one of the top attractions in Gaylord.
2. Shop at Gaylord Farmer’s Market
You need to eat well and have good eating habits for healthy well-being. You must ensure you always consume nutritious and good-for-your-body foods.
Some of them are fresh farm foods like fruits, vegetables, and more.
Visiting the Gaylord Farmer’s Market is fun in Gaylord and is also the right place to get healthy and nutritious meals. It is surrounded by farms and makes it look like a real farm.
The Gaylord Farmer’s Market is always busy with people, vendors, and people who have come to buy something.
Tourists always visit the market to buy things and interact with the local community.
3. Go on a Winetasting Tour at Rusty Pelican
This is a unique retail store located in downtown Gaylord. Rusty Pelican is family owned and operated and offers a wide selection of locally produced wines, gifts, food, and beverages.
It represents many different local artists and carries products made at the store in Gaylord, Michigan.
The tasting room offers more than 70 types of wine for people to taste and enjoy. You can go there with your friend for a drink and taste fantastic wine brands.
The wines at Rusty Pelican are affordable, and they also offer you five wine tastings of your choice with a souvenir wine glass.
At Rusty Pelican, there are so many beautiful things to shop for, and you can buy flags, wine carriers, good cheese, and more.
You can relax and enjoy an excellent shopping experience because of the friendly and warm staff.
Things to Do in Gaylord (MI) For Kids
1. Take Them to the Otsego County Sportsplex
Located in Gaylord, the Otsego County Sportsplex is one of Michigan’s finest and well-equipped recreation centers. It’s also among the fun things to do in Gaylord (MI).
The Otsego County Sports Complex provides facilities where youth and adults can engage and have fun.
Features of the sports complex include an NHL-sized regulation ice surface, an incredible indoor walking track, and an Olympic-sized six-lane swimming pool.
There are also activity rooms that are available for rent, and people can rent them to play and enjoy indoor games like baseball, golf, softball, and many other engaging games.
The facility has free sections for other recreation such as water activities such as kayaking, fitness, yoga, karate, and areas for dance classes.
Maybe you’d like to host special events like a birthday party, reunion, and more to rent out the entire pool or ice rink.
2. Get Their Adrenaline Pumped at Escape The Cabin
This is a fun center located in Gaylord, Michigan, and is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Gaylord.
In Escape the Cabin, you can work together in teams to plan your escape from the room.
Here, players are divided into groups where they are arrested, locked up, and then given an hour to figure out how to break out of the prison.
The adventure will test your creativity, time management skills, and how you can handle the adrenaline rush.
Escape the Cabin is also a great place to take your kids and let them participate in brainstorming and engaging and fun activities.
3. Go for a Ride With Snowbelt Motorsports
If you want to participate in this fun activity, you can easily rent a snowmobile from Snowbelt Motorsports.
Snowbelt Motorsports is a year-round business offering RV, boat, motorcycle, snowmobile, and recreational vehicle rentals.
Motorsports snowmobile rentals cover all four seasons, encouraging you to enjoy year-round fun.
They also offer excellent detailing services for your RV, Boats, vehicles, RV, Motorcycle, and many other packages to choose from.
They are open every Monday to Friday at 5 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm.
Indoor Activities to Do in Gaylord (MI) For Adults
1. Go Bowling at Gaylord Bowling Center
This is one of the most famous bowling alleys in Gaylord.
Gaylord Bowling Center features family-oriented activities such as bowling, horse riding, volleyball, and many more activities.
The bowling center brings people of all ages together to celebrate special occasions.
There are different specials to enjoy each day, and you can join a bowling league.
2. Visit the Call of the Wild Museum
This museum is one of Gaylord’s top attractions, featuring North American wildlife exhibits with sound effects and activity sheets for kids.
Here at the museum, the animals are displayed in their natural habitat with skillfully hand-painted backgrounds. Some exhibits are customized.
The museum also offers a small cinema, exhibition spaces, a poetry exhibition, and a gift shop.
There are other sections, such as a hands-on discovery room. The entry screen also allows you to touch the animals in the Call of the Wild museum.
Visit the award-winning gift shop to buy fantastic gifts and souvenirs for your family and friends.
3. Go for a Warm Massage at the Holistic Spa
Holistic Spa is a hidden gem to discover in Gaylord, Michigan.
It is a unique spa that provides alternative and exceptional spa services, and the workshop is located in Gaylord, Michigan.
The workshops will inspire you to make the right decisions for a healthier, stress-free life and improve your well-being,
The Holistic Spa offers various spa services, such as massage therapy, aromatherapy, Reiki, and ionic foot detox, all designed to inspire you to improve your health.
The Spa has experienced and friendly doctors who will attend to you and help you discover that relaxation and inner balance that will encourage you to live a healthy life.
It is without a doubt that a Holistic Spa is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Gaylord (MI).
Romantic Things to Do in Gaylord (MI)
1. Watch a Herd of Elks at Gaylord’s City Elk Park
One of the things to do in Gaylord (MI) is a visit to Gaylord’s City Elk Park.
It is a large nature park where people go to watch herds of wild elk happily grazing.
You can photograph the huge bulls and see how the bulls put on their big horns and shed them during the winter.
The City of Gaylord maintains an elk herd and provides viewing centers for visitors to stop and view the beautiful park.
You can view about 40 elk under city supervision near the Elk’s Lodge at Grandview.
The elk herd is located on 108 acres. City employees are in charge of feeding the animals corn, vitamins, hay, and sugar beets.
Several bulls have weighed over 800 pounds and are roughly six feet tall.
The bulls at Gaylord’s City Elk Park put on their massive antlers in the fall and winter and shed them in the spring.
2. Go Shopping at Old Spud Warehouse
Would you like to shop with family and friends? Old Spud Warehouse is a great shopping boutique and the right answer you need.
Visiting Old Spud Warehouse is one of the best things to do in Gaylord because it offers unique and creative designs in fashion, home accessories, and vintage furniture.
The Old Spud Warehouse is located in a historic, wonderful old building. It is an exciting place to walk.
The store sells excellent deals and products like furniture, home decor, jewelry, gifts, clothing, fun cards, and more. There is always something unique to buy at the Old Spud Warehouse.
Surprise your friends with unique gifts from Old Spud Warehouse; the exciting thing about them is that they sell fashionable and quality items. They also sell funky and vintage as well.
3. Check Out the Mount Carmel Center
Mount Carmel Center, formerly the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is one of the top attractions in Gaylord.
It is a performing arts center in Gaylord.
Outside the south entrance of the Mount Carmel Center, you will find a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For more than 100 years, the Mount Carmel Center has been one of Gaylord’s major historical landmarks. The building represents the Neo-Gothic style, and a tower rises above the city.
The bell tower and its ever-present clock attract visitors to the building, which has not given way to bad weather.
According to observations, the bell tower and clock always attract tourists to Mount Carmel Center.
One of Gaylord’s top attractions, the Mount Carmel Center, is also dedicated to preserving the community’s art history.
Free Things to Do in Gaylord (MI)
1. Go for a Walk at Aspen Park
Aspen Park has a lot of fun activities to enjoy, like mountain biking and hiking, and you can take a sunset walk with your loved one.
You wouldn’t want to miss the scenic view at Aspen Park.
Aspen Park is a fantastic green forest park with paved and unpaved trails, tennis courts, and attractive grounds.
Skaters are also allowed to Aspen Park to enjoy the natural beauty of the gently undulating jungle.
During the winter in Aspen Park, people who love to ski have the opportunity to come and cross-country the hilly and wooded terrain.
You can also enjoy spectacular views of incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
Aspen Park is a beautiful place to visit and is also one of the best things to do in Gaylord (MI).
2. Don’t Miss a Trip to Otsego County Historical Society
The Otsego County Historical Society is part of Michigan and has some history that might pique your curiosity.
The Historical Society is a museum whose mission is to bring together people interested in and love the area’s history.
The focus is on collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials related to the area’s history.
The Otsego County Historical Society is one of the top attractions in Gaylord.
It is a place where you can visit your family and friends because it is open to the public.
The Otsego County Historical Museum hosts a mix of exhibits featuring artifacts significant to the region’s history.
Artifacts come from early railroads, school buildings, cigar factories, and more.
3. Learn About Local History at Otsego County Library
The library is just the place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of the community.
The Otsego County Library has various resources on local history.
The Otsego County Library has a section on the history of Gaylord that can help you learn more about the town’s origins and its success story as well.
Cheap Things to Do in Gaylord (MI)
1. Pick Up Some Berries at Up North Blueberry Farm
This is a family-owned berry farm in Gaylord. They are known for producing the best blueberries in the region and, as a result, have earned a spot among the best things to do in Gaylord.
Studies have confirmed that blueberries are a beautiful and indispensable fruit that helps the body.
Blueberries are refined antioxidants; also, studies show they help keep memory alert and sharp.
Blueberries, being a great derivative of fiber that aids digestion, like other berries, help you maintain a healthy digestive system.
You are allowed to come with your containers and pick some berries to take home as you walk through the bush and enjoy the scenic views around the farm.
2. Go SKiing at the Otsego Club Resort
This is one of the best golf resorts and is excellent for skiing and snowboarding. A visit to the Otsego Club Resort is one of the best things to do in Gaylord (MI).
The Otsego Resort is one of the oldest and still operating private ski clubs, as it was also a prominent fixture in Northern Michigan.
Resort properties are meticulously landscaped and maintained; there are family-friendly ski slopes, and you can also enjoy golf with friends on the golf course.
The Otsego Club Resort offers visitors a variety of guest rooms, apartments, suites, and other amenities to make your stay memorable and exciting.
The Otsego Club features over 24,000 square feet of meeting space, glamorous wedding spaces for your wedding celebrations and receptions, and the award-winning Duck Blind Grille, winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
They offer a professional service and their lift operators, counter staff and other staff are nice and friendly.
The Otsego Club Resort is a great place to visit with friends or family and a great site to ski or golf.
3. Check Out the Coker Museum of Art
Coker Museum of Art is one of the most exciting places in Gaylord.
The museum is home to various art galleries, like the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Maryland Museum of Fine Arts.
Coker Museum of Art has a rich history, and it’s easy to see why; it has not only impressive art but also offers various fascinating exhibits on multiple issues, like giving you access to explore the history of gay rights or see an exhibit about the American Civil War.
Cool Places to Visit In Gaylord (MI)
1. Parks & Recreation Center of Otsego County
At Otsego County Park, you can play tennis, volleyball, or basketball in the open gym or do some other thing, like joining a team at the Otsego County Community Center.
Otsego County Park offers kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats for rent.
Visiting Otsego County Park park is one of the most exciting things to do in Gaylord (MI).
In partnership with Action Outdoor Rental, the park provides you with the essentials you need to make your camping trip at the park fun.
The park also has a picnic area, sand volleyball court, swimming area, playground for you and your loved ones, Wi-Fi, two pavilions or a lake cabin for rent (reservations recommended), and other amenities to make your stay unforgettable.
Visit Otsego County Park because the staff is dedicated to providing an excellent and enjoyable family camping and recreation experience.
2. The Hartwick Pines State Park
Hartwick Pines State Park features an exhibit hall on Michigan’s forest history. The park also has a logging museum that offers hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, geocaching, and wildlife viewing.
Not leaving out the picnic area and a children’s playground.
It has space for classrooms, pine trees, restrooms, and a bookstore run by the non-profit organization Friends of Hartwick. The tourist area has an auditorium for 105 people and a nine-projector multi-image presentation.
Hartwick Pines State Park hosts several programs and special events throughout the year.
Hartwick Pines State Park is home to four lakes. Two lakes were originally called Bright and Star Lake but later called Bright and Glory Lake.
3. The Gaylord Golf Mecca
This course is a fantastic place to visit and is one of the top attractions in Gaylord.
The golf course consists of a lake paradise where you can spend the long warm summer days until the early evening and play one of the most exciting golf courses in Northern Michigan.
Gaylord Golf Mecca is the term for the location used by the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism.
There are plenty of good courses that you can enjoy with your friends or family. Some of the courses at Gaylord are Wilderness, Black Forest, the Natural, and many more.
This is one of the incredible places to visit and play golf with your friends.
For those who plan to stay and play golf, Gaylord Golf Mecca has worked with its golf and lodging partners for years to ensure that those who visit have a fantastic and memorable experience.
They can help you book your accommodation and serve you a few meals if you want. A visit to The Gaylord Golf Mecca is one of the best things to do with friends and family in Gaylord (MI).
Conclusion
Gaylord is a perfect and beautiful place to take a vacation with family or friends because of the amazing places there are to visit.
You can start planning that trip now with this guide to amazing things to do in Gaylord (MI).
