25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Gaylord (MI)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Gaylord, MI?

Gaylord is a charming city in Otsego County in the state of Michigan and also a major tourist center in Michigan.

Gaylord has several historical landmarks and interesting places to visit, such as the Holistic Spa, Otsego County Sportsplex, Call of the Wild Museum, Gaylord’s City Elk Park, Aspen Park, and other excellent centers.

In Gaylord, there are lots of fun things that you can do like for example, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, amongst others.

Tourists visiting Gaylord, Michigan could also use the opportunity to visit other cities in Michigan such as Cadillac and Kalamazoo

Looking for what to do in Gaylord, Below are some of the best attractions in Gaylord and fun things to do in Gaylord, Michigan.

Things To Do In Gaylord

1. Fun at Gaylord Bowling Center

Gaylord Bowling Center is one of the famous bowling pathways in Gaylord and has earned a spot on the list of fun things to do in Gaylord. The pathway features family-oriented activities that make it a great place to hang out with your loved ones and have fun.

The pathway presents activities like bowling, horseshoeing, volleyball, and many more. The gallery brings together people of all ages to celebrate special occasions such as birthday parties and events like team building.

Different days have different specials to enjoy, and you can even participate in a bowling league. You might also choose to relax with a drink and watch the kids as they have and entertainment while playing.

Address: 1200 Gornick Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735

2. Visit the Call of the Wild Museum

Are you searching for a place to go to with your family or friends to have a fun time? The right place you are searching for is The Call of the Wild Museum.

The Call of the Wild Museum features exhibits of North American wildlife with sound effects and activity sheets for children and is among the top Gaylord attractions.

The animals are exhibited in their natural environment with proficiently hand-painted backgrounds. Some of the exhibits are customized.

The Call of the Wild Museum features a small movie theatre, walk-in displays, a poetry display, and a gift shop.

There are other sections like the hands-on discovery room. Also, the walk-in display allows you to touch the animals in Call of the Wild Museum.

Visit the award-winning gift shop to buy some fantastic presents and souvenirs for your family and friends.

Address: Specialty Museums850 s. Wisconsin Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735

3. Discover a Herd of Elk at Gaylord’s City Elk Park

Looking for what to do in Gaylord, One of the famous places to be and thing to do in Gaylord is visiting the Gaylord’s City Elk Park; It is a big nature park where people come to view herds of wild elk grazing happily.

You would love to photograph the huge bulls and discover how the bulls put on their big horns and drop them during the winter.

The City of Gaylord preserves an elk herd and provides viewing centers for the visitors to stop and watch the splendid park. You can view roughly 40 elk under the city’s watch, near Elk’s Lodge off Grandview at Elk View Park.

You can enjoy amazing views of Gaylord’s City Elk Park from near the Elk’s Lodge, close to Grandview at Elk View Park. The park is one of the best attractions in Gaylord

The elk herd is contained on 108 acres. The City staff are in charge of feeding the animals corn, vitamins, and hay and sugar beets.

Recently, a few of the bulls weigh more than 800 pounds and stand roughly 6′ tall. The bulls in Gaylord’s City Elk Park will don their massive horns during the fall and winter, dropping them in the spring.

Address: 116 Grandview Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735

4. Experience Massage at The Holistic Spa

Have you been looking for what to do in Gaylord to help relax your body, mind, and soul? Then there is a hidden gem for you to discover in Gaylord, Michigan.

The Holistic Spa is a unique spa that provides alternative and exceptional spa services, and the workshop is situated in Gaylord, Michigan.

The workshops will inspire you on how to make good choices towards living a healthier, stress-free life and improve your well-being,

The Holistic Spa offers different spa services such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, Ionic foot detox, Reiki, and holistic services, all designed to inspire you to improve your health.

In the Spa, there are well-experienced and friendly practitioners that will attend to you and help you discover that relaxation and inner balance which will encourage you to live a healthy life. This spa is, without doubt, among the most relaxing and fun things to do in Gaylord

Address: 104 W Main St, MI 49735

5. Experience Ultimate Fun at Aspen Park

Looking for fun things to do in Gaylord? then you should visit Aspen Park. In Aspen Park, there are fun activities you may love to take part in, activities like mountain biking, hiking and you can take a lovey-dovey sunset walk with your loved one. You wouldn’t love to miss the scenic view in Aspen Park.

Aspen Park is a fantastic park with a green forest with paved and unpaved trails, an attractive area, and tennis courts.

Skaters can also come to Aspen Park to enjoy the natural beauty of the gently rolling jungle.

During the winter in Aspen Park, people that love skiing get the opportunity to come and go across the hilly and wooded terrain during the cross-country ski.

You can also be entertained by the spectacular views of incredible wildlife in their natural habitats. Aspen Park is a wonderful place to visit and is also one of the fun things to do in Gaylord.

Address: Commerce Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735

6. Have fun with the kids in The Otsego County Sportsplex.

Located in Gaylord, Otsego County Sportsplex is one best and well-furnished recreational centers in Michigan. it is also among the fun things to do in gaylord.

The Sports Complex in Otsego County provides amenities where both the young and adults can all engage themselves and have fun.

The features in the Sports Complex include a regulation NHL-sized ice rink, an incredible indoor walking track, and an Olympic-sized six-lane swimming pool.

Also, there are activity rooms made available for rent, and people can hire them to play and enjoy indoor games such as baseball, golf, softball, and many other engaging games.

The facility has sections free for other recreation such as water activities like kayaking, fitness, yoga, karate, and areas for classes in dance.

Perhaps you would love to organize special events like a birthday party, reunion, and others to rent out the entire pool or rink.

Address: Sports Facilities/Fields1250 Gornick Avenue, Gaylord, MI 49734

7. Enjoy playing golf at Bavarian Falls Park.

Are you having a dull day and looking for what to do in Gaylord? Perhaps you don’t have anything in mind to cheer you up or a fantastic place to visit. Bavarian Falls Park can help solve this as it is a place to find happiness and excitement.

Bavarian Falls Park is a nice-looking miniature golf course situated right next to the Call of the Wild Museum in Gaylord.

You can go with your families or friends to visit the park, enjoy and have fun as there are things you can play with there. You can either be playing or watch others play.

The scenic views around the park are so attractive, which is why you see people go there to have romantic times. The beauty of Bavarian Falls Park can make you take a photo shoot.

Indigenes and tourists also visit Bavarian Falls Park to have fun and spend time with their family and friends because it is one of best attractions in Gaylord.

Address: 850S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735

8. Indulge at BJ’s Restaurant

Are you making arrangements for a date night with your loved one? Are you thinking of a fantastic spot? BJ’s Restaurant is the right place you have been searching. It is a family-owned business that serves an extensive range of large buffets and homemade meals.

A sweet and lovely aroma welcomes you once you enter BJ’s Restaurant; this will make you drool and move you to place your order.

Few places in Gaylord can make you drool and hungry the way BJ’s Restaurant does.

In BJ’s Restaurant, there are comfortable and well-arranged seating settings, a fireplace, a small deck, and a salad bar. These are all designed to make sure the customers enjoy their meal and are satisfied with their services.

The catering staff in the Restaurant is warm and friendly in rendering their outstanding services.

The menu comprises freshly prepared salads, appetizers, delicious rolls, and main entrees. Visiting and having a good dinner at BJ’s Restaurant is one of the best things to do in Gaylord.

Address: 990N Center Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735

9. View the charming sunsets at Otsego Lake State Park

If you are looking for a fun thing to do in Gaylord that helps you relax and take a break, then Visiting Otsego Lake State Park is one of the best things to do. Otsego Lake State Park is a quiet place and a fantastic place for a weekend break from all the work/business activities in the city. it is also one of the top attractions in Gaylord

Otsego Lake State Park is strategically situated in a way that allows you to take sight of the spectacular views of the beautiful sunset behind the trees. It features 62 acres of beach and shaded trails.

This lovely recreational park consists of large pine trees, oak, a fantastic shade, and a maple tree.

Otsego Lake State Park is a relaxation park as well as a rewarding place.

It is an excellent area to bring your family or friends for fun. You may love to plan a picnic at the beachside picnic pavilion.

The park also consists of a concession store campground reservations and a boat launch alongside particular areas for paddle boating and fishing.

In Otsego Lake State Park, you can take a romantic stroll with the one you love as there are excellent walking trails. This is without a doubt one of the fun things to do in Gaylord.

Address: National & State Parks Gaylord, MI 49735

10. Grab a beer at Mary’s Tavern

Are you searching for what to do in Gaylord after a hectic day or after a long day of activities,  You can stop by at Mary’s Tavern while going home to have a drink or two in the bar.

Mary’s Tavern is a fantastic small spot for a cool drink with friends and also one of the fun things to do in Gaylord.

Local microbrew beer is one of the good beers on the menu list and s one of the locals’ favorite drinks. Mary’s Tavern is a friendly place to be as you can also get to interact with the locals in the bar.

The bar has a nicely arranged beer selection added with good shots.

You can also enjoy your drink while listening to the excellent music playing in the background or a playing pool table.

The atmosphere at the bar is pleasant, thereby providing an ideal environment to enjoy your drink accompanied by good music.

Address: 330W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735

11. Visit the Up North Blueberry Farm

Up North Blueberry Farm is a family-owned berry farm in Gaylord. They are known for producing the best blueberries in the region and as a result has earned it a spot among the best things to do in Gaylord

Studies have confirmed that Blueberries are lovely and essential fruits and which are helpful to the body.

Blueberries are refined with antioxidants, and studies show that it helps keep the memory vigilant and sharp.

Blueberries, just like other berries, helps you to have a healthy digestive system as it is also a great derivation of fiber that aids digestion.

You can also come with your containers and pick some berries to take them home as you walk through the bushes and adore the scenic view around the farm.

Address: 3964 Hallenius Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735

12. Go to the Natural Golf Course

Natural Golf Course is one of the best attractions in Gaylord and a hidden jewel that draws tourists to this city.

The Natural Golf Course has always been the choice for many people and visitors who visit the course and among the fun things to do in Gaylord.

Even though the sport is recognized to be for the elite class, many persons play golf for the challenge, sport, sociability, and an opportunity to interact with nature.

You can enjoy the peace and the beauty of the unique rolling terrain. You can also get an opportunity to play golf in The Natural Golf Course.

Address: 4706 W Otsego Lake Dr, Gaylord, MI 49735

13. Explore the Otsego County Historical Society

Are you looking for what to do in Gaylord to get yourself acquainted and discover more about the history of Otsego County? the Otsego County Historical Society is the best place to visit.

Otsego County Historical Society is a part of Michigan, and it has some history that might stir up your curiosity.

Otsego County Historical Society is a museum with the mission to bring people interested and loves the area’s history together.

The focus is to collect, preserve, store, and display materials related to the area’s history.

Otsego County Historical Society is one of the top attractions in Gaylord. It is a place to visit your family and friends as it is open to the public. Otsego County Historical Museum organizes a mix of exhibits containing artifacts significant to the region’s history.

The artifacts come from preliminary railroads, schoolhouses, cigar factories, and others.

Address: History Museums320 W Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49735

14. Have fun at Escape The Cabin

Escape the Cabin is a center located in Gaylord, Michigan, and is, without doubt, one of the fun things to do in Gaylord. In Escape the Cabin, you get to work together in teams and work a breakout plan from the jails.

The players are divided into groups where they are arrested, locked up, and then given an hour to discover how to escape from the jails. It is fun. You need to try it!

The adventure will help test your creativity, time-management skills, and how you can handle adrenaline.

Escape the Cabin is also an excellent place to take your children to and have them participate in brainstorming and engaging, fun endeavors.

You and the whole family or friends will surely enjoy memorable and exciting experiences that will live for many years in your memories.

15. Shop at Old Spud Warehouse

Would you love a shopping time with your family and friends? Old Spud Warehouse is a large shopping boutique and the correct answer you need.

VisitingOld Spud Warehouse is one of the best things to do in Gaylord as they offer unique and creative designs in fashion, home accessories, and vintage furniture.

Old Spud Warehouse is located in a historic, wonderful old building. It is an exciting place to walk around.

There are great deals and products sold in the store, such as furniture, home décor, jewelry, gifts, clothes, fun cards, and others. In Old Spud Warehouse, there is always something unique you can select to buy.

It would be best if you bought a souvenir for your family and friends. Make them happy with unique gifts from the Old Spud Warehouse, and the exciting thing about them is that they sell fashionable and good quality stuff.

if you don’t buy a souvenir? Buy your loved ones with unique gifts, and the most remarkable thing about the stuff they sell here is funky and vintage.

Address: 314 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735

16. Discover the Mount Carmel Center.

Mount Carmel Center, earlier called the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, is a performing arts center in Gaylord. It is also one of the top attractions in Gaylord.

Outside the south entrance of Mount Carmel Center, you will find a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For over 100 years, Mount Carmel Center is one of the significant historical landmarks located in Gaylord. The building presents the Neo-Gothic style and has a tower rising above the town.

What attracts visitors most times about the building is the bell tower and its ever-present clock that has not yielded to the bad weather conditions. According to observations, the bell tower and the clock always attract tourists to Mount Carmel Center.

In company with being one of the top attractions in Gaylord, Mount Carmel Center is also dedicated to conserving the history of the community arts.

Address: 606 N Ohio Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735

17. Purchase fresh farm produce at Gaylord Farmer’s Market

For healthy well-being, you need to feed well and have good eating habits. There are ways in which you can actualize this, and one of them is to be sure that you always consume nutritious and foods good for your body.

Some of them are foods fresh from the farm, such as fruits, vegetables, and others.

Visiting the Gaylord Farmer’s Market is a fun thing to do in Gaylord and is also the right place to get healthy and nutritious foods. Farms encircle it, and this makes it look like a real farm.

Gaylord Farmer’s Market is always a busy place filled with people, salespersons, and the people that came to buy things.

Tourists always come to the market to purchase things and interact with the local community.

Address: 829 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735

18. Parks & Recreation Center of Otsego County

In Otsego County Park, you have the chance to play tennis, volleyball, or basketball during open gym, or you can join a team at the Otsego County Community Center.

Otsego County Park has Kayaks, Paddle Boards, and Pontoon Boats available for rent. Kayak and paddleboard fees are $59.00 per day. Visiting this park is one of the most exciting and fun thing to do in Gaylord

You can also camp there as Otsego County Park, in collaboration with Action Outdoor Rental, will offer you the necessary things you need to make your camping fun.

There is a picnic area, sand volleyball court, swim area, playground for you and your loved ones, Wi-Fi, two pavilions, or Cabin on the lake for rent (reservations recommended), and other amenities to make your stay memorable.

Visit the Otsego County Park as the staffs are committed to offering excellent and enjoyable family camping and recreation experience.

Address: Recreation Centers315 S Center Avenue, Gaylord, MI 49735

19. The Hartwick Pines State Park

The Hartwick Pines State Park was established in 1927 and is one of the top attractions in Gaylord for tourists and locals. it features an exhibit hall on the history of the forest in Michigan. It has a logging museum that offers hiking, fishing, hunting, a campground, geocaching, and watchable wildlife. The park also includes a picnic area and a playground.

It has a space for classrooms, pines, restrooms, and a bookstore run by the non-profit Friends of Hartwick. The area for tourists has an auditorium containing 105 people and a nine-projector multi-image slide show.

There are several programs and special events provided throughout the year in Hartwick Pines State Park.

It also includes an Old Growth Forest of white pines and red pines known as the Hartwick Pines. The pines in the Old Growth Forest are approximately between 350 and 375 years old, and the tallest trees are between 150-160 feet tall.

There are four lakes situated within the Hartwick Pines State Park. Two of the lakes were initially called Bright and Star Lake but later called Bright and Glory Lake.

Address: National & State Parks4216 Ranger Road (m-93), Grayling, MI 49738

20. Wine Tasting at Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican is a unique retail store located in downtown Gaylord. Rusty Pelican is a family-owned business, and it features a substantial selection of wines, gifts, foods, and beverages made locally. If you are looking for what to do in Gaylord with Friends, then Rusty pelican is the right place for you.

Rusty Pelican represents many different local artists, and they carry products produced in the store in Gaylord, Michigan.

The tasting room provides over 70 varieties of wines available for people to taste and enjoy. You can visit there with your friend for a drink, and taste the fantastic brands of wines there.

The wines are affordable as $5.00 per person offers you five wine tastings of your choice with a souvenir wine glass.

There are so many lovely things to shop for, and you can buy flags, wine carriers, good cheese, and other things.

You can relax and enjoy an outstanding shopping experience as the attendants are very friendly and warm.

Address: 239 W Commerce Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735-7331

21. Play Golf at The Gaylord Golf Mecca

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is a fantastic place to visit and among the top attractions in Gaylord. It consists of a lake paradise where you can spend long warm summer times into the early evening to play one of the exciting golf courses in Northern Michigan.

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is a term for the place which the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism uses.

There are lots of good courses you can enjoy with your friends or family. Some of the courses are Wilderness, Black Forest, The Natural, and many others. Gaylord Golf Mecca is one of the incredible places to visit and play golf with your friends.

For people planning to stay and play golf, Gaylord Golf Mecca has been working for years together with their golf and lodging partners to make sure those who visit have a fantastic and unforgettable experience.

They can help book your lodging and serve you few meals if that’s what you want. Visiting The Gaylord Golf Mecca is one of the best things to do in Gaylord with friends and family.

Address: Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism 101 W. Main St., Gaylord, MI 49735

22. Snowbelt Motorsports

Riding a Snowmobile is one of the fun things to do in Gaylord with friends and family. If you want to partake in this fun activity, you can easily rent a Snowmobile at Snowbelt Motorsports Rental.

Snowbelt Motorsports is an all-around season business that offers rentals of Motorhomes, boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles, campers, and recreation vehicles.

Snow belt Motorsports rentals cover all four seasons that encourage you to have a fun year throughout.

Snowmobile Motorsports also offers excellent detailing services for your camper, boats, vehicle, motorhome, motorcycles, and other ranges of packages to select.

In Snowmobile Motorsports, you’re sure to have a good time and experience as they have good customer care and their staff is friendly and warm.

They open every Monday through Friday at 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Address: 2370 South Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI. 49735

23. Ski at the Otsego Club Resort

Otsego Club Resort is a golf and ski resort situated in Northern Michigan, and it has been in operation since 1939. Otsego Club is one of the best golf centers and is fabulous for skiing and snowboarding. Visit Otsego Club resort is one of the best things to do in Gaylord which you don’t want to miss.

You can also check out the great slopes and the 36 holes of Championship Golf. Otsego is one of the oldest and still in operation private ski clubs as it has also been a prominent fixture in Northern Michigan.

The resort features are carefully groomed and maintained; there are family-friendly ski hills, and you can also enjoy golfing with your friends on the golf course.

Otsego Club resort provides visitors with various lodging rooms, condominiums, suites, and other amenities to make your stay memorable and exciting.

There are above 24,000 square feet of meeting space in Otsego Club, charming wedding spaces for your wedding parties and receptions, and the award-winning Duck Blind Grille, a winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

They offer professional services, and their lift operators, ticket window staff, and other staff are nice and friendly. Otsego Club resort is a great place to visit with your friends or family and a great site to ski or golf.

Address: 696 M-32 East Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49734

24. Gaylord Area Council for the Arts

Gaylord Area Council for the Arts is the perfect place to be for those who cherish arts and would like to add artistic value to the city.

Gaylord Area Council for the Arts is dedicated to nurturing and promoting an artistic community by developing, sharing, and inspiring individual expression using art.

Having been in existence for almost fifty years, Gaylord Area Council for the Arts has included new exhibits that promote local artists, activities, and programs.

What it has achieved over the years has helped to develop the economic section of the community.

Address: 125 E Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49735, United States

25. The Loon Golf Resort

Whenever you want to get outside and have fun, your next destination should be the Loon Golf Resort.

The Loon Golf Resort offers unique championship golfing moments irrespective of your skill level, including beginners and experts.

You will find the Loon Town Home Village on the Loon golf course, plus an award-winning award eatery. The Ridge lodging consists of newly upgraded hotel suites and rooms.

Stop by the restaurant for delicious cuisine and a unique collection of wines and other drinks.

Address: 4400 Championship Dr, Gaylord, MI 49735, United States

Want more of Michigan? check out our list of things to Do in Kalamazoo and things to Do in Cadillac for an exciting vacation.

Start Planning your Trip to Gaylord

Gaylord is a perfect and fantastic place for a vacation with your family or friends because of the amazing places you will love to visit.

There are parks, museums, restaurants, playgrounds for different and other recreation places. You can also discover their history, culture, and other art exhibits.

Gaylord has many fantastic attraction sites and guiding lights, making it one of the significant tourist areas in Gaylord, Michigan.

You can start parking already to visit this place with your family or friends as you are sure to have a great and fun experience with your loved ones.