Are you looking for things to do in Gaylord, Michigan? This charming town offers plenty of activities and places of interest for tourists.
From the Holistic Spa to the Otsego County Sportsplex, there is something for everyone in Gaylord.
Gaylord also offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including snowshoeing and hiking.
So if you are looking for an amazing place to visit with plenty to keep you entertained, be sure to check out Gaylord – you won’t be disappointed!
Here are 17 of the best things to do in Gaylord, MI:
Things To Do In Gaylord
1. Gaylord Bowling Center
Bring your family for hours of fun at this bowling alley. In addition to bowling, you and your family can also play horseshoes or volleyball.
The Bowling Center is great for scheduling a birthday party or family gathering. Corporations bring their employees here for exercises in team building.
While you or the family are playing, you can also enjoy some great food or drinks at the snack bar. This makes it one of the fun things to do in Gaylord.
2. Call of The Wild Museum
Kids and adults alike will have a great time learning about wildlife at this museum. Exhibits show realistic-looking animals with their natural habitats painted behind them.
The museum also offers a little movie theatre, a gift shop, and a poetry display. Kids will enjoy the hands-on activities in the Discovery Room and a walk-in display where the children can touch the animals.
3. Gaylord City Elk Park
If you enjoy natural settings and want to watch some elk as they walk freely through the park, this is the place you should visit.
Guides will teach you more about these majestic animals and how the male elks grow their horns and then drop them during the spring.
There are plenty of places in the park where you can watch the elk. Some of the male elk weigh up to 800 pounds and stand up to six feet high.
4. The Holistic Spa
Lie back, relax and pamper yourself. It’s your vacation, and massage is a great way to give your body some attention and care.
The professional staff here also offers workshops about stress reduction, emotional balance, and health improvement.
The services offered here include massage, reiki, foot detox, and aromatherapy. Book a massage here and give yourself a relaxing treat.
So if you are looking for things to do in Gaylord, MI, be sure to check out The Holistic Spa.
5. Otsego County Sports Complex
You and your family will have a great time and enjoy some fun activities here. There is an indoor walking track, an NHL regulation-sized ice rink for hockey games, and a six-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool.
There are also places where you can enjoy baseball, softball, or golf, or you can take karate, dancing, or yoga lessons. They have a big lake where you can use a rented kayak. This complex is another great place to hold a birthday party or family event.
6. Golf Courses
One of the fun things to do in Gaylord is to play golf. There are plenty of courses to choose from, including the Natural Golf Course or the Otsego Club.
Natural Golf Course
If you’re looking for a challenging and beautiful golf course to add to your bucket list, be sure to check out the Natural Golf Course in Gaylord.
This hidden jewel is one of the best attractions in Gaylord and continues to draw tourists to this city.
The course has always been a favorite for many people and visitors who appreciate the natural surroundings and stunning views.
Even though golf is often recognized as a sport for the elite class, many people play this game for the challenge, the sport, and the opportunity to interact with nature.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable golfing experience, be sure to add the Natural Golf Course to your list!
Otsego Club Resort
The Otsego Club Resort is a golf and ski resort in Northern Michigan that has been operating since 1939.
The Otsego Club Resort is also
a hidden gem for those who enjoy winter sports. From its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains to carefully maintained courses and family-friendly hills – this resort has it all!
This 36-hole course features a wonderful experience in golfing. If you enjoy visiting here, there is a lodge where you can stay overnight.
Otsego Club resort provides visitors with various lodging rooms, condominiums, suites, and other amenities to make your stay memorable and exciting.
There is space at the Club for weddings and other events, as well as the elegant Duck Blind Grille, where you can enjoy fine food and wine.
7. Snowbelt Motorsports Rental
Winters in Gaylord are magical. The snow blankets the small town in a blanket of white, and the air is crisp and clean. One of the best ways to experience Gaylord during winter is by riding on a snowmobile.
They are easy to drive, and the experience is exhilarating. You can rent a snowmobile here and RVs, boats, cars, and motorcycles. So whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a relaxing getaway, Gaylord has something for you.
8. Otsego County Historical Society
You can learn all about the history of Gaylord and the surrounding area by looking at the exhibits here. There are sections of the museum devoted to the influence of the railroad and the cigar factory on Gaylord’s history.
Another room tells about the history of its schoolhouse. The area had a sizeable Polish settlement, and there is a lot of interesting information on that group’s ‘cultural contribution to the town.
You can also find a map here that you can take with you; it will help you tour many interesting historical places in the town.
9. Escape The Cabin
One of the fun things to do in Gaylord is to play some escape games. Escape rooms are very popular, and this one is no exception.
You and a group will be “arrested” and then locked in a “jail” within the cabin. (There’s even an official “lineup” where a “witness” will identify you.
Your group will have an hour to get out of “jail.” To do so, you must solve puzzles, unlock your handcuffs, and discover clues to help you toward your release.
The whole time you are “behind bars,” you’ll see an event clock warning you of how much time you have left.
10. Old Spud Warehouse
This shop is a paradise for antique lovers, but you can also enjoy looking at or buying some jewelry or second-hand furniture.
Some of the gifts and the displays are humorous – such as socks with “Grumpy Old Man” written on them or a book of Dad Jokes. The building itself is worth the trip, as it is a historical recreation.
11. Parks Of Gaylord
One of the best things to do in Gaylord is to explore the parks. There are several parks in Gaylord, so you can enjoy the outdoors regardless of your interests.
Aspen Park
This park is great for nature hiking and mountain biking. They offer both paved and unpaved trails, as well as a tennis court.
During the winter, this is a good place to go skiing. During your hikes, you will often be able to spot some of the area’s wildlife.
Otsego Lake State Park
The most popular feature of this park is its beach. It is 62 acres full of relaxing fun, including trails through the woods. Locals in Gaylord rave about the view here at sunset; through the trees. There is sufficient space for picnicking, and you can rent a cabin here.
In addition to swimming, the lake is great for fishing or paddle boating.
Otsego County Park
Many sports activities are available, including tennis, volleyball, and basketball. The lake has swimming available, or you can rent paddle boats, pontoon boats, or kayaks. There are plenty of hiking trails, so you can thoroughly enjoy the scenery.
Hartwick Pines State Park
In addition to camping and hiking, visitors here can go to the log cabin museum on the grounds and learn about the history of the logging industry in Gaylord. This is a geocaching center, so if you enjoy that activity, you can uncover some sites here. A bookstore and an auditorium that can seat up to 105 people is available for lectures about the natural wonders found here.
12. Mount Carmel Center
Originally built as the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, it is one of the top attractions in Gaylord, Michigan. The center is a performing arts center and presents the Neo-Gothic style.
One of the attractions in the building is the beautiful bell tower and a clock that has been there since its original creation. You can find a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the south entrance.
Add Mount Carmel Center to your bucket list of things to do in Gaylord – you won’t be disappointed!
13. Bavarian Falls Park
Bavarian Falls Park is a must-visit location for anyone traveling to Gaylord. The miniature golf course is the perfect place for families and friends to spend an afternoon, and the views around the park are simply beautiful, making it a popular spot for romantic dates or photo shoots.
Enjoy a relaxing game of mini golf or compete against your friends as you ride around the track in one of their go-karts. The scenery here is worth the trip; some come just to sit and appreciate the view.
Add in the fact that Bavarian Falls Park is also adjacent to the Call of the Wild Museum, and it’s easy to see why this location should be added to your bucket list of things to do in Gaylord.
14. Gaylord Farmer’s Market
The Gaylord Farmer’s Market is one of the most popular places in Gaylord. The market is always busy with people, salespersons, and tourists who come to purchase things and interact with the local community.
The market is encircled by farms, which is one of the reasons why it’s so popular. People can buy fresh produce, dairy products, meat, and other items directly from the farmers.
You’ll find plenty of fruits and vegetables here from local growers, and enjoy walking through the aisles as people display their wares. From apples or blueberries to onions, from maple syrup and honey to fresh eggs.
If you are looking for healthy and nutritious foods, it’s definitely a place that you should add to your bucket list of things to do in Gaylord.
15. Mary’s Tavern
Mary’s Tavern is a must-visit for any beer lover visiting Gaylord. This Tavern specializes in local microbrews, and it’s a great place to stop and enjoy a mug of cool beer with your friends.
The bar has an impressive selection of local microbrews, and the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect drink to suit your taste.
In addition, the bar offers pool tables and live music, providing an enjoyable atmosphere for spending time with friends. The pool tables are well-maintained, and the live music is always top-notch.
Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a drink or want to enjoy some good music, Mary’s Tavern is the perfect spot.
16. Rusty Pelican
Rusty Pelican is a must-add to your bucket list of things to do in Gaylord. This is the perfect place to find Michigan’s best wines.
Not only does the store have an impressive wine selection, but they also carry a variety of local Michigan-made products. This makes it the perfect place to find unique gifts for friends and family.
In addition, the store has a tasting room where you can sample over 70 different wines. Best of all, it’s only $5 to taste five wines, and you get to keep the wine glass!
They also have a gift shop, and you can purchase food, flags, souvenirs, and crafts from local artisans.
17. Dining In Gaylord
After enjoying the activities in Gaylord, you can have a great meal at one of these great places:
BJs Restaurant
This family restaurant is known for its extensive buffets, salad bar, and delicious lunches and dinners. Inside you will find a comfortable fireplace and an outside dining deck.
Iron Pig Smokehouse
Barbecue lovers should head here for this premiere smokehouse and its variety of succulent ribs, brisket, chicken, and pork. There is also a full breakfast menu.
Pine Squirrel Bar and Grille
This casual dining place offers burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and a full bar with local craft beers. They also have a game room, a pool table, and an outdoor Tiki Bar.
Mama Leone’s
Looking for an Italian feast? This is the place to visit. Their pizza is delectable, and they offer traditional and specialty pizzas. They also offer pasta, chicken, and other entrees prepared with Italian fare. It looks like an Alpine cabin, and you would swear you are in a trattoria from the inside.
Planning your Trip to Gaylord
Gaylord is a great place to visit because there is something for everyone. The town is home to the Holistic Spa, which offers a variety of health and wellness services, and the Otsego County Sportsplex, which features a number of sports and fitness facilities.
In addition, Gaylord is surrounded by beautiful nature trails and lakes, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Finally, the town is also rich in history and culture, with many museums and historical sites to explore.
So whether you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate or you’re looking for an action-packed vacation this weekend, be sure to add these activities to your list of things to do in Gaylord! You won’t be disappointed!
