Gaylord MI – The Crossroads Community
Gaylord,located in the geographical center of Michigan,is a planned community. Families and friends come from all over the country to enjoy its thick forests and sparkling waters.
The town’s Alpine theme was first embraced in the 1930s and continues to distinguish it architecturally from other resort communities. Downtown shopping is unique as is the local “Alpinefest” celebration in July.
Downtown Shopping
Gaylord MI has a unique downtown shopping area that feels like you stepped into one of Switzerland’s old town districts! There are many shops in this area that sell kitchenware,sporting goods and specialty foods. It also has a selection of restaurants serving North cuisine and alternative or international dishes.
The Alpine Tavern serves gourmet pizza,chicken,fish and sandwiches. The Alpine Tavern is a family-friendly restaurant with a wonderful alpine theme. On the menu,you can also find homemade pies and desserts. The restaurant is spacious and has plenty of seating.
Alpine Chocolat Haus offers chocolates,candies and caramel corn. There is also a bakery in the store. It is located in downtown Gaylord and has a variety of desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It has a modern,casual ambiance with a variety of foods. The restaurant is well-known for its warm hospitality and monthly specials.
The Gaylord Golf Mecca
Gaylord Michigan,with its first-class accommodations and a variety of golf courses as well as the spectacular Fall Colors is THE PERFECT Fall Destination for Golf.
The Mecca flagship resorts feature a variety of accommodations and 17 golf course designs,including a Jones Masterpiece and Tom Fazio or Rick Smith courses as well as the iconic par-3 Threetops.
Black Bear offers 18 fun holes to players of any handicap and is conveniently located off I-75. The course is overlooked but has a fantastic layout. The trees are beautiful and it’s a fun way to get a little exercise while enjoying some great Northern Michigan scenery. This semi-private golf club was founded in 1924 and meanders its way through the hills,hardwoods,and other natural features west of Gaylord. The course is a semi-private club with private club conditions. It also features strategic bunkering,and perhaps the best green complexes in northern Michigan. Accuracy off the tee is a must. This course was a favorite for many of our travelers.
Otsego Lake State Park
Otsego Lake State Park,a popular family park with 62 acres,is shaded by large oaks,maples and pines. The campground is large with more than a half mile of sandy beach and large sites near or within sight of the lake. Most of the RV and tent campsites with partial or primitive hookups are large,flat,and shaded.
The day-use park area includes a swim beach that is universally accessible,a fishing platform and grilling areas. The park also has a boat launch that is ADA compliant. The Iron Belle Trail runs through the park and offers biking,walking and snowmobiling opportunities.
The campground is divided in two loops. The North Campground has a gentle rise to it overlooking the lake,while the South Campground has sites that are lower and nearer the water. It also boasts one of the newest shower buildings in the entire state system. The campground is pet friendly but pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Otsego County Historical Society
The Historical Society is a group of people interested in Otsego County’s history. It collects any material that helps to establish or illustrate the history of the county and makes it available for examination.
Early Otsego County was a center for lumbering with towns such as Quick,Hallock,Salling,Arthurville,Logan,Klingensmith,Sparr and Brown’s Dale forming around the industry. The logging business declined and these communities died out.
Railroad transportation also played a role in the county’s development. The county was traversed by the Michigan Central,Grand Rapids & Indiana,Boyne City and Gaylord railroads,as well as the Alpena,Gaylord,and Alpena Railroads.
The Otsego County Museum chronicles the county’s history from as far back as 1800. It opened in a new building on September 24,2004. The dedication was attended by hundreds of guests,including Kevin Feuka,Capital Consultants Engineers,Craig Sisson of the Historical Society and other speakers.
