Local Area Attractions Near Gaylord South / Bradford Lake KOA Holiday

Sitting right on Big Bradford Lake, Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA makes the perfect base camp to explore all the wonders of Northern Michigan. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and sightseeing are all only a day trip away!

Otsego Lake State Park

Otsego Lake State Park

Home to 62 acres of lakeside recreation, Otsego Lake State Park is a popular family destination located between Big Bradford Lake and downtown Gaylord. The park is known for its beautiful, half-mile sandy beach, and the popular boat launch provides excellent access for motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.The park is heavily shaded with large oak, maple and pine trees and is home to large campsites near or within lake views. The day-use area features an accessible swimming beach, fishing pier, quarter-mile pathway and picnic area with tables and grills.

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Elk Viewing

Elk Viewing

The City of Gaylord maintains an elk herd and provides viewing areas for the public to stop and watch the 40 elk, which wander about on 108 acres of land.

E. Grandview

Gaylord, MI 49735

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a popular attraction located just under two hours from Bradford Lake KOA. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. A day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can hike the dunes, swim in the lake, or take a scenic drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It's important to plan ahead and pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, as there are limited services within the park. Additionally, visitors should wear appropriate footwear for hiking the sandy terrain. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must-see for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and wants to experience the beauty of Michigan's natural landscapes.

Aspen Park

Aspen Park

Located just blocks from downton Gaylord, the park offers many different paths to enjoy your quiet sport of choice or benches to sit and enjoy the view. If mountain biking is more to your liking then that too can be done in Aspen Park on one of the "dirt" trails developed in cooperation with the Northern Mid-Michigan Chapter of Michigan Mountain Biking Association. Featuring 100 acres of woods, paved and unpaved trails, tennis courts and some of the best scenery in Northern Michigan.

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinac Bridge

At 5 miles long and 200 feet high, the Mackinac (pronounced mack-in-aw) bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Dividing the Upper Peninsula from the "upper-lower" portion of the state, "the mighty mac" is certainly a sight to see!

The bridge connects the city of St. Ignace to the north with the village of Mackinaw City to the south. Envisioned since the 1880s, the bridge has since become an iconic symbol of the state of Michigan.

While the bridge can be driven 364 days a year (weather permitting) on each Labor Day visitors can walk the bridge, opting to walk half (5-mile round trip) or the whole (10-mile round trip) bridge while it's closed to traffic.

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Hartwick Pines State Park

Hartwick Pines State Park

With nearly 10,000 acres, Hartwick Pines State Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon outdoors on paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails, and learning about Michigan's forest and logging industry at the exhibition hall.

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Delta Bay Planetarium

Delta Bay Planetarium

Take a trip an hour and a half south to visit the Delta Bay Planetarium, offering a wide variety of educational, entertaining, and immersive shows that explore the universe. From interactive shows about the constellations to captivating programs about the planets and stars, the planetarium has something for everyone. The state-of-the-art projection system and surround sound system make the shows even more captivating. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to answer questions or provide more information about the topics being covered. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and books about astronomy.

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Sault Saint Marie

Sault Saint Marie

Divided down the middle by the Canadian Border, Sault Saint Marie boasts an amazing assortment of things to do and see. From the vibrant arts and culture scene, to hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, all the way to amazing cuisine and wine tours, Sault Saint Marie makes a spectacular day of sight seeing. Enjoy the festivals, galleries, and performances taking place all year round. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day or an adventure-filled one, this jaunt north has something for everyone!

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Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island

Taking a day trip to Mackinac Island is a great way to experience the beauty of Michigan. The island is just a short ferry ride away from Mackinaw City, and offers a unique combination of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Once you arrive, you can explore the historical sites, enjoy the natural beauty of the island, indulge in some world famous fudge, or check out the festivals throughout the year, including the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival and the Mackinac Island Music Festival.

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Petoskey

Petoskey

Petoskey is home to beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning sunsets. For those who love to shop, Petoskey's downtown area is filled with unique boutiques and specialty shops. Rock hounds rejoice! Take a stroll along the shores and hope to score the much adored Petoskey stones for a souvenir! When it comes to dining, Petoskey has something for everyone, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. So whether you're looking to relax and unwind or get out and explore, Petoskey is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day!

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan

The 5th largest lake in the world, Lake Michigan offers a variety of activities for visitors. Head out early to start your day by watching the sunrise over the lake, followed by a morning hike or a swim. For lunch, you can have a picnic on the beach or dine at one of the many restaurants along the shore. In the afternoon, you can rent a boat or take a guided tour to explore the lake and its surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Lake Michigan has something for everyone.

Call of the Wild - Wildlife Museum

Call of the Wild - Wildlife Museum

Family-run museum featuring a variety of North American wildlife, plus a theater & gift shop.

850 S Wisconsin Ave

Gaylord, MI 49735

989-732-4336

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Bavarian Falls Park

Bavarian Falls Park

Adventure Golf & Go Carts
Featuring a quater mile track.

Adventure Golf
The mini putt putt is an 18 holes course, featuring two waterfalls, four streams, a magic stream, and multi-level holes.

850 S. Wisconsin Ave

Gaylord, MI 49735

989-732-4336

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Wellington Farm USA

Wellington Farm USA

Wellington Farm USA is a living history complex that offers a unique look at life in a mid-western farming community during the 1930's.  In addition to costumed interpreters throughout the park demonstrating a life style typical of the Great Depression, we offer an excellent location for special events such as weddings, reunions, picnics and organizational meetings.

6944 S Military Rd

Grayling, MI 49738

989-348-5187

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Escape the Cabin

Escape the Cabin

Escape the Cabin is a fast-paced escape game in Gaylord set in a jailhouse, with incredibly creative puzzles designed to test your strategic intellect while you race against the clock to reclaim your freedom.

You and a group of your friends, family, or coworkers have come on vacation, you get arrested and locked in jail. The opportunity to solve a riddle by finding clues, discovering secret compartments and passageways to solve the puzzle and your team escapes from jail. Our unique location along with experienced creative fun makers have you entering a jail setting. While the jail watcher is away, you utilize teamwork to escape by finding the secrets. While experiencing a timed strategy to keep your adrenaline raised and your mind teased. A successful escape is about to happen,…choose 60 minutes of your life for a fun memory making experience. Come on vacation, leave on probation or ESCAPE in 60 minutes or less.

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Off-Road & All Terrain Vehicle Trails

Off-Road & All Terrain Vehicle Trails

Crawford County and the surrounding area hold several off-road (ORV) and all-terrain (ATV) vehicle trails that are open to licensed operators.For specific maps and licensing requirements visit www.mi.gov/dnr and more trIal ideas visit www.crawfordcoatv.com/route%20maps 

Please note: ORV's and ATV's are not to be ridden in and out of the park.  You may trailer your vehicles.

Wineries in Northern Michigan

Wineries in Northern Michigan

Located on the 45th parallel, lining up with the most prestigious wine regions of Europe, Northern Michigan hosts a wide range of wineries.

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Torch Lake

Torch Lake

Why go to the Caribbean when you can go to Michigan? Running over 19 miles long, Torch Lake is Michigan's longest inland lake and overall second largest inland lake after Houghton Lake.   Torch Lake boasts beautiful, crystal clear water, and the white sand beaches make it a must-see.

Torch Lake is located in Northern Michigan, just east of Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay.

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