Gaylord KOA

Alpine Village

Enjoy the Alpine Village motif of Gaylord, sister city to Pontresina, Switzerland. Gaylord is located in Otsego County which means "meeting place". There are numerous restaurants and unique shops in this quaint city. Gaylord has many events through the year including the annual Alpenfest held in July. There is a lot to see and do in Otsego County.

Midwest Golf Mecca

If you enjoy golf, you will surely enjoy Gaylord which is known for being the Midwest Golf Mecca! We are home to more than 23 golf courses including Treetops Resort which hosts the ESPN Par 3 Shootout. All of the courses are located within a short distance from the Gaylord KOA.

Natural Appeal

Enjoy Gaylord for its many natural goodies. You can go hunting for morel mushrooms, wild berry picking or check out the large elk herd located near Aspen park. The area also offers horseback riding, canoeing and boating.

Family Fun

Gaylord offers many options for families to have a good time. Check out Call of the Wild for the Wildlife Museum, go-karts and more! If you like water, Penrod's Paddlesport's Center offers various canoe and kayaking trips. For more information call 888-467-4837. There is also bowling, the Sportsplex and fun family events.

Otsego County

There is a lot to see and do in Otsego County. For all the information you will need, check out www.gaylord-mich.com.

Elk Viewing

The Pigeon River Country State Forest is the heart of Michigan's elk range. The best time for Elk viewing is early morning and late evening, especially in the spring (April 15-May 15) and fall (Sept. 10-Oct. 10). In Gaylord, the penned elk/deer exhibit off Grandview Blvd. and Elkview is a popular draw. Detailed maps of various other elk-viewing sites are available at the DNR office, 1732 M-32 West, Gaylord, 989-732-3541.

Mushroom Picking

In May, the morel mushrooms bring flocks of tourists to northern Michigan forests each year. Black morels are found in early May and white morels in mid to late May. You can get a brochure to help identify morel mushrooms by calling the MSU Extension Office at 989-731-0272. Any questions regarding state land for picking can be directed to the DNR office at 989-732-3541.

Fishing

Otsego County is home to significant portions of the state's best-known trout rivers: Black River, AuSable River, Pigeon River, Sturgeon River and Manistee. For more information on seasons, regulations and current license fees, pick up a guide at the DNR Operations Center office, 989-732-3541 or at license dealers around the county.

Hiking & Backpacking

There are several marked trails in the state forest areas of the county: Aspen Park, Shingle Mill Pathway, High Country Pathway, Pine Baron Pathway, Big Bear Lake Pathway and Pickerel Lake Pathway. Detailed maps are available at the Dept. of Natural Resources District office, 1732 M-32 West, Gaylord; 989-732-3541 or at the Gaylord information Center, 125 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, 989-732-4000.

Off Road & All-Terrain Vehicle Trails

There are several designated trails and routes for all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), trail bikes, dune buggies and trucks in the area. For specific maps and licensing requirements, contact the DNR at 1732 M-32 West in Gaylord or call 989-732-3541.

Water Sports

For visitors interested in fishing and boating, gravel ramps suitable for small and medium-size boats are available on Big, Bradford, Big Bass, Big Bear, Emerald and Heart Lakes. For recreational users, there are ramps for canoes and cartop boats on Dixon, Manuka, Lake 27, Opal, Otsego, Pickerel, Round, Marjory and West Twin Lakes. More information can be found at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/mrbis/.

Beaches

Big Bear Lake - off Meridian Line Rd
Big Lake - Off Big Lake Rd
Lake 27 - off West Martin Lake Rd
Otsego Lake County Park - off West Otsego Lake Dr.
Otsego Lake State Park - off Old 27 South
Thumb Lake - off Thumb Lake Rd in Vanderbilt
Wah-Wah-Soo - off Old 27 South on Otsego Lake