Fun Off the Fairways
TOP 10 Off-The-Greens Things to Do in the Gaylord Golf Mecca
While there are 17 golf courses and 21 lodging partners that are marketed cooperatively to destination golfers via the Gaylord Golf Mecca, there are also endless things to do off the greens. The area and its many amenities make an unforgettable visit for a couple, family or group.
The Golf Mecca is a welcoming and fun vacation Mecca, too. While the golf is highly recommended, world-class and created by some of America’s best known course architects, things to do off the greens are top-notch, too. Here’s 10 to think about, and we promise there are even more.
1.
Get outdoors! Golfers are outdoors people, and in the Gaylord area, being outdoors just makes sense. Geographically located in the center of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, the area offers the state’s best collection of not just golf, but trail networks, river systems, inland lakes and wilderness to wander through.
2.
Go fishing! With 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of five major trout streams, fishing is epic. Fly fishing, including guided forays, along with master angling for record pike, walleye and trout are available. You can also cast your line for plentiful bass and panfish, or even the prehistoric lake sturgeon. Over three million walleye were stocked in Otsego Lake in 2017 alone. Go fish!
3.
Take a hike! Many golfers love to walk the beautiful courses in the Mecca. Hiking on forested trails is just another wonderful take on getting back to nature. There are 11 area parks, preserves and pathways highlighted in a guide created by the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. Guides are available at the downtown Gaylord Visitor’s Center at 319 West Main St or can be requested online at no charge.
4.
Bring the bikes! The North Central State Trail, a 73-mile stretch through beautiful northern Michigan, follows a refurbished former railroad line. It has a crushed limestone surface that makes it perfect for cycling. Mountain bike excursions on nearby single tracks are part of the action, too. Check the Tourism Bureau’s website for updates on trail openings since the early spring ice storm.
5.
Whatever floats you or your boat is possible, too! Paddle down a flowing river with local outfitters who help you gear up for the adventure or casually float it on a raft or tube. Rent a kayak or boat and explore one of the many area lakes. The sparkling water in the Mecca beckons to visitors, just like the golf.
6.
View the elk! Yes, we said elk and we mean really big elk, the largest and most impressive wildlife you will encounter in this part of Michigan. You have more than one option to see them, too. The Pigeon River Country State Forest, 114,000 acres of forest that stretches across three counties, is the ultimate place for viewing them in the wild. If you’re looking for a sure thing, guaranteed viewing is available at the City Elk Park, which is right in town on the site of what was once a golf course!
7.
Have a cold one! Golfers have been known to enjoy a brew or two and Gaylord has some prime craft breweries in town. Snowbelt Brewing Company, which features multiple locally sourced beer offerings, a few house ciders, meads and wines is conveniently located right downtown and a member of our grab-and-go social district. Big Buck Brewery, which has a dozen traditional beers, German and English ales, Belgian and American wheats, pale ale, brown ale, IPAs and more is just a few blocks away. Both offer full menus.
8.
You need to eat, too! Foodies will find the dining fantastic and the options endless. Steaks and chops at Bennethum’s Northern Inn, wood-fired pizza at Crave, burgers and fries at Alpine Tavern and there are options for sushi, Jamaican dishes, Mexican fare, barbecue and more.
9.
Check out downtown! Along with a bevy of retailers and restaurants, Gaylord has a new social district downtown. After your round, bring your golf group and stroll along the sidewalks of our Alpine Village. Grab a brew. Sip and stroll. It’s called the Stadplatz, and it operates from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. from May 1 through Nov. 1. Join us!
10.
We have fun for the whole family! In addition to the City Elk Park, there are other family-friendly ways to spend your time. Indoor swimming and year-round ice skating, along with pickleball and tennis courts, can be found at the Otsego County Sportsplex. The combination Call of the Wild Museum and Bavarian Falls Park features impressive wildlife displays for wee ones, along with putt-putt golf and go karts. Bring the family. Bring golfers! Bring everybody to the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
Northern Michigan Golfer magazine and the Gaylord Area Visitor’s Guide, both available at the Visitor Center or online, include golf and the many other activities in the area.
The Mecca is America’s favorite summer golf destination, and it has been welcoming golfers as a cooperative marketing group for 38 years. It is a beautiful, rustic woods and water paradise showcasing great green golf courses available within minutes of driving time.
We’ll see you in the Mecca!
