Gaylord's City Elk Park - Gaylord, Michigan

Gaylord's City Elk Park: A Hidden Gem in Gaylord, Michigan

Nestled in the heart of Gaylord, Michigan, Gaylord's City Elk Park is a unique and captivating attraction that offers a glimpse into the natural world of these majestic creatures. This 15-acre park is home to a herd of about 20 elk, providing visitors with an up-close and personal experience with these magnificent animals.

Main Services

• Elk Viewing: The park's primary attraction is the opportunity to see and interact with the resident elk herd. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat, with viewing platforms and a fenced viewing area providing safe and enjoyable experiences.
• Educational Opportunities: Gaylord's City Elk Park offers educational programs and guided tours, providing visitors with insight into the life cycle, habits, and conservation efforts surrounding these impressive creatures.
• Picnic Facilities: The park features picnic tables and shelters, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a quick lunch break while exploring the area.
• Playground: A playground is available for young visitors to enjoy, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Location and Access

Gaylord's City Elk Park is located at 116 Grandview Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735, United States. The park is situated in the south-central part of Gaylord, just off US-131. Neighboring attractions include the Gaylord Community Center and the Otsego County Fairgrounds.

Visitors can reach the park by car, with ample parking available on-site. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the recommended method of transportation. The park is wheelchair-accessible, with designated parking spaces and an accessible entrance.

Featured Characteristics

• Elk Herd: The park's main attraction is the resident herd of approximately 20 elk. These animals are a mix of both male (bulls) and female (cows) elk, providing visitors with a diverse and engaging viewing experience.
• Picturesque Scenery: The park's grounds are beautifully maintained, featuring rolling hills, open meadows, and a serene pond. These picturesque settings create the perfect backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Nature Trails: Gaylord's City Elk Park features a network of nature trails that wind through the property, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the park's natural beauty on foot.

Practical Information

• Hours of Operation: The park is typically open daily from dawn to dusk, with some variations depending on the season. It is recommended to check the park's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on hours and any temporary closures.
• Admission: Admission to Gaylord's City Elk Park is free, making it an affordable and accessible attraction for visitors of all ages.
• Pets: Pets are allowed in the park, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and ensuring they do not disturb the elk or other park visitors.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to Gaylord's City Elk Park have consistently praised the park's cleanliness, well-maintained grounds, and the opportunity to observe the elk up close. Many reviewers have highlighted the friendliness of the elk, making for an enjoyable and memorable experience. The park's educational programs and guided tours have also been praised for providing visitors with valuable insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures.

The park's accessibility has been commended, with reviewers appreciating the wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking spaces. The picnic facilities and playground have also been noted as added bonuses, making Gaylord's City Elk Park an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and engaging day out.

In terms of location, the park's proximity to other local attractions and amenities has been praised, with many reviewers noting its convenience as a stop on a broader tour of the Gaylord area.

With an average opinion of 4.7/5 based on 1401 reviews on Google My Business, Gaylord's City Elk Park is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to or living in the Gaylord, Michigan area. This hidden gem offers a unique and captivating experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

👍 Reviews of Gaylord's City Elk Park

Arif C.

5/5

Gaylord City Elk Park is a great place to visit. It's awesome and they take very good care of the elk. You can see the elk up close, and the park is clean and well-kept. It's a wonderful spot for anyone who loves nature.

Julia T.

4/5

Disappointed play ground closed. But was still able to see elk!!

Heather A.

5/5

I'm so impressed that we were able to walk right up to the Elk and say hi! The kids were amazed with how huge they are! The sign said no feeding them but the kids did pick dandelion leaves and fed them through the fence. One of them was so nice and gently took the leaves!

G A. T. G.

5/5

We love stopping by Gaylord's City Elk Park to see the elk, and do it EVERY time we're in the area. They're are a lot of them, and yes, they are beautiful! The have a huge fenced in area to roam in so may not always be visible, but it's definitely worth trying, as it's a quick and easy off/on stop from I-75. We've been stopping for years to see these beauties, and only missed them once. Gorgeous and Beautiful! (10-26-2021)

Rebel R. C. C.

5/5

It’s worth the stop to watch the impressive herd. There are some really big elk here. They were close to the fence the afternoon we stopped.

Suzanne H.

5/5

A must-see if you haven't had much exposure to elk before. There is a cart with food to bring them near the fence line so you can get fairly close to the wild herd. There is a nearby business, but the park itself has no amenities.

Lisa M.

5/5

The elk weren't up close, we got lucky with the one. We were able to see them in the distance paring off and they were sounding off to each other. Was an amazing experience for the grandkids especially, they want to go back again.

Alex W.

5/5

So amazing to see! Tucked behind a depot, takes a little searching. In the fall you can hear the males “bugle”, which is honestly the weirdest and coolest nature thing I’ve seen 😂 they don’t like cameras but this lady was following me around so I snapped a couple and she didn’t seem to mind. No feeding them though! I think it makes them a little aggressive. Awesome experience! Free of charge too!

David I.

5/5

We were told that you do not always get to see the elk, but we got lucky. We had six bulls come out to feed at the viewing area and they were spectacular.

Tammi I.

5/5

Love to check out the elk. Don't check them out from the viewing area though, you won't see them usually. Go to the back edge of the fence where they all hang out. They were within a foot of the fence right in front of us. So cool!

Amy R.

4/5

I've never seen elk before. Husband and I were going to go elk spotting where we might not ever see any, however, this place allowed us to see them. Ironically on the way back to camp, 2 ran out in front of us. I wouldn't necessarily make a drive just to see them unless I was doing other things. I drove about 45 mins to see them.

Matt V. D.

4/5

Great place to see Elk up close. Would like to see them in a more natural environment.

Alex A. J. L.

2/5

We were able to see some elk there. My complaint is the bathrooms at the picnic pavilion were locked.