Parks
Visit some of the best nature parks that Michigan has to offer.
Enjoy 100 acres of the best scenery in Northern Michigan at Aspen Park with its nearly two miles of paved trails, used in the summer by bikers and hikers. Or get acquainted with the largest elk population in Michigan within their natural habitat at Elk Park. Looking for a great picnic spot? Take the family and kids to Doumas or Feel Park.
Aspen Park
Aspen Park is a year-round park featuring 100 acres of woods, with plentiful wildlife, paved and unpaved trails, tennis courts, and some of the best scenery in Northern Michigan.
Aspen Park, with its nearly two miles of paved trails, is used in the summer by bikers, hikers, and skaters enjoying the natural wonders of this gently rolling wooded terrain. In the winter, expertly groomed cross-country ski trails that range in degree of difficulty from beginner to intermediate provide the cross-country ski enthusiast an opportunity to journey through both hilly and wooded areas with two miles of trails lighted for night skiing.
The Northern Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Mountain Bike Association constructed the Aspen Park Mountain Bike Trail, which consists of over 6.0 miles of beginner to intermediate level singletrack, within Aspen Park. The singletrack winds through stands of pine, hemlock, and maple and is a fast trail with hill climbs and switchbacks.
Hours: Open 6:00 am — 11:00 pm, everyday (including weekends and holidays)
Location: Commerce Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735
Amenities: Paved parking is available at the park entrance. Other amenities include picnic tables and benches.
Elk Park
Home to the largest elk population in Michigan this very spacious, fenced refuge allows you to view these beautiful creatures within their natural habitat.
With multiple viewing areas, you can get up close and personal or enjoy the view at a distance from the comfort of your car. During mating season you can see some antler play by the young bucks and hear the bellowing of huge male Elk looking to mate.
Fallow and Sika Deer also call Elk Park home.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: 116 Grandview Blvd, Gaylord, MI 49735
Amenities: Free Parking available
Pavilion On Court
Pavilion On Court is an area dedicated to special events targeted to draw additional visitors to the downtown area.
Pavilion On Court is an area dedicated to special events targeted to draw additional visitors to the downtown area. The DDA Friday Night Concert Series, the DDA sponsored Blocktoberfest, the Gaylord Downtown Farmers Market, the Antiques & Collectibles Show, and Alpenfest are just a few examples of events that utilize the Pavilion On Court.
We encourage all entities planning community events to consider the Pavilion On Court as its primary meeting place. Though Pavilion On Court is a community gathering place, it is not intended for private family get-togethers or picnics.
Ramp Park
For skateboarders, inline skaters and BMX bicyclists.
While this park is ideal for beginners, a variety of ramps and obstacles challenge all levels of experience, including a seven foot half pipe, a wave, a small table top, and a funbox.
Hours: 8 AM – 10:30 PM, No persons permitted after 11 PM
Location: 1250 Gornick Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735 (At the Otsego County Sportsplex)
Amenities: Free entry. Helmets are required.
Doumas Park
A wonderful family-friendly park with a new picnic gazebo, playground equipment, paved parking, rest rooms, picnic tables and benches to relax on.
Hours: Open Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: 412 E 4th St, Gaylord, MI 49735
Amenities: Parking, Rest Rooms, Picnic Tables and Benches.
Freel Park
Located on Huron Street, between Oak and Hazel Streets, this park features a wonderful playground with room to picnic and relax.
Hours: Open Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: 323 Huron Street
Joseph N. Hale Park
Located on South Otsego Avenue at Second Street in downtown Gaylord, where you can eat and sit outdoors or under the pavilion.
