The elk herd has had its ups and downs since its reintroduction into Michigan in 1918, but currently about one thousand elk live in the elk range of southern Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency Counties. Located smack dab on the 45th parallel, Gaylord is truly the heart of northern Michigan. In total, the park’s viewing areas offer access to approximately 70 majestic elk. If that’s not enough nostalgia for you, browse the shop for even more homemade goodness: syrup, […] Afterward, follow the delicious aroma of fresh-baked cookies and hot cocoa inside, complimentary with your sleigh ride. The elk viewing area in Gaylord was such a pleasant surprise. If you want to see elk in the wild head to the Pigeon River Country Elk Range, where the herd is most active in September into October and again in April and May. Ride The Old Fashioned Way Cook Family Farm Ride the old fashioned way, in a horse-drawn open sleigh, at Cook Family Farm. 2 Bedroom/ 1 Bath Duplexes feature attached garage and full basement! Welcome to Gaylord, Michigan! Located a minute from Main Street, it’s easy to get to and has ample parking. They have about 50 elk and various deer and 1 lazy ram (my opinion because the whole hour I was there, the ram stood in the same place.) The heard was far in the distance when we arrived but we patiently waited for them to get closer. With about 500 head of elk, this heard provides prime elk viewing opportunities year round. The Pigeon River Country State Forest, in the south eastern corner of the Indian River Area, is the home to Michigan’s only free-roaming elk herd. To help people in search of elk, the Department of Natural Resources published an online elk viewing guide with waypoints marked across a map of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, 110,000 acres of public wilderness dead center in the core elk range. There the City of Gaylord has a fenced in elk herd with public viewing areas. Elk Park is off of Old 27 South (S. Otsego Ave.), south of Main Street, east of I-75. Visitor Info Clicks: Gaylord. Last weekend I visited Elk View Park located in Gaylord, Michigan. Watching Gaylord’s elk herd from two Elk View Park sites is just one of many tourist attractions in this Alpine-themed city in the heart of northern Michigan’s Snowbelt. The broader Pigeon River Country State Forest features over 100,000 acres of land on which to view wild elk, but Gaylord’s City Elk Park is perfect for first-time viewers. Privately owned complex. Elk Viewing in Gaylord. HILLMAN, MI - A leisurely four-hour excursion that includes elk-viewing, a horse-drawn carriage, gourmet food and local wine in Northern Michigan has been named a top American attraction. 42 likes. Elk Viewing. Elkview Apartments, Gaylord, Michigan. Elk viewing is one of the most popular pursuits in the elk range, drawing people from down state, out-of-state, and locals alike. Gaylord's City Elk Park: Elk viewing - See 194 traveler reviews, 106 candid photos, and great deals for Gaylord, MI, at Tripadvisor. Fondly known as the Alpine Village, our newly remodeled, Swiss-themed shopping district offers visitors a unique variety of stores, microbrews and scrumptious dining options. Facebook/Gaylord Area Elks Lodge. Pure Michigan Would highly recommend for children who love wildlife, unique way to see beautiful elk up close. Gaylord is located in Area B on the map.