Discover Gaylord
7 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Gaylord City Elk Park Viewing Area
Small roadside viewing area for Michigan elk herds—photograph bulls, cows and calves across open meadow with forest backdrop. Best at dawn/dusk during spring and fall rut (golden hour), or in snow for high contrast. Free access with roadside parking; bring warm clothes in shoulder seasons. Stay on trails/parking area and keep distance—elk are wild and protected.
Bavarian Falls Park
Small, accessible waterfall and river gorge framed by mixed forest — great for long-exposure water shots, seasonal color (fall foliage, spring runoff) and winter ice formations. Park is free with roadside parking at 850 S Wisconsin Ave and short trails/boardwalks; some stairs present. Best light: golden hour or overcast days for even water tones; visit after rain for stronger flow. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Gaylord's City Elk Park
Small hilltop park with panoramic views over Gaylord, decorative elk sculptures and seasonal foliage. Great for sunrise/sunset panoramas, winter snow scenes and close-ups of sculpted elk. Free, roadside parking in downtown; easy walk from Main St. Best at golden hour for warm light and in snow for contrast. Accessible paths but bring layers — weather can be brisk.
Aspen Park
Small community park of aspen groves and open lawns along Commerce Blvd in Gaylord. Best for intimate forest textures, fall color, and soft backlit leaves at golden hour; winter brings snowy monochrome scenes. Easy roadside access and free parking; no entry fees. Visit early morning or late afternoon for low light and fewer visitors; weekdays in autumn for peak colors.
Claude Shannon Park
Small riverside green space on the Sturgeon River in downtown Gaylord. Shoot flowing water reflections, tree-lined paths, seasonal fall color and snow scenes, intimate close-ups of bark/ice. Easy street parking, no entry fee; accessible paths make dawn/dusk visits simple. Best light at sunrise and golden hour; weekdays are quieter.
Freel park
Freel Park is a small community green in downtown Gaylord offering open lawns, mature trees and seasonal interest (spring blooms, autumn color, snow scenes). Easily reached from E Huron St with street parking; free entry and wheelchair-accessible paths make it a convenient stop for quick compositions during golden hours or when scouting nearby downtown architecture.
Doumas Park
Small community park in downtown Gaylord offering open lawns, mature trees and seasonal interest (spring blooms, vibrant fall foliage, and clean snow scenes). Easy street parking and no entry fee; compact layout makes it accessible on foot. Best at golden hour for warm side-lighting, early mornings on weekdays for few people, and winter for crisp snow contrast. Hosts local events occasionally—good for candid community photos.