Lakeshore Cottage, For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Lakeshore Cottage is a fully furnished two bedroom one bath home located directly across from Gaylord’s North Central State Trail which stretches 62 miles from Gaylord to Mackinaw City. Perfect for snowmobiling in the winter and hiking or biking in the summer. Waawa Soo park, approximately 200 feet away has a public beach, swimming and public restrooms. You can find Otsego Lake State Park about 1 mile away, With a boat ramp, swimming, fishing, and canoe rentals.

Lakeshore Cottage is Michigan's playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with diverse activities across its seasons and landscapes. Here’s a rundown of what you can do.

Year-Round Activities
• Hiking: Michigan has over 13,000 miles of trails. In Gaylord, check out the Pigeon River State Forest for trails like the Shingle Mill Pathway, offering loops from 1 to 11 miles through forests and along rivers. State parks like Otsego Lake State Park and Hartwick Pines near Gaylord boast old-growth forests and beginner-friendly trails.
• Biking: Gaylord’s North Central State Trail stretches 62 miles from Gaylord to Mackinaw City, perfect for gravel biking or leisurely rides. Mountain bikers can hit Glacial Hills Pathway in Bellaire, with 31 miles of flowy singletrack. Road cyclists love the scenic routes around Torch Lake.
• Fishing: try Otsego Lake for bass, perch, and walleye, or the Sturgeon River for trout. Ice fishing thrives in winter on lakes like Otsego Houghton Lakes.
• Hunting: The Pigeon River State Forest near Gaylord is prime for deer, turkey, and small game. Michigan’s 10 million acres of public land make it a hunter’s paradise, with seasons for bow, firearm, and muzzleloading.
Summer Activities
• Swimming and Water Sports: Gaylord’s Otsego Lake State Park (located less than 1 mile away) has sandy beaches for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Nearby Torch Lake is a gem for boating and jet skiing, often called the “Caribbean of the Midwest” for its turquoise waters.
• Golfing: Gaylord is Michigan’s golf capital, with over 20 courses within 30 miles. Standouts include The Loon (0.5 miles away), known for its challenging fairways, and Treetops Resort, with five courses, including the premier Threetops par-3 designed by Rick Smith.
• Kayaking/Canoeing: The Au Sable River, a short drive from Gaylord, is a favorite for paddling, with calm stretches for beginners and faster currents for thrill-seekers. Outfitters like Carlisle’s Canoe Livery in Grayling make rentals easy.

Winter Activities
• Snowmobiling: Gaylord’s a snowmobiling hub with over 300 miles of groomed trails in the Michigan Snowmobile Trail System. Lakeshore Cottage sits directly across the street from the North Central State Trail. The Gaylord to Indian River Trail connects to thousands of miles statewide, with plenty of fuel stops and scenic views.
• Skiing/Snowboarding: Treetops Resort and Otsego Club in Gaylord offer downhill skiing with beginner and advanced runs. Nearby Boyne Mountain has 60 runs and a terrain park. Cross-country skiers can glide through Forbush Corner or Hanson Hills, with trails for all skill levels.

• Snowshoeing: Trails at Hartwick Pines State Park or Aspen Park in Gaylord are ideal for snowshoeing, with rentals available locally. The quiet forests make it a serene winter escape.

Practical Tips
• Permits: Fishing and hunting require licenses from the Michigan DNR. Snowmobiling needs a trail permit ($52/year for non-residents).
• Gear Rentals: Gaylord outfitters like Alpine Sports or Jay’s Sporting Goods cover everything from bikes to snowmobiles.
• Weather: Summers hit 70-80°F; winters drop to 10-30°F with heavy snow (Gaylord gets 120+ inches annually). Check forecasts and trail conditions.
• Local Resources: The Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau has maps, event calendars, and outfitter contacts.

No matter what you are looking for in your vacation, you can find it here at The Lakeshore Cottage.