OTSEGO COUNTY
County Offices
225 West Main Street
Gaylord 989-731-7520
www.otsegocountymi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
101 West Main Street
Gaylord 989-732-6333
www.gaylordchamber.com
Beautiful Otsego County has been one of the fastest-growing areas in Michigan for many years. Known for its natural beauty, friendly residents, and progressive attitude, the county is ideally located at the crossroad of two major highways. In addition to a thriving tourism industry and celebrated golf courses, the county balances rural charm with advantages like state-of-the-art educational facilities and Michigan’s first community fiber network.
Services
Newcomers to Otsego County will be impressed by the quality of healthcare services and facilities, anchored by one of only 20 community hospitals in the nation to receive the “100 Top Hospitals” designation. Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord takes a comprehensive approach in delivering state-of-the-art medical and surgical specialties, from advanced imaging equipment to employing skilled professionals who are able to meet the demands of a growing population. In addition to acute care, the OMH spectrum of services continues with a newly renovated Birthing Center and expansion in such areas as oncology, cardiology, and bone densitometry. The new MedCare Walk-In Clinic is convenient for families but also provides an Occupational Health program that serves regional business and industry. McReynolds Hall provides an Extended Care Facility for both long-term care and short-term rehabilitation, adopting the Eden Alternative environment of care in a homelike atmosphere. The OMH Medical Group of affiliated physicians represents more than 60 specialties to ensure quality care just around the corner from home. Located in the Family Practice building, the OMH Specialty Center makes it possible for residents to consult with visiting specialists who serve a regional population.
Students of all ages will find quality educational opportunities in Otsego County, where respected public school districts combine with a number of options for a private education. One of the most unique and valuable resources in this area is The University Center at Gaylord, a partnership of community colleges and four-year institutions that delivers higher education and meets the training needs of a regional workforce. Civic, business, and government leaders conceived the concept of local access to higher education in 1985. Gaylord’s centralized location on the northern Lower Peninsula made it ideal for this ambitious and cooperative program. From the modest beginning of two community colleges and 22 students, the consortium has grown and flourished into a new state-of-the-art campus known as The University Center at Gaylord. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees or receive advanced training from one of several institutions, taking advantage of innovations like a state-of-the-art computer learning and research laboratory, in-class lectures, hands-on technical labs, interactive television courses, and Internet courses. Degrees can be earned from Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Madonna University, Michigan State University, North Central Michigan College, Spring Arbor University, and Ferris State University.
Lifestyle
Famous for an endless variety and quality of outdoor recreational opportunities, Otsego County is a place where people can play where they live and work. Pristine natural settings dot the landscape with crystal-clear inland lakes and streams for fresh-water sports like fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Thousands of acres of state forest land beckon hikers, mountain bikers, bird watchers, nature students, and seasonal hunters. One of the most well-known attractions to Otsego County is Gaylord’s Golf Mecca, providing more than 20 championship golf courses and world-class resorts within minutes of downtown Gaylord. When the snow flies and temperatures dip, snowmobile enthusiasts romp over hundreds of miles of groomed trails. This area also features two downhill ski resorts and miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. The community-owned Gaylord Sportsplex ensures year-round exercise and fitness activities with an indoor pool, an ice rink, a fitness center, and a jogging track.
The county seat of government and leading city of Gaylord provides a bustling hub of education, healthcare, commerce, services, and entertainment. The downtown district draws residents and visitors to a growing number of specialty shops, art galleries, and delightful cafes or restaurants. Close to the city center, shoppers can find national chain stores with name-brand merchandise. Gaylord is known as the “alpine village,” celebrating its heritage each year in the popular Alpenfest. Cultural enrichment is enhanced by the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts, dedicated to promoting local artists as well as events from concerts to live-stage productions. Groups like the Farm House Music Organization, Gaylord Community Productions, and the Michigan Northern Lights Chorus regularly schedule audience-pleasing performances. The housing opportunities in Otsego County are as diverse and attractive as the landscape, ranging from Gaylord neighborhoods to country manors, charming small villages, lakefront properties, golf-course enclaves, and custom homes nestled in secluded woodlands. Newcomers to Otsego County are quick to discover the unrivaled quality of life that has always endeared this area to long-time residents who would never consider living anywhere else.
Gaylord
City Offices
989-732-4060
www.cityofgaylord.net
Chamber of Commerce
989-732-6333
www.gaylordchamber.com
Well-known as the leading center for one of Michigan’s most popular playgrounds, the lively city of Gaylord blends attractive residential neighborhoods with a bustling business district and a growing local economy. The proud home of The University Center at Gaylord and Otsego Memorial Hospital, the city serves as a regional hub for higher education and quality healthcare. The community’s strategic location along the Interstate 75 corridor further enhances its centralized position in the very heart of Northern Michigan and offers quick and easy commutes. Stunning natural surroundings and the rustic charm of an “alpine village” heritage endears the city to residents and visitors alike. Even the delightful shopping district carries out the alpine theme. In the warmer months, residents enjoy weekend entertainment at the downtown Pavilion On Court, which also hosts a seasonal farmer’s market and a wide array of community events and activities. Exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities include some of Michigan’s finest golf courses in the Gaylord Golf Mecca. Pigeon River Country State Forest is nearby for expanded adventures in pristine natural settings.
Otsego Lake Township
Town Hall
989-732-6929
www.otsegolaketownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
989-732-6333
www.gaylordchamber.com
Panoramic, rural Otsego Lake Township provides a welcoming atmosphere for residential development, outdoor adventure, and country living. The township draws enthusiastic crowds each year to its most popular celebration, Thunder Over Waters Festival. The entire family can enjoy this event with its 5k Run & Walk, pancake breakfast, arts and crafts show, lively parade, fireworks, and game areas. Residents enjoy both public and privately owned recreational and entertainment attractions that encourage golfing, cross-country skiing, hiking, swimming, and dining. The township is home to vast acres of recreational land including three state-owned sites crowned by the jewel of Otsego Lake State Park. Shimmering lakes abound in Otsego Lake Township, providing a scenic backdrop and outstanding opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. The city of Gaylord is close to home, providing urban amenities as well as The University Center at Gaylord and a full-service healthcare facility.
Vanderbilt Village, Corwith Township
Village Hall
989-983-4244
www.vanderbiltmich.com
Town Hall
989-983-2865
http://vanderbiltmich.com/corwith.html
Chamber of Commerce
989-732-6333
www.gaylordchamber.com
The incorporated village of Vanderbilt is nestled in beautiful Corwith Township, providing a small-town atmosphere surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The town hall in Vanderbilt also houses the local branch of the Otsego County Library, a convenient resource for rural families. The hall was also designed to serve as a community gathering place, offering a spacious dance floor as well as other amenities. One of the points of pride within the township is the recreational jewel of Pigeon River County Forest, more than 33,000 acres of state-preserved land. Several miles of rivers and steams run through the township, which is also home to several scenic lakes with excellent fishing opportunities. Conveniences like nature trails and camp sites add to the enjoyment of nature’s bounty. The county’s leading city of Gaylord is easily accessible for shopping, dining, cultural enrichment, healthcare, higher education, and entertainment.
