🦌✨Where roadside randomness meets actual elk
We weren’t planning to see elk, Zach was just trying to find a decent parking spot. But Gaylord, Michigan had other plans. Turns out, the Elk’s Lodge Gaylord Michigan elk viewing setup is not just a fluke — it’s a full-on roadside jackpot. You park once, and boom: lodge on one side, elk herd on the other. No hiking, no binocular drama, no wondering if you’re looking at a deer or just a weirdly shaped bush. These elk are real, massive, and extremely photogenic.
And yes, we did the full walkaround. Yes, I took too many pictures. Yes, we now know more about elk feeding schedules than I ever intended. Let’s get into it.
When you visit the Elk’s Lodge in Gaylord Michigan, you get a bonus that most lodges can’t offer — actual elk viewing right next door. Located at 116 Grandview Boulevard, this lodge sits perfectly positioned next to the city’s famous Elk View Park, where you can watch a herd of magnificent elk without leaving your car.
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Elk Viewing at Elk View Park
The City of Gaylord maintains an elk herd specifically for public viewing. Roughly 60 elk — plus sika and fallow deer — roam 108 acres right next to the Elk’s Lodge. This isn’t wild elk viewing where you might not see anything. This is guaranteed elk spotting in a safe, accessible setup.
Some of the bulls weigh over 800 pounds and stand nearly 6 feet tall. The current herd includes about 30 bulls and 10 cows, so there’s always something to see.
Why This Setup Works
A small parking lot separates the Elk’s Lodge from the viewing area, so you can literally park once and experience both the historic lodge and the elk herd. The viewing areas are safe, open, and ideal for kids, photographers, and anyone who wants to marvel without mud or binocular gymnastics.
City staff feed the herd corn, hay, sugar beets, and vitamins to keep them healthy and visible.
About Elk’s Lodge #2544
The lodge meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays (except July, August, and December — then just the 2nd Monday). They’re part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a charity-based fraternal organization that supports the Gaylord community through grants and fundraising events.
Best Times to Visit
- 🍂 September and October are peak viewing months — it’s breeding season, and the elk are active.
- 🌅 Dawn and dusk are your best bets for movement and photo ops.
- 🔭 Bring binoculars if you want close-ups of antlers and attitude.
There are also 13 other elk viewing spots around Gaylord, so if you’re building a scavenger hunt or just chasing roadside wildlife, this town delivers.
Visiting Info
📍 Address: 116 Grandview Boulevard, Gaylord, MI 49735
💵 Cost: Free elk viewing
♿ Accessibility: Drive-up viewing available
🕓 Best viewing: Dawn, dusk, September–October
The combination of the historic Elk’s Lodge and elk viewing in Gaylord Michigan makes this a rare roadside stop — where community history and magnificent wildlife share the same parking lot. No hiking boots required.