Hidden among the trees of Pigeon River Country State Forest in Gaylord you’ll find a secret treasure: sinkhole lakes. Head to lunch and then get lost exploring these tiny turquoise lakes.

GRAB: Food N Stuff

902 N. Center Ave., Gaylord | Food N Stuff Website

Jamie Korona greets customers by name at her Gaylord eatery, Food N Stuff, on Center Avenue. Come noon, a steady stream makes its way to the counter, picking up white paper bags filled with generous salads, thick sandwiches and, on the day we visit, a favorite childhood treat—dirt cups (chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos and gummy worms on top). The Hawaiian BBQ chicken wrap is a fave as is the Greek salad. Big enough to share; order both and split with a friend.

Two women eating at Food N Stuff

Photo by Dave Weidner

Salad from Food N Stuff

Photo by Dave Weidner

Menu from Food N Stuff

Photo by Dave Weidner

Ordering to go from Food N Stuff

Photo by Dave Weidner

& GO: Lost Lake

Twin Lakes Road, Corwith Township | Learn More About Gaylord’s Sinkhole Lakes + Directions

Head north out of Gaylord toward Vanderbilt, then swing right and you’ll find yourself in the 109,000-acre Pigeon River Country State Forest, the largest block of contiguous undeveloped land in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. You might already know that it’s home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi, but have you heard of its sinkhole lakes? These small, turquoise-colored gems are a beautiful spot to take a swim or float in a tube.

Gaylords Lost Lakes

Photo by Dave Weidner

Gaylords Lost Lakes

Photo by Dave Weidner

Gaylords Lost Lakes

Photo by Dave Weidner

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner