[6] [7] A commonly used trail to the Dakota Territory passed through the future site of Gaylord in the 1850s.

[10] Gaylord's current mayor is Dawn Kratzke, while its Council President is Chad Muchow.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.67 square miles (4.33 km2), all land.

There were 996 housing units at an average density of 596.4 per square mile (230.3/km2).

32.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 930 housing units at an average density of 585.7 per square mile (226.1/km2).

29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Michael Foods is Gaylord's largest employer, situated at the confluence of Highways 5 and 19 on the east edge of the town.