Sandy beaches, beautiful lakes and miles of trails offer endless outdoor activities for the whole family on a Cadillac vacation. Check out this MyNorth Media video for what to do and see in downtown Cadillac then read on for vacation ideas.

Beaches

William Mitchell State Park, located on both Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac. Find it just off US 31.

Boat Rentals

Pilgrim Village Resort and Fishing Shop is conveniently situated on Cadillac’s Lake Mitchell and near the navigable canal connecting to Lake Cadillac. 181 S. Lake Mitchell Dr., 231.775.5412.

Cadillac Sands Resort on Lake Cadillac rents pontoons, kayaks, canoes and fishing boats. It also offers lodging options. M-115 at M-55, 800.64.SANDS.

Snow Sports

Caberfae Peaks, Michigan’s oldest ski resort, has a variety of terrain, great facilities and a relaxed atmosphere boasting 34 ski runs and 485 vertical feet. Find full ski rentals, snowboard rentals and expert instruction in the latest techniques for skiing and snowboarding, two base lodges and three dining options.

Snowmobile Trails

At the hub of the sprawling statewide trail system, the 200-mile system connects to Wellston, Irons, Benzie and Traverse trails. The White Pine Trail can be utilized to connect from the south. Don’t miss the Boon Bonfire or the North American Snow Festival in February. Click here for more information.

Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing Trails

Cadillac Pathway: This 60-mile multi-terrain, multi-season mountain bike summer trail, transitions into a groomed classic cross country ski trail system in the winter. It’s located on Boon Road, just off US-131. Maintained by local volunteers in cooperation with the MDNR.

White Pine Trail: The longest rail-to-trail Linear State Park, spans 92 miles connecting Grand Rapids to Cadillac. It crosses five counties and 14 open deck bridges, one being 319 feet across the Muskegon River. The White Pine trail connects to a larger local trail system with a staging area available just off M-115 south of Cadillac.

Mackenzie Trail: A 25-mile multi-terrain, multi-season hiking, biking, summer trail, that also transitions into a groomed classic cross country ski trail system in the winter. It’s located at the foothills of Caberfae Peaks and meanders into the National Forest. The entrance is located on 38 Mile Road, 1 mile west of Caberfae. Maintained by local volunteers in cooperation with the National Forest Service.

Mcguire’s Cross Country Trail: Located within McGuire’s Resort, one mile south of Cadillac, offering 10K of groomed cross-country ski trails. Lessons available by reservation. Rentals also available.

Mitchell State Park Heritage Nature Trail: A 3.5-mile nature trail with wildlife interpretive signage, lookout towers and boardwalks adjacent to Lake Cadillac and within the park. This trail is maintained and groomed in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Missaukee Mountain: A small downhill ski facility located 3 ½ miles north of Lake City, a village located 15 miles west of Cadillac. Find 5 miles of groomed cross country trail looped through the pine forest at the base of the ski hill then climb up the back side of the ski hills, cross over the peaks before drop back into the forest.

Manistee River Trail: The Manistee River Trail is a 10-mile trail that goes the length of the Manistee River from Hodenpyl to Tippy Dam. A 20-mile loop can be formed with the North Country National Scenic Trail. There are two trailheads for the Manistee River Trail; Seaton Creek Campground and Red Bridge, both offer camping. Click for a map.

The North Country Trail: The 128-mile section running through the Manistee National Forest marked with blue rectangle-shaped blazes. The  sections of trail can be done as day hikes going from trailhead to trailhead, or larger portions can be done as overnight backpacking trips. Sections of the trail are open to mountain bikes, so be sure to know before you go! A map is available here.(Check out this article about backpacking the North Country Trail from Kalkaska to Wexford County.)

The Big M: Located off M-55 between Cadillac and Wellston, the Big M trail offers a variety of terrain for almost 40 miles of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing in loops of varying lengths. A map is available here.

Clam River Trail: A 7.5-mile paved greenway, with wooden boardwalks and bridges that open to the Clam River allowing for great fishing and toad catching. The Greenway connects Lake Cadillac trails to the Cadillac Area Sports Association.

Lake Cadillac Bike Path: This popular 7.5-mile path travels past the shoreline, parks, beaches and neighborhoods thru Cadillac West, and is one block from Downtown Cadillac. The path connects to the White Pine Trail on the eastern shoreline of Lake Cadillac.


More Cadillac Vacation Ideas