ALL WAYS

EXPLORING IN WINTER

While snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and river & ice fishing are Cadillac’s best known recreational winter pursuits, winter enthusiasts have an abundance of choices to experience the season. The variety of opportunities to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fat tire biking, and camping adventures in this area rival any in the country.

STAY IN CADILLAC

We have a variety of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins & campgrounds perfect for all seasons!

WINTER TIME ADVENTURES

Finding something to do in the cold weather months is EASY in Cadillac. With a regional snowmobile trail network topping out at nearly 500 miles through 5 counties, our winter sports trail network is second to none in the lower peninsula of Michigan.

Add up our 500,000 acres of National Forest with nearly 100 miles of backcountry trails for Fat Tire biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing along with three inland lakes with ice fishing opportunities at every turn, you have an incredible winter opportunity in the heart of Michigan.

Visit Cadillac Michigan - Let's Go With Catie Keogh

Cadillac, Michigan , is the perfect Midwest winter getaway with friends! The town is only four hours from Chicago and full of outdoor activities, boutique shopping, wonderful food, and amazing people. Our weekend was spent exploring the whole area, and we started at Coyote Crossing Resort .

Top 10 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit the Cadillac Area

The Cadillac Area is an ideal winter destination. Bring the family along and hit the slopes, where every level is welcome, and have some family fun on the sledding hills. Or, you could do some winter shopping downtown and indulge in a seasonal treat. There is...

26 Bucket List Experiences for the rest of 2026

It's time to get a jump start on 2026. But what should you do? Don't worry, we've got you covered with 26 things to cross off your bucket list, ranging from awe-inspiring views, tasty treats, and even ways to fun ways to exercise. Spring   Book a Stay in the...

Discover Magic Miniature Scenes on Caddy Bear’s NEW Bear Lair Adventure Trail

Explore Caddy’s Bear Lairs: A Tiny-World Adventure Through Cadillac Caddy Bear has been busy exploring all his favorite places in Cadillac and now you’re invited to follow along! Each stop on the Bear Lair Adventure Trail celebrates creativity, community, and the...

The Midwest Snow Kite Jam Returns in 2026!

Bringing together kiters of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities - these ice kiters gather to celebrate community, kiteboarding, and a love of winter. Events include: Friday welcome party, gear swap, kite race, snow kite olympics, awards ceremony, closing party &...

Winter Paddling The Pine

Northern Michigan is packed with fun things to do and the winter season doesn't slow us down! Jake and Alaney Miltner at Pine River Paddlesports have pioneered a new way to enjoy The Pine River which see’s thousands of paddlers every summer and now you can enjoy the...

  • Hit the slopes at Caberfae Peaks
  • Plan your snowmobiling excursion
  • Learn all about ice fishing on the lakes of Cadillac
  • Explore groomed and backcountry XC trails
  • Paddling the Pine River in the Winter

QUICK STATS

MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

DOWNHILL SKI RUNS

MILES OF XC & SNOWSHOE TRAILS

Lantern Lit Hikes On

The Heritage Nature Trail

Come out for a lantern-lit hike at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center on Friday nights during the winter season. After you enjoy the trails warm up at the campfire with some hot chocolate. Snowshoes are available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis, or bring your own from home!

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING AT CABERFAE

Grab Your Gear. Select a Slope. Hop on a Lift.

FAT BIKE & CROSS COUNTRY
TRAILS IN CADILLAC

Cadillac is a great destination for winter biking and ski trails with four systems offering over sixty miles of groomed trails in the area. We are fortunate enough to have great groups of volunteers, dedicated to maintaining and grooming our trails. All trails are free of charge, though donations are accepted. Check trail reports before heading out to prepare for a great day in our winter wonderland.

ICE FISHING IN CADILLAC

Head to the Ice. Drill a Hole. Drop a Line.

The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center and the Outdoors Skills Academy presents a Free Ice Fishing seminars each year. These family oriented seminars cover everything from jigs and bait, to floats, and ice safety with a segment covering rules and regulations.

WINTER PADDLING IN CADILLAC

The same rivers that are popular spots to drop in an oar  in the warmer months offer a new paddling experience when the snow flies. The Big Manistee River and Pine River are two rivers within an hour of each other and access points can be found within 30 minutes of downtown Cadillac.  First time? Check out Pine River Paddlesports Center where they offer GUIDED winter rafting trips down the Pine River!

open water in winter