Boating

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell in Cadillac, and Lake Missaukee east of Cadillac in Lake City, offer over 3,500 acres of prime water sports opportunities. Cadillac and Mitchell, the two largest lakes of Cadillac, are connected by a canal built during the long and interesting northern Michigan logging era. The canal was originally built so lumbermen could float timber from the shores of Lake Mitchell to waiting sawmills on Lake Cadillac. Today the canal serves as a convenient link between two of Michigan’s most popular lakes for boating.

Boaters, paddlers and fishermen all start itching to get on the water at the first hints of spring. Those fresh fragrances, sights and sounds call to the adventurous as well as for those who seek that special peace found only on the water. So get your boat on its trailer, load up the canoes and kayaks, stow your gear and c’mon over to Cadillac!

Birders Flock To These 8 Locations in and Around Cadillac

by Dave Foley | May 7, 2023 | Cadillac Stories, Out and About with Dave Foley, Spring, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

By Dave Foley With its mixture of lakes and streams as well as forests, meadows, marshes, and agricultural lands, Cadillac is a natural gathering point for birds, both migratory, and year-round resident flocks. I have worked with veteran local birder, Dave Newhouse,...

Spring might be the best fishing for walleye, pike, and trout

by Dave Foley | April 27, 2023 | Cadillac Stories, Hunting and Fishing, Out and About with Dave Foley, Spring | 0 Comments

by Dave Foley Unlike downstate areas, these trout waters won't be crowded. Although there may be several hundred trying their luck on Opening Day, in the Cadillac area, crowding is not a problem. It's likely an angler will fish a stretch of river and rarely see...

Improvements Being Made to the Carl T. Johnson Nature Preserve

by Dave Foley | March 20, 2023 | Hiking Trails, Out and About with Dave Foley, Stewardship & Sustainability, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

Published by the Cadillac Area Land Conservancy Not to be confused with the Carl T. Center Hunting and Fishing Museum and Heritage Park Trails located on the north side of Mitchell State Park near the Canal, the Carl T. Johnson Nature Preserve can be found a ½ mile...

Reviving the MacKenzie Trail

by CAVB Staff | January 9, 2023 | Tourism News, Trails & Parks | 4 Comments

Huron Manistee Nation Forest Recreation Specialist Travis Owens planning a reroute. Photo: Sam Hogg The MacKenzie Trail, located 15 miles west of Cadillac, offers over 10 miles of non-motorized trails winding through the hills and valleys adjacent to Caberfae Peaks...

Winter Fun at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center Center

by CAVB Staff | January 1, 2023 | Hiking Trails, Trails & Parks, winter, Winter Skiing - XC Ski/Snowshoe/Fatbike | 0 Comments

Winter hikes, ice fishing classes and more! The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, at the popular Mitchell State Park, offers a range of programs for all ages. Visitors are greeted by a 500 gallon aquarium showcasing the fish of Lake Mitchell and Lake...

The Gold Standard in Fish Decoy Carving is known as “The Cadillac Style”

by CAVB Staff | August 5, 2022 | Cadillac Stories, History, Hunting and Fishing | 0 Comments

Fish decoy carving has been a unique part of fishing culture for generations and they are still being used today. But did you know the rich history it has right here in Cadillac? The main purpose of decoys now is for ice fishing/spearing. After a hole is cut in the...

Walk, Run, Hike & Bike – Here are the Top 7 Scenic Routes in Cadillac

by Dave Foley | June 16, 2022 | Cadillac Stories, Downtown, Out and About with Dave Foley, Self Guided Trips, Spring, Summer, Trails & Parks | 2 Comments

By Dave Foley: Tired of running the same old routes? If you’re visiting Cadillac you can go out every day for a week, never take the same route twice and start each one within five miles of downtown.#1 Keith McKellop Walkway (2 Miles) Probably the best known is the...

Whitetail Firearm Season – Opening Day

by Joe Baker | November 23, 2021 | Hunting and Fishing, Out In The Middle Of Everywhere | 0 Comments

The anticipation of hunting season is always fun, setting up blinds in the best spot possible, getting out trail cameras and taking photos of the deer in the area. The reality of hunting can be somewhat less glorious, long hours spent trying keep warm while making the...

#ExploreCadillac Bucket List Item – The Walk Around Lake Cadillac

by Kathy Morin | October 15, 2020 | Hiking Trails, Self Guided Trips, Trails & Parks | 2 Comments

For years, I told my husband Mike that we should trek the 7+ mile walk around Lake Cadillac. We revisited the topic, picked a day where the weather looked great, and planned for it. Having it coincide with Michigan Trails Week was a nice addition, as the path...

Cadillac Fall Routes & Rivers – 10 Ways to Enjoy Our Autumn Colors

by CAVB Staff | September 7, 2020 | Cadillac Stories, Culture and Entertainment, Fall, Food, Drink & Markets, Golfing, Hiking Trails, Hunting and Fishing, Self Guided Trips, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

Book Your Fall Golf Getaway in Cadillac – Fall golfing in Cadillac can be the most picturesque time of year to hit the links! With crisp autumn air, foliage in full color and affordable late season golf deals, you will avoid the summer crowds to enjoy great views of...