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!

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

by CAVB Staff | February 1, 2024 | 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...

Out & About, Steelhead on the Move

by Dave Foley | October 28, 2023 | Cadillac Stories, Hunting and Fishing, Out and About with Dave Foley, Spring | 0 Comments

By Dave Foley Rivers like the Pere Marquette, as well as the Big and Little Manistee, get a little crowded after Labor Day as thousands of salmon leave Lake Michigan to push up these steams to spawn. From late August until September king and coho salmon dominate the...

Lace Up Those Shoes for a Week’s Worth of Trails in Cadillac!

by Dave Foley | June 19, 2023 | Cadillac Stories, Out and About with Dave Foley, Self Guided Trips, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

Tired of running the same old routes? If you're looking for different views of Cadillac here is a plan for your week - never run the same route twice and start each run within five miles of downtown!Sunday McKellop Walkway Probably the best known is the McKellop...

Urban Escapes: 3 Short Walks Close to Cadillac

by Dave Foley | June 19, 2023 | Cadillac Stories, Hiking Trails, Out and About with Dave Foley, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

When you think of getting out for some exercise in the Cadillac area, the favorite places are the White Pine Trail, the paths at the Carl T. Johnson Outdoor Center, the Clam River Greenway, and the Keith McKellop Walkway. But there are several other local nature...

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...

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, Fall, Out and About with Dave Foley, Self Guided Trips, 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...