Paddling Cadillac

Time to get back to nature and enjoy the beautiful waters of Northern Michigan. With three incredible inland lakes, and 200+ miles of river – your next floating adventure awaits in Cadillac! You can also relax at any of our area parks to enjoy the beautiful water views.

Cadillac is home to abundant access points to water allowing you to truly “explore your way.” There are so many family-friendly river and lake recreational opportunities to enjoy time with the entire family or a group of your closest friends. Spring, summer or fall, the area rivers meander and offer exceptional group entertainment, and beautiful views. When summer days come to a close, try a Fall Color Tour from a kayak or canoe for a different perspective of nature’s glory.

Several conveniently located liveries make it very easy for visitors to experience the pure paddling pleasure that awaits you here in the Cadillac area. Below find a list of related liveries, linked river map, and brief descriptions of the rivers.

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Local Rivers Cleanup Events

Explore the Cadillac Heritage Trail

by CAVB Staff | October 28, 2019 | Cadillac Stories, Spring, Summer, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

Cadillac Heritage Trail is a 3.5-mile nature trail managed by Mitchell State Park. It can be accessed from the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center. The benefits of hiking are well documented, showing that seniors who hike regularly experience: Improved...

11 Ways to Enjoy The Color Change in Cadillac

by CAVB Staff | October 2, 2024 | Cadillac Stories, Fall, Hiking Trails, Hunting and Fishing, Self Guided Trips, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

Enjoy the New ORV Scenic Ride - Fall is the perfect time to explore the ORV Scenic Ride! With crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage in full color, you'll experience an exciting ride through the changing landscape and you might even find some mud along the way. The...

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

by CAVB Staff | March 12, 2026 | Trails & Parks, winter, Winter Skiing - XC Ski/Snowshoe/Fatbike, Winter Skiing-Downhill, Winter-Snowmobiling | 0 Comments

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...