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.

DOWNLOAD RIVER MAPS & RENTALS

Local Rivers Cleanup Events

Tour Waldeck Island

by CAVB Staff | October 28, 2019 | Cadillac Stories, Hiking Trails, Trails & Parks | 2 Comments

Waldeck Island Nature Preserve is an 11-acre nature preserve located on Stone Ledge Lake. On the preserve is a 1.2-mile looped trail through the serene forests and around the bio-diverse swamp. Walking the trail, exploring the shoreline, and visiting the viewing...

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

by CAVB Staff | November 20, 2025 | 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...

5 Walking Trails That Won’t Disappoint Fall Color Seekers

by CAVB Staff | April 16, 2018 | Cadillac Stories, Fall, Out and About with Dave Foley, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

by Dave Foley When the sumac bushes turn crimson and the maple leaves burst forth in red, I adjust my priorities. Being indoors when nature is staging its annual leafy color show is just wrong. Starting in the last days of September the dominant woodland green starts...