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

5 Scenic In-and-Out Hikes Along the North Country Trail

by CAVB Staff | September 1, 2025 | Cadillac Stories, Fall, Hiking Trails, Out and About with Dave Foley, Trails & Parks | 0 Comments

The 4600 mile North Country Trail (NCT), beginning in Maine and running to North Dakota, passes through Michigan. More than 100 miles of it are within 40 miles of Cadillac. With so many miles of trail available, deciding where to go could be a problem. But wherever...

Out and About, Fishing Hotspots for Free Fishing Weekend

by CAVB Staff | April 16, 2018 | Cadillac Stories, Hunting and Fishing, Out and About with Dave Foley | 0 Comments

By Dave Foley: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has designated June 10-11 as Free Fishing Weekend. That’s right, no license needed. Residents and out-of-state visitors may fish fish for free on both inland and Great Lakes waters, but fishing regulations...

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...