The snow starts melting, animals return from the long winter, the weather gets warmer, and flowers start blooming. Spring may be a jumble of all four seasons in one for Michiganders, but it’s a welcome sight after a long, grueling winter. But part of the problem is that after said winter, you may not know what to start with… So, here’s a list of things to do:
- Hunt for morels and see mushrooms in every form at the Mesick Mushroom Festival – Celebrate the wild morel season with a filled flea market, arts & crafts, parade, carnival games, live music, and mushroom-themed contests that make for a memorable spring weekend. Spring in the Cadillac Area is prime territory for morel hunting. Stay a while and visit various trails while searching for mushrooms. Make sure you’re hunting safely both in your search for edible morels and on the trails.
- Find Old Indian Trail Marker 22 on an adventure – This historic route connects you to the deep history of the Anishinaabe peoples of Michigan. Dated back to at least the 1200s, the indigenous peoples – mainly Odawa – of the region used this trail to travel, as it spans as far north as Traverse City. It will connect you to nature while you enjoy beautiful Northern Michigan Spring weather and Michigan’s deep history, and it offers a great mix of hiking and driving.
- Toast to a Great Experience with Cadillac Winery – Try out locally grown wines right where they’re made. From crisp white wines and rich red wines, learn what makes Northern Michigan wine special at this vineyard tasting room. If there are too many flavors to choose from, you can always stay around for a while, visit the other things Cadillac has to offer, and come back!
- Hike Along the Manistee River – Become one with nature while hiking along the Manistee River on foot through sections of the North Country Trail, where backpacking and tent camping bring you closer to nature. The beauty of Northern Michigan will be jaw-dropping while you disconnect from the real world for a while. While trekking along the banks of the Manistee River, always respect the wilderness and wildlife, and have fun amid the beautiful scenery.
- Book a Stay in the Middle Mitten Cabin at Mackinaw Timbers Cabins – Step back in time with cozy, rustic cabins that offer a peaceful retreat near ORV trails and downtown Cadillac. With several themed cabins, finding one to fit your vibe while establishing it as your basecamp to explore the rest of the Cadillac Area is essential. Want to just hang out and read books? There’s a room for that! Maybe you want to bring your dog up with you and hit the trails; there’s rooms for that, too.
- Take a Selfie with the Chunky Bear Mural – Capture a fun photo with this colorful mural located in town. While doing this, treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the cafe, packed with Cadillac’s history.
- Tee Off to Play 18 Holes at the Eldorado Golf Course – Play a round at one of Northern Michigan’s top golf destinations. This beautifully maintained 18-hole course is not without its challenges, but it’s well worth it. With five tee options to challenge beginners and seasoned golfers, this course is the perfect introduction to Cadillac’s nine golf courses, all within a 20-mile radius of downtown. Bring a group of friends and check out some of Cadillac’s lodging and stay-and-play options, and make sure to have a blast trying to tackle the Cadillac 9.