- Take a Day to go Hiking – from wide trails to forest trekking, there are several trails in the area to take the whole family. Always ensure you pack water, possibly a few snacks and bug spray. Most trails only have bathrooms at the trailhead. Make sure you have a camera for awesome views across open water, winding rivers and sun speckled forest floors, with an occasional wildlife siting. Check out trails in the Cadillac area and in our Northwest Michigan region. Here are a couple special ones:
- Heritage Trail at Carl T Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center – flat pine chipped trail, easy walk, dog friendly, interpretative signage, mostly forest covered.
- Area Nature Preserves – we have several listed on this website, smaller looped trails with lots of wildlife.
- Morning or late afternoon Fishing trip – Grab a fishing pole, go rent a boat from Pilgrim Village Fishing Resort (Lakes Cadillac & Mitchell) or Cheryl’s Landing & Marina (Lake Cadillac only) and head out to have some fun. Just remember, when you’re in a fishing boat, there is no getting away from crazy questions and fun reminiscing. Also, if you don’t have fishing poles, ask a neighbor.
- Take to the RIVER for a day – with the Manistee, Pine and Clam Rivers are all around the Cadillac area with rental liveries for all of them. Make it a fun day on the river, most trips take 4-6 hours. Don’t forget to pack drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks and possibly bug spray. Make a reservation, since it’s a popular summer past-time. NOTE: small children who can’t swim on their own should not be taken in a water craft for their own safety, rivers have fast currents and are effected by rain, so be cautious.
- World renowned KISStory Selfie – KISS fans around the world make the trip, why not you? Have some fun and take the KISStory Four (4) stop self-guided tour, learn of some fun times in Cadillac, take a family selfie in front of the KISS monument and post to our Cadillac KISStory Tour page with the #kisscadillac hashtag. More info at: kisscadillac.com.
- Support Local Foodies and Grab Take out – from any of the area restaurants and host your own Bonfire Party, stop by the Wexford Public Library and grab a copy of the DOGMAN, a spooky northern Michigan tale. This would be an evening you won’t forget – awesome food, a bonfire and a spooky story.
- Take to the Links, we have seven (7) golf courses to choose from – all within 20 minutes of downtown Cadillac, and no more than 20 minutes from each other. Arrange a tee time, kids play free at Missaukee Golf Club, with reduced youth rates at most others. Call ahead to reserve rental clubs if you don’t have them, or didn’t bring them with you. Our Visitors Bureau interns have played signature holes at each course, so watch the Tips from the Tee video series before heading out and be sure to ‘WOW’ your group with what you know. All courses serve food and beverages on site, with full service pro shops – pick up a commemorative golf shirt to remember the day for years to come!
- Go on, or give, a Craft Beverage Tour in Cadillac – whether it’s dining in or take-out, the Cadillac Area has several restaurants serving locally crafted beverages. With thousands of varieties and flavors, they are sure to please your taste buds.
- Specialty Craft beverage stores include: The Bourbon House, Willow Market & Meats, Thirsty’s and the NEW Lake Cadillac Party Store; these locations combined offer thousands of brands from around the state, as well as other domestics and imports – you’ll find it all – wine, beer, crafties and liquor.
- Indulge in a small town Craft Beverage scene with: Curly’s Bar & Grill @ Evergreen Resort, Lakeside Charlie’s and The Timbers; Head West to Coyote Crossing Resort or Beatie’s Bar @ Caberfae Peaks. Hit the surrounding towns – Lake City Tap House, The Three Oh Eight in Manton, the Bucksnort in Mesick and Club 37 in Baldwin; and back through Downtown Cadillac where you will find a large selection on tap from Clam Lake Beer Co., Cadillac Party Lounge, Raven Social, Hermann’s European Cafe & Table 212 Wine Bar, or Maggie’s Tavern.
- Your family adventure awaits at Adventure Island Family Fun Park! Try the batting cages, go-carts, putt-putt golf, arcade and ice cream. Within walking distance of Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell.
- Outdoor Patios! – a great way to enjoy Summer – indulge in outdoor dining. Several area restaurants offer outside patios including: Lakeside Charlies, Cheryl’s Landing, Clam Lake Beer Co., Raven Social (check out the new balcony), new – Dockside Inn, new – Chico’s Taco House and Burke’s Waterfront. It’s all about hanging in the fresh outdoors. *Most of these locations have lakeside views!
NOTE: All area restaurants, lodging and retail adhere to the current restrictions in spacing and cleaning protocols.