ALL WAYS
EXPLORING IN WINTER
While snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and river & ice fishing are Cadillac’s best known recreational winter pursuits, winter enthusiasts have an abundance of choices to experience the season. The variety of opportunities to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fat tire biking, and camping adventures in this area rival any in the country.
STAY IN CADILLAC
We have a variety of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins & campgrounds perfect for all seasons!
MacKenzie XC Ski Trail
UPDATED 12/12/25:
Happy new season everybody and sorry for the delay! The government shutdown backing right up to rifle deer season put us behind on trail clearing but we are up and running with all trails clear. We did our first drag last night and the trails should be great for the weekend. Most inner loops are groomed, and outer loops have been broken the old fashion way. Please help us out this year with the following things Like and share this page. This is where all updates will happen.
Report any downed trees by filling out the form on our website. Learn more about the MacKenzie Trail here.
Latest Update
We've been making some gains even with all this snow. Fishermen are starting to explore both lakes. There is anywhere from 3-7" of SNOW on top of the lakes making it very slushy on top. It can also be hiding thinner spots so make sure you're using a spud, as most of the lakes haven't been traveled yet. Everybody be safe, make good decisions. Please stay patient until our lakes are safe! Learn more at Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop.
Latest Update
Updated: 12/15/25
TRAIL BASE:
2-4"
CONDITIONS: Good
Groomers are doing their best to smooth things out before this upcoming warm-up. We’re trying not to be overly aggressive b/c building the base is more important at this time. So please be conservative on the throttle during the warm-up. Looks like a few days of a bit warmer temps, so we’ll be shutting the groomers down tomorrow, and re-evaluate this weekend. Please ride conservatively as establishing this base is paramount to a long season!
Learn more about snowmobiling in Cadillac
XC Ski Trail
The entire XC trail was groomed and is in excellent condition!
Walking trail - east side was groomed and is in excellent condition.
Winter Sports Trail 🚲
WINTER TIME ADVENTURES
Finding something to do in the cold weather months is EASY in Cadillac. With a regional snowmobile trail network topping out at nearly 500 miles through 5 counties, our winter sports trail network is second to none in the lower peninsula of Michigan.
Add up our 500,000 acres of National Forest with nearly 100 miles of backcountry trails for Fat Tire biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing along with three inland lakes with ice fishing opportunities at every turn, you have an incredible winter opportunity in the heart of Michigan.
Visit Cadillac Michigan - Let's Go With Catie Keogh
Cadillac, Michigan , is the perfect Midwest winter getaway with friends! The town is only four hours from Chicago and full of outdoor activities, boutique shopping, wonderful food, and amazing people. Our weekend was spent exploring the whole area, and we started at Coyote Crossing Resort .
- Hit the slopes at Caberfae Peaks
- Plan your snowmobiling excursion
- Learn all about ice fishing on the lakes of Cadillac
- Explore groomed and backcountry XC trails
- Paddling the Pine River in the Winter
QUICK STATS
MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
DOWNHILL SKI RUNS
MILES OF XC & SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Lantern Lit Hikes On
The Heritage Nature Trail
Come out for a lantern-lit hike at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center on Friday nights during the winter season. After you enjoy the trails warm up at the campfire with some hot chocolate. Snowshoes are available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis, or bring your own from home!
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING AT CABERFAE
Grab Your Gear. Select a Slope. Hop on a Lift.
SNOWMOBILING IN CADILLAC
Gear Up, Hit the Trails & Explore!
FAT BIKE & CROSS COUNTRY
TRAILS IN CADILLAC
Cadillac is a great destination for winter biking and ski trails with four systems offering over sixty miles of groomed trails in the area. We are fortunate enough to have great groups of volunteers, dedicated to maintaining and grooming our trails. All trails are free of charge, though donations are accepted. Check trail reports before heading out to prepare for a great day in our winter wonderland.
ICE FISHING IN CADILLAC
Head to the Ice. Drill a Hole. Drop a Line.
The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center and the Outdoors Skills Academy presents a Free Ice Fishing seminars each year. These family oriented seminars cover everything from jigs and bait, to floats, and ice safety with a segment covering rules and regulations.
WINTER PADDLING IN CADILLAC
The same rivers that are popular spots to drop in an oar in the warmer months offer a new paddling experience when the snow flies. The Big Manistee River and Pine River are two rivers within an hour of each other and access points can be found within 30 minutes of downtown Cadillac. First time? Check out Pine River Paddlesports Center where they offer GUIDED winter rafting trips down the Pine River!
