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 rivals many.
STAY IN CADILLAC
We have a variety of lodging options perfect for all seasons!
Stay tuned for 2026-2027 Winter Lodging Deals!
WINTER ADVENTURES
With a regional snowmobile trail network topping out at around 600 miles through 5 counties, our winter sports trail network is second to none in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Add 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 for an incredible winter 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 .
QUICK STATS
MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
DOWNHILL SKI RUNS
MILES OF XC & SNOWSHOE TRAILS
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING AT CABERFAE
SNOWMOBILING IN CADILLAC
FAT BIKE & CROSS COUNTRY
TRAILS IN CADILLAC
Winter biking and ski trails: Four systems offering 60+ miles of groomed trails in the area. We are fortunate to have great volunteers maintaining and grooming our trails. All trails are free of charge, though donations are accepted. Check trail reports before heading out.
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 present a free ice fishing seminar 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 RIVER PADDLING
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!
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-served basis, or bring your own from home!