Parks & Beaches

Come experience every season along our fresh water lakes & forest, walk or bike along over 10 miles of shoreline pathways in the summer, see the reflection of autumn color across the water, enjoy the glisten of snow along the Pathway Cross Country Ski Trail, or watch our water fowl families play 'follow the leader' thru the canal....   come enjoy the relaxation of living the Cadillac life...

See descriptions of the Trails of Cadillac

Lake Mitchell Day Use Park & Beach           William Mitchell State Park, one of the best and most popular State Parks in Michigan. Sites are on a first come, first serve basis. Arrive early to get canal or lakefront sites.   Located just north of M-55/M-115 intersection on M-115 in on the West side of Cadillac.
(231) 775-7911     Picnic area - permit needed, call this number to reserve.

Lake Cadillac Parks & Beaches           Kenwood Beach Park & Hemlock Park, along the north shoreline, North Blvd.,  picnic areas are on the first come, first serve basis.   Lifeguards on duty, picnic area, grills, beach, boat ramp, volleyball, and Frisbee golf.

On the eastern Shoreline of Lake Cadillac lies over 4 miles of the Keith McKellop Walkway, starting at the furthermost southern end - walking north, the walkway is adorned with ample parking, bathroom, Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, restful seating, City Docks, raised flower beds, City Boat Launch & Parking, swing sets, bathrooms, sand volleyball court, Blackburn Skate Park, Garden entrance to the Clam River Greenway & Sound Garden, meander over the Clam River Bridge down towards the Veteran's Memorial and either circle back or continue on around the 7.5 mile bike/walk way around Lake Cadillac.

Take a break and head to the northern part of the City of Cadillac by foot trail - the Clam River Greenway, a community clean-up project turned into a fantastic community asset for residents and visitors.  The pathway will walk you along the banks of the Clam River on traditional paths, boardwalks and bridges, taking you past resident housing, Lincoln Elementary School, onto the CASA Soccer & Baseball Fields.

While you are in the northeastern corner of Cadillac, grab your mountain bike or Cross Country Skiis and get ready for a great trail ride.   The Cadillac Pathway Trail is located just northeast of Cadillac, reached either from East 34 Road (on the east side of US-131) on your way to Lake City, or off of 13th Street, on your way to the YMCA, Baker College or Wexford-Missaukee ISD.  This pathway is maintained by a 100% volunteer local group committed to its viability.  The group works closely with the MDNR for grooming equipment support.  During the winter, this and the Carl T Johnson/ Heritage Trail are the only groomed Cross Country Ski trails in the area.

AREA Listing of Parks & Boat Launches:

Cadillac boasts over 120 acres of public park land, plus the White Pine Trail & Clam River Greenway.  Please enjoy nature’s beauty and the fortitude of our forefathers in preserving public access to our lakes & rivers…

Kenwood Park & Beach –on Lake Cadillac offers a full bathhouse, daytime lifeguards, bathrooms, pavilion, boat launch, children’s playground with ark, pavilion, foot bridge and picnic areas, and an 18 & 9 hole Disc golf course.

Mitchell State Park*- public beach, boat launch, bathrooms, pavilion, swings, grills, picnic areas.

Heritage Park*– located within the Mitchell Park System, east of Carl T Johnson Center, an interpretive trail system.

Hemlock Park– a national forest park on the shores of Lake Mitchell, rustic camping, water, vault toilets and on the trail system.

Cadillac City Park– located at the eastern shoreline of Lake Cadillac, spanning over 3 miles with lake access, two beaches, swing sets, bathrooms and boat launch/parking.  Also within the park find:

• Cadillac Memorial Fountain– located in the middle of the City Park on the eastern shoreline of Lake Cadillac, a picturesque symbol for peace.
• Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion– located on the eastern shoreline of Lake Cadillac, the pavilion hosts summer concerts and productions.  Rental available.
• Chris Blackburn Skate Park– ramp, shoots and plenty of space.  Safety equipment not available.  Seasonal and lit.
• The Sound Garden-  located the Clam River Greenway Trailhead, over 200 bulbs and perennials surround a natural sound structure.
• Rotary Centennial Boardwalk– located within the Sound Garden, the boardwalk offers clam river fishing and historical Rotary storyboards.
• Cadillac Tree Zoo– located east of the Skate Park, this Zoo is dedicated to the disappearing North American Trees such as the American Elm and Chestnut, Dogwood Tree, Butternut Tree and White Pine.

Diggins Hill Park– named after a founding family, this large rolling City Park top of mountain  located adjacent to the City water tower at the east end of River Street off Mitchell Street/ Downtown.  The park includes two Tennis Courts at the top of the hill, hiking trails, an 18 hole Disc Golf course at the base and winter tobogganing.

Caberfae scenic overlook– located just east of Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort, handicap accessible, raised tower, day use only.

Whitepine Trail Linear State Park– connecting Cadillac to Grand Rapids, the Trail has several Trailheads along the 50 mile route and has some picnic areas.   Located on the southside of Lake Cadillac.

Boat Launches –

• City– located just off Chestnut close to downtown on the north side of Lake Cadillac, plenty of parking available.
• Kenwood – located in Kenwood Park on northern shoreline of Lake Cadillac, ample parking available.
• Mitchell State Park –on the east side of M-55 launch into Lake Mitchell alongside the beach.
• Thirsty’s  -  public access across the Street from Thirsty’s (formerly home of the Elmrest Bear) into Lake Mitchell.

Additional Area Public Parks

Lake City/Missaukee County Area

• Crooked Lake Park (Lake City)
• Englewood Park (Lake City)
• Lake Missaukee Municipal Park (Lake City)

Manton/Wexford County Area

• Mitner Park (Manton)
• Manton Rotary Park (Manton)

Mesick/Wexford County Area

• Mesick Park (Mesick)

‘Cadillac Park 20’ Challenge in 2013 – Plan your trip to Cadillac next summer and take a picture, with you in it, at each of the parks listed above, then submit them to enter into a drawing for a weekend stay at a Cadillac Resort.  Drawing held first weekend of October. Submit your photo, name, full address, e-mail address and name of hotel you stayed at to:   CAVB, Att:  Park 20, 201 N. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI  49601