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.

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 .

The Fatty Caddy Returns in 2024 at the Cadillac Pathway!

After a successful first year, Fatty Caddy organizers Raymond Passchier and Joe Cantwell are building on that momentum to bring another fun group of riders to town. Cadillac will play host to the 2nd annual fat bike race on Saturday, February 24th! Racers can choose...

Experience the Cozy Cabin Life this Winter in Cadillac

If you’re looking for a unique sleep-away experience, check out one of the many cabin style options right here in Cadillac! Our local hotels are convenient, but if you are looking for more of a home away from home experience there are some great options for families,...

Winter Paddling The Pine

Northern Michigan is packed with fun things to do and the winter season doesn't slow us down! Jake and Alaney Miltner at Pine River Paddlesports have pioneered a new way to enjoy The Pine River which see’s thousands of paddlers every summer and now you can enjoy the...

Winter Hiking The Manistee River Trail

For years, I've been winter backpacking all over the county from Utah to Maine! But the scenic trails we have right here at home are some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of exploring. My most recent winter hike with friends is a tradition that we try to plan...

Winter Fun at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center Center

Winter hikes, ice fishing classes and more! The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, at the popular Mitchell State Park, offers a range of programs for all ages. Visitors are greeted by a 500 gallon aquarium showcasing the fish of Lake Mitchell and Lake...

  • 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

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 or bring your own from home - Get the details here!

QUICK STATS

MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

DOWNHILL SKI RUNS

MILES OF XC & SNOWSHOE TRAILS

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING AT CABERFAE

Grab Your Gear. Select a Slope. Hop on a Lift.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING IN CADILLAC

Select a trailhead.  Strap on Your Skis. Off You Go.

ICE FISHING IN CADILLAC

Head to the Ice. Drill a Hole. Drop a Line.

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!

open water in winter