This Northern Michigan Town Has It All: Lakes, Forests, and Downtown Charm

If you love lakes, forests, and a charming downtown, chances are you’ll fall for this Northern Michigan destination just as much as I have.

The more time I spend in the Cadillac area, the more I appreciate all it has to offer – not to mention the fact that it’s been the backdrop for some of my favorite family travel memories.

From an accessible lakeside path and an epic ORV Scenic Ride to a delicious pasty shop and the friendliest bakery, Cadillac is packed with places I can’t wait to revisit. And, since it’s only about 1.5 hours from my hometown of Grand Rapids, it’s far enough to feel like a true getaway without totally draining the gas tank.

Thank you to the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau for partnering with Awesome Mitten to showcase this beautiful area of Michigan!

The Perfect Walkable Downtown + Accessible Lake Path

To me, Downtown Cadillac is just the right size – where you can park once and walk to all your destinations. 

One of my favorite features in downtown Cadillac is the scenic lake path. From the public parking lot, it’s just a short walk through Cadillac Commons (complete with a splash pad) to the fountain in City Park, then on to the Keith McKellop Walkway – a short but beautiful stretch along Lake Cadillac. 

Downtown Cadillac is the perfect place to enjoy dinner, then follow it with a scenic walk along the waterfront. With shade trees and a gentle lake breeze, you can simply stroll the walkway or make some extra stops at the playground and the charming Sound Garden along the way.

If you’re looking for a longer walk or bike ride, the Keith McKellop Walkway also connects to the White Pine Trail for extended adventures.

Pro Tip: Stop by the Visitor Center while you’re downtown. Housed in the historic old firehouse, it’s a stop on the KISStory Tour and stocked with brochures for local attractions and historic tours.

My Favorite Restaurants & Shops in Cadillac

I’ve been to Cadillac enough times now that I have my go‑to spots, but I still love mixing in something new each visit.

Downtown Cadillac Favorites

Many of the businesses here are in historic buildings, which only adds to their charm.

• Wildflour Bakery: Gorgeous décor, flaky pastries, savory quiches, and boba teas.
• The Sweet Shop: A candy lover’s dream with chocolates, saltwater taffy, and ice cream.
• Clam Lake Beer Co.: A solid pick for dinner and drinks.
• After 26 Depot: Located in a restored train depot with a mission to employ adults with disabilities, the food is wonderful, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier.
• The Bird House: A treasure trove of local artisan goods – from handmade jewelry and candles to maple syrup, salsas, and jams.

Cadillac West Favorites

Sandwiched between Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, Cadillac West has several other great spots to eat. 

• Mr. Foisie’s: The best pasties around – a treat to find in lower Michigan!
• Timbers: Eclectic décor, a full family‑friendly menu, and a cozy vibe.
• Michigan Coffee Co.: Fantastic breakfast sandwiches and a fun spot to grab souvenirs.
• Cone Lickers: A fun neon sign, color‑changing spoons, and irresistible ice cream.

Our Favorite Family Outdoor Adventures in Cadillac

For me, no getaway is complete without spending time in nature, and Cadillac has plenty to offer in that category. My family has enjoyed both peaceful moments outdoors and more adrenaline‑filled adventures, each with their own appeal.

Peaceful Nature Experiences

For a relaxing hike, the Heritage Nature Trail in Mitchell State Park is a family favorite. We also enjoy an educational stop at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center, where we’ve borrowed free fishing poles to fish in the canal.

For a laid‑back day by the water, both Mitchell State Park and Kenwood Heritage Park offer a beach and playground – awesome for families with kids! Kenwood also features a great disc golf course.

Thrilling Outdoor Adventures

Last summer, we rented an ORV and cruised through the forest on Cadillac’s ORV Scenic Ride. Partway through, a short summer storm rolled in, but the rain only made it more fun, splashing through the puddles along the way. It’s still one of our favorite family travel memories.

We also rented jet skis on Lake Cadillac, which was another exciting adventure. While I love the majesty of the Great Lakes, the calmer, warmer inland Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell are perfect for kids.

A Community That Celebrates Its History

Cadillac is proud of its unique place in rock ‘n’ roll history and it shows.

Cadillac’s claim to fame? Hosting the legendary band KISS for its 1975 high school Homecoming weekend – parade, private concert, helicopter departure, and all.

Join in on the KISS50 Cadillac Reunion Fun

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary KISS visit, and the whole town is joining in on the KISS-themed fun.

Even if you’re not a big KISS fan, it’s a blast to see the community come together to celebrate its history. Mitchell Street is lined with KISS banners, and local businesses are offering limited‑time, KISS‑themed treats and products from August through October. Details can be found at KISSCadillac.com!

The Self-Guided KISStory Walking Tour

Recently, my mom and I had a great time exploring the self‑guided KISStory Tour and visiting as many of the special 50th‑anniversary KISS tour stops as possible. We sampled KISS appetizers at After 26 Depot, sipped the Party Every Day Hazy IPA at Clam Lake Brewing Co., indulged in Cadillac Rock City ice cream at The Sweet Shop, and picked up a bag of Darkly Dangerous coffee from Owl Eye Coffee Roasters.

We also enjoyed a visit to the new KISS50 Exhibit (available through October) at Wexford Historical Society Museum to see memorabilia and photos from the legendary 1975 visit, which was so fascinating!

Wearing our KISS Cadillac T-shirts (more will be available soon), we felt like rock stars ourselves as people stopped to chat with us. Several locals shared their own personal memories of the 1975 visit, and one kind driver even pulled over to snap our photo in front of the KISS monument at the high school.

A Multigenerational Experience

There’s something truly special about watching an entire community unite around a shared piece of its history. For my mom, who was in high school in the 1970s, the KISS50 celebrations were a nostalgic trip down memory lane. And, for me, it was a chance to experience that history right alongside her. 

It’s the kind of event that’s perfect for a multigenerational visit, giving different generations their own reasons to connect and enjoy the fun. If you or your parents were high schoolers in the 1970s, the KISS50 Cadillac Reunion is a can’t‑miss experience.

Lodging for Every Budget: Campsites to Resorts

Another perk of visiting Cadillac is the variety of places to stay that fit every style and budget – from rustic campsites and cozy cabins to comfortable hotels and golf resorts.

When traveling with my family of four, we’ve enjoyed staying at the Comfort Inn. The rooms are comfortable, the staff is friendly, and the kids love playing in the indoor pool.

For camping, Mitchell State Park is a great choice. If you’re lucky, you can snag one of the campsites right on the canal, just steps away from the water. 

For rustic charm, Mackinaw Timbers Cabins offers cozy mini cabins for two. During the KISS50 celebrations, you can even book a KISS‑themed cabin for a one‑of‑a‑kind stay.

Whether you golf or not, Cadillac has several golf resorts that offer comfortable lodging in beautiful settings, including Evergreen Resort and Caberfae Peaks.

Explore the Northern Michigan Town that Has It All

After every visit, I’m reminded why Cadillac keeps pulling me back. It has that special combination of small‑town charm and outdoor adventure – where you can stroll, shop, and dine downtown, then be surrounded by the quiet beauty of national forests just a few miles away.

Whether I’m here for a day trip or a weekend escape, there’s always something new to discover and a few favorite spots I can’t resist revisiting. With its welcoming community, variety of lodging, and endless ways to enjoy the water, woods, and downtown, Cadillac truly has it all.