Cadillac Family Adventures
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3 Days of Epic Family Adventures in Cadillac, Michigan

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After 3 days of visiting the Cadillac Area, our boys enthusiastically declared it was our most action-packed family vacation ever. And I have to agree … 

Our trip was filled with epic adventures — ORV riding, jet skiing, axe throwing, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Plus, plenty of tasty, family-friendly restaurants.

I think I’ve cracked the code to an unforgettable family vacation: Try something new. Whether it’s a new destination, a new activity, a new restaurant, or all of the above. The Cadillac Area was the perfect place for our family to try several new experiences, making extra special, shared memories.

Thank you to the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau for partnering with Awesome Mitten and hosting our family for these amazing adventures!

Heritage Nature Trail Mitchell State Park Cadillac
Heritage Nature Trail Overlook | photo via Leah Tennant

Our 3-Day Cadillac Area Itinerary

What We Did

  • Toured the ORV Scenic Ride
  • Strolled along the Keith McKellop Walkway
  • Shopped locally at the Cadillac Farmers Market
  • Cruised on a jet ski on Lake Cadillac
  • Hiked the Heritage Nature Trail
  • Visited the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center
  • Fished along the Lake Cadillac canal
  • Tried Skeggox Axe Throwing
  • Explored Downtown Cadillac shops

Where We Ate

Where We Stayed

Mr. Foisie's Pasties in Cadillac
Mr. Foisie’s Pasties | photo via Leah Tennant

Cadillac Adventure | Day 1

Mr. Foisie’s Pasties

Readers, I love pasties. Every trip to the Upper Peninsula, I have to get a pasty or two on the journey. Before this Cadillac trip though, I realized I had, shockingly, never tried a pasty in the Lower Peninsula.

Now that I’ve visited Mr. Foisie’s Pasties, my pasty-loving eyes have been opened to the fact that a trip to the U.P. is no longer required to enjoy a pasty. Huzzah!

Mr. Foisie’s Pasties has classic pasty options — beef, chicken, and vegetarian. I tried the beef and vegetarian varieties and both were hearty and delicious. Flavorful veggies, spices, and meat wrapped in a warm, decoratively twisted crust make an amazing meal.

Outside, you’ll find picnic tables if you’d like to dine al fresco. Inside, there are tables and chairs and a healthy dose of quirky personality. Push pin maps for visitors to mark their hometowns fill the wall. Handmade succulent planters for sale by a local artist hang in the window.

I have a feeling Mr. Foisie’s Pasties will become a regular stop for our family now.

Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride
Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride | photo via Leah Tennant

ORV Adventure

Before our Cadillac trip, I was a total ORV (off-road vehicle) or side-by-side newbie. Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, the Cadillac Area has plenty of options for ORV adventures.

Cadillac Area ORV Scenic Ride

New in 2024, the Cadillac Area has designated a network of over 100 miles of open roads as part of the ORV Scenic Ride. Historically used for snowmobiling, these areas have gotten fresh signage for ORV usage, an activity that is much less weather-dependent.

Designed to be a family-friendly experience, the ORV Scenic Ride tours through wooded landscapes in Cadillac with a speed limit of 25 mph. This unique ride differs from State Trails and Routes, which have their own ORV regulations

The ORV Scenic Ride is the perfect combination of exploring the great outdoors in the Manistee National Forest while being conveniently close to modern comforts in Cadillac.

Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride
Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride | photo via Leah Tennant

ORV Rentals

The Cadillac Area has several local businesses where you can rent or buy an ORV or OHV (off-highway vehicle). For our experience, we rented from Westside Rec Rentals (part of J & D Marine & Powersports), where Teresa and Jim made the whole process super easy.

First, we stopped by the J & D Marine office where we signed waivers, went over the trail rules, and got a paper map. We were outfitted with a 6-seater ORV equipped with a roof, windshield, metal caging, and seat belts.

Since our vehicle had a roof and seat belts, helmets were optional. J & D Marine had helmets available, but we felt secure with the vehicle’s safety features in place.

Cadillac West Staging Area

From J & D Marine, we followed behind Jim in our car for a short drive as he trailered the ORV rental to the staging area.

The Scenic Ride has two staging areas — starting points with dirt parking lots — at Caberfae and Cadillac West. We started our adventure at Cadillac West since it was the closest option.

After a short tutorial on how to operate the vehicle, we were ready to ride!

Navigating the Scenic Ride

All in all, it was pretty easy to navigate the trails in the section where we drove, with a paper map on hand and trail markers along the way.

Little orange signs appeared periodically with the trail number. Brown, rectangular signs with 4-digit numbers helped mark our progress along the trail. At turns, arrow signs pointed in the trail direction.

Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride
Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride | photo via Leah Tennant

Adventures Through the Manistee Forest

From the Cadillac West staging area, we rode all the way to the Lincoln Bridge. The last stretch of 35 closest to the Pine River became quite twisty and bumpy, much to the excitement of our boys.

In the words of my 9-year-old, “It’s like a real live Mario Kart course!”

With a recent rainfall, the puddles were plentiful on the trail. “Go faster Dad, go faster,” our boys urged as we’d hit a puddle, mud cascading over the ORV and droplets splashing us through the open sides of the vehicle.

ORV TIP: Make sure to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty on an ORV ride! Also, bug spray is very handy in the thick forests of the trails, especially during summer months.

Lincoln Bridge over the Pine River
Lincoln Bridge over the Pine River | photo via Leah Tennant

After that bumpy stretch, we were rewarded with a scenic stop at the Lincoln Bridge. It was a beautiful spot to stretch our legs and take in a view of the Pine River.

On the ride back, going through the puddles was such a hit we’d turn around and go through enormous puddles multiple times. The roof and windshield were definitely appreciated, especially as a rainstorm rolled in.

At the end of our ORV adventure, we met Jim back at the staging area to load up the ORV. Then, we piled into our car, laughing and already reminiscing about splashing through those massive puddles.

ORV TIP: ORV rental operations are also able to drop off and pick up at different locations – including some lodging properties. 

Tread Lightly

If you plan to go on the ORV Scenic Ride, it’s important to know that you’ll be out in the deep woods for most of the time. Plan on bringing a trash bag to carry out whatever you carry in for the ride. Clean trails make the ride enjoyable for everyone!

Timbers Restaurant in Cadillac Michigan
Timbers Restaurant | photo via Leah Tennant

The Timbers Restaurant

After our epic ORV adventure, The Timbers was the perfect spot for dinner, with cozy cabin vibes and locally sourced fare. While seated, I kept finding interesting rustic decor to admire. A wooden ladder decorated with hanging trinkets. Antique farm tools. Wooden snowshoes.

If you are dining in the Cadillac Area with kids, The Timbers has awesome kids’ menu options. Only $5 or $6 for a main course, a side dish (including vegetable options), and a beverage. Great quality at an affordable price.

My Margherita pizza had fresh toppings with a delightfully thin, crispy crust. My husband’s Chop Saw burger was juicy and filling. A refreshing Oberon completed the meal.

Classic car in Cadillac
Classic car in Cadillac | photo via Leah Tennant

Accommodations in Cadillac

The Cadillac Area offers a variety of hotels, cabins, and resorts for your stay here.

For our trip, the recently renovated Comfort Inn was ideal for our family. We appreciated the clean, modern room with comfortable beds, a complimentary hot breakfast, and the indoor hot tub and pool — where we went for nightly swims.

Fittingly, since it’s car show season, we also got to check out some groovy retro cars in the parking lot during our visit.

Cadillac Farmers Market
Cadillac Farmers Market | photo via Leah Tennant

Cadillac Adventure | Day 2

Cadillac Farmers Market in Cadillac Commons

We started the next day at the Cadillac Farmers Market — open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — where we perused locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and handmade jewelry and decor. Of course, we had to pick up a quart of fresh Michigan strawberries.

My husband ordered a drink from Cornerstone Coffee, one of the food truck options at the farmers market, to sip on as we continued to explore the area.

Downtown Cadillac has such a smart layout. Cadillac Commons has multi-use gathering spaces — for events like the farmers market — that connect to the picturesque Keith McKellop Walkway and plenty of shopping and dining options, including a designated Social District.

Cadillac Commons City Park
Cadillac Commons City Park | photo via Leah Tennant

Downtown Shops

From the farmers market, we walked along Mitchell Street in Downtown Cadillac, scoping out the local shops and restaurants.

For our kids, picking out a bagful of saltwater taffy has become our summer vacation tradition. We were on a mission to find taffy, and The Sweet Shop delivered. I admired the cases of homemade fudge and chocolates, while our boys eagerly filled their bags with new taffy flavors.

Another irresistible stop for kids in Downtown Cadillac was Toy Town. Inside, I found a haven for fun gifts. The shelves were piled high with Melissa & Doug toys, LEGO sets, stuffed animals, board games, magic sets, and more. I was excited to find a series of Michigan-themed puzzles, including ones with pictures of the Cadillac Fountain and Clam River Bridge.

Roasted Cafe in Cadillac
Roasted Cafe | photo via Leah Tennant

Roasted Cafe

As we made our way through downtown, we stopped at Roasted Cafe for lunch, a modern coffeehouse with a full cafe menu.

Breakfast is served all day, so the kids were eager to try the large, fluffy pancakes and bacon. The homemade whipped cream really took the pancakes to the next level.

My husband and I split the grilled chicken panini and roasted salad, which was topped with roasted tomatoes and onions. Both were warm and delicious.

Lake Cadillac Jetski
Jet skiing on Lake Cadillac | photo via Leah Tennant

Jet Ski Rental on Lake Cadillac

Next up, another new experience for our kids — jet skiing!

Cadillac’s two inland lakes — Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell — are awesome spots for water sports. Several places in town offer jet ski or boat rentals. We rented our jet ski from Greater North Power Sports and Rentals, who was great to work with.

Kenwood Park on Lake Cadillac, where we met Nick from Greater North, makes an excellent staging area for watercraft rentals. After signing waivers and getting instructions on operating the jet ski, we were ready to get out on the water.

Being cooler and cloudy on a weekday afternoon, the lake was pretty quiet aside from a few other boats. I had decided on one jet ski since I wasn’t sure how long our 6-year-old would last on the water, so my husband took turns racing our boys around the lake.

Of course, going fast and riding over bumpy waves was their favorite part. They zipped back and forth on the lake, proclaiming the water was surprisingly comfortable — a perk of being on an inland lake rather than a Great Lake.

I was happy to be the family photographer, snug in my cozy jacket on the shore.

Mi Mezcal Fajitas in Cadillac
Mi Mezcal Fajitas | photo via Leah Tennant

Mi Mezcal Mexican Grill

After our jet ski adventure, really hit the spot for dinner.

As we walked inside, we were greeted with bright, festive decor and a fun waterfall wall. For our meal, we shared steak and chicken fajitas and fresh chips and salsa. Everything tasted scrumptious.

On the way out, I noticed that Mi Mezcal is quite spacious. The restaurant includes two large dining rooms and a separate bar area and entry door. It would be a great place for a large party or gathering.

Keith McKellop Walkway in Cadillac, Michigan
Keith McKellop Walkway | photo via Leah Tennant

Keith McKellop Walkway

With full bellies, we decided to stroll along the Keith McKellop Walkway after dinner. Lined with majestic mature trees, the path has lots of shade, benches, and beautiful Lake Cadillac views. 

I have to say, Downtown Cadillac is a lovely spot to eat a nice meal and then take a waterfront walk afterward.

NOTE: The Keith McKellop Walkway is for pedestrians and in-line skaters. Bikes are not allowed, but there are plenty of other bike trails in the Cadillac Area.

Cadillac Sound Garden
Cadillac Sound Garden | photo via Leah Tennant

Along the walkway, we came to the Cadillac Lakeside Playscape, where the kids climbed the monkey bars and play structures. As a parent, I always appreciate a playground with a pretty lake view for me to enjoy while my kids run around.

We kept walking and crossed the street to check out the Cadillac Sound Garden, which is filled with plants, flowers, a sundial where your shadow tells the time, and musical sculptures. The garden is such a unique place to create music in an outdoor space.

Heritage Nature Trail
Heritage Nature Trail | photo via Leah Tennant

Heritage Nature Trail

Since we had such a pleasant, sunny evening, we headed down the road to hike the Heritage Nature Trail at Mitchell State Park.

As dappled sunlight streamed through the towering trees, the trail was magical. Except for the mosquitoes: Those brought me back to reality.

Along the Heritage Nature Trail, we crossed several wooden boardwalks and headed up to the observation tower. At the top, I savored the gorgeous panoramic view of the marsh.

Lake Mitchell State Park in Cadillac
Lake Mitchell State Park | photo via Leah Tennant

Mitchell State Park Beach

After our hike, I wanted to take full advantage of the sunshine, so we continued our journey to the state park playground area and beach across the road. Sand, sunshine, and lake views are always good for the soul.

Michigan Coffee Co in Cadillac
Michigan Coffee Co. | photo via Leah Tennant

Cadillac Adventure | Day 3

Michigan Coffee Co.

Our last day in Cadillac was filled with cloudy skies and rain ranging from a light drizzle to a heavy downpour, but we found several rain-friendly activities.

We started our morning at Michigan Coffee Co., which feels lived-in and homey in all the right ways. I noticed cozy details like leather chairs by the fireplace, a worn wooden table, and a notebook for visitors to leave encouraging words or silly stories.

Michigan Coffee Co. is also a great spot to pick up souvenirs. There were shelves lined with local honey and maple syrup, travel mugs, t-shirts, and canvas tote bags.

From their menu, I tried the Caprese breakfast sandwich, which was divine, and a peppy caramel macchiato to fuel up for the day’s adventures.

Fishing in the canal between Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell
Fishing in the canal between Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell | photo via Leah Tennant

Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center

Located in Mitchell State Park, the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center is a great resource for the community, both residents and visitors alike. The center offers a variety of programming, including archery and pellet gun training, and provides fishing poles for visitors to borrow.

NOTE: In Michigan, a fishing license is required for ages 17 and older. Fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased online through the DNR Hunt Fish app or at local stores like Meijer or some bait shops.

Inside the Hunting & Fishing Center, we strolled through the educational displays and taxidermied animals, learning about Michigan history and wildlife management.

Since we happened to be visiting on one of two free weekends a year when fishing licenses are not required in Michigan, I decided to borrow a fishing pole to use at the canal just across the street. With cloudy skies and a light drizzle, the lake was quiet and ideal for fishing.

FISHING TIP: The Cadillac Area has several prime spots for lake and river fishing in all four seasons – Lake Cadillac, Mitchell, and Missaukee and the Pine, Manistee, and Pere Marquette Rivers.

While I didn’t catch any fish, I appreciated the peaceful break of slowing down to connect with the natural world. The experience reminded me of a quote I saw in the center by Henry Middleton, “Fishing is not an escape from life but a deeper immersion into it…”

As the drizzle turned into a downpour, we headed inside to return the fishing pole, ready for our next new-to-us activity.

But first, ice cream.

Cone Lickers in Cadillac
Cone Lickers | photo via Leah Tennant

Cone Lickers

Is it even a summer trip if you don’t have ice cream for at least one meal?

We had hoped to try Let’s Roll With It, Rolled Ice Cream, but they happened to be closed for a private event. Just another excuse to come back to Cadillac again soon!

Instead, we made our way to Cone Lickers for some tasty treats. Outside, we passed a patio area that would be ideal for a sunny day. Inside were colorful walls with tables and chairs and a neon Cone Lickers sign for photo ops.

Cone Lickers has tons of menu options, but we all opted for hard ice cream. With plenty of Hudsonville ice cream flavors to choose from — including dairy-free and no-sugar-added options — we enjoyed Superman, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cotton Candy, and Moose Tracks.

Skeggox Axe Throwing in Cadillac
Skeggox Axe Throwing | photo via Leah Tennant

Skeggox Axe Throwing

An awesome rainy day activity in Cadillac? Skeggox Axe Throwing!

Keeping with our theme of trying new activities, we had to experience axe throwing.

Since axe throwing is recommended for ages 12 and up, only my husband and I tried it while our boys played in the Kids Zone. They were completely happy with the skee ball, pool, air hockey, and Nerf targets.

After signing waivers and going over safety rules and technique instructions, my hubby and I were ready to throw some axes. We had a section with 2 targets for 30 minutes, which was perfect as an introduction to axe throwing.

It took some practice and tips from a professional to find the right rhythm. Pretty soon, though, we were ready to try a game and keep score. We played a fun and challenging game of trying to get exactly 21 points without going over.

Just like that, axe throwing became another new activity that I would definitely try again!

Clam Lake Beer Co in Cadillac
Clam Lake Beer Company | photo via Leah Tennant

Clam Lake Beer Company

For our last meal in Cadillac before making our way back home, we visited Clam Lake Beer Company. With wood floors, dark trim, and exposed brick, you can feel the history of the building as you walk inside.

Seated with a view of Cadillac Commons, we all enjoyed our meal. The Asian chopped salad was fresh and filling. The buffalo BBQ wraps were full of flavor. The kids scarfed down their mac and cheese.

Clam Lake the 106, a light and refreshing blonde ale, was an excellent complement to the crispy and salty housemade chips.

Cadillac Family Adventures
Cadillac Family Adventures | photos via Leah Tennant

Find Your Next Family Adventure in the Cadillac Area

The Cadillac Area truly is a treasure trove of year-round family fun. Water sports; ORV adventures; fishing spots; parks; hiking, biking, and walking paths; kid-friendly restaurants, shops, and lodging all make Cadillac an amazing family destination.

My heart is happy and full of all the memories we created while trying new adventures together as a family. I hope my experience inspires you to take the time to explore everything the Cadillac Area has to offer!

One Comment

  1. Love this 3-day full itinerary blog! I hope you keep posting 3-day Michigan adventures to make quick vacation planning easy for everyone : )

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