Wildly Unique Experiences You Need to Try in Cadillac, Michigan
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
If one-of-a-kind experiences with a bit of a wild side are right up your alley, make Cadillac, Michigan, one of your travel destinations in 2025.
Surrounded by beautiful national forests and sparkling lakes, Cadillac offers cozy Northern Michigan vibes and plenty of ways to enjoy the local community that are slightly out of the ordinary.
Exciting scenic tours. A special connection to a rock ’n’ roll legend. An ancient tribal trail. A mysterious canal – and more! These one-of-a-kind experiences allow you to get up close and personal with Cadillac’s wildly unique history, natural resources, and local businesses.
Thank you to the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau for partnering with Awesome Mitten to bring you this special destination guide!
Hit the Road for a Spring Adventure Tour
Caddy’s Spring Jeep Tour
Spring in Cadillac is kicking off with an exciting new event, Caddy’s Spring Jeep Tour 2025. From April 2 – May 21, 2025, hit the road and explore scenic routes and local businesses throughout the Cadillac Area.
Check out the tour passport or stop by any of the 15 participating locations to grab your copy. Fill the passport with stickers from as many of the dozen local stops and 3 spring events featured for a chance to win prizes, including a $500 grand prize!
Stamp your Jeep Tour passport at these 3 spring events:
- Mesick Jeep Blessing: May 3, 2025
- Mesick Mushroom Festival: May 9-11, 2025
- Go Topless Jeep Event: May 17, 2025
Cadillac’s ORV Scenic Ride
In spring, summer and fall, the ORV Scenic Ride offers a unique and family-friendly adventure through the Cadillac Area.
Rent side-by-sides from local businesses or bring your own and head to one of the designated staging areas. From there, you can cruise through wooded forests to scenic overlooks and convenient local stores and restaurants.
As you explore, remember to tread lightly to help keep the forests clean and beautiful for all to enjoy.
Relive a Legendary Moment in Rock ’n’ Roll History
A Rock ’n’ Roll Dream in the Making
Picture this: The year is 1975. After a rough start to the season, your small-town high school football team starts blasting the electrifying music of a new rock ’n’ roll band in the locker room as motivation. Their anthems inspire a 7-game winning streak.
When word of your team’s triumph reaches the band, a special bond is forged. To celebrate, these rockstars roll into your small town to perform an unforgettable concert in your high school gym for homecoming weekend.
This is the stuff high school dreams are made of!
A Wild Dream Come True
For Cadillac High, this dream became a reality when the legendary band KISS came to town.
The entire community joined in the KISS mania. Everyone from children and cheerleaders to the high school principal and the mayor painted their faces to match the rockstars’ iconic black and white designs to welcome KISS to Cadillac.
Two days of camaraderie ensued. KISS rode in a limo in the Cadillac homecoming parade, performed a fire-breathing stunt on the football field, and rocked the high school gym with an exhilarating concert. With their signature dramatic flair, KISS said farewell to Cadillac and departed in a helicopter from the 50-yard line of the football field.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary
Cadillac commemorated this legendary visit with a black granite monument at Cadillac High School in 2015. As the only KISS monument in the world, it’s become a must-visit destination for fans. If you’re a rock ’n’ roll enthusiast, you can take the full Cadillac KISStory Tour, a 2.4-mile walking tour that highlights historic sites from the KISS visit.
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of this momentous occasion. Festivities are planned throughout the summer and into the fall, culminating in a KISS weekend on October 9-12, 2025. Join in the fun with live music, an enhanced KISStory Tour, Cadillac High School Homecoming tailgate and game, a KISS50 film, a 5K race, a golf outing, and more.
Stay tuned for more details!
Witness the Mystery of the Clam Lake Canal
Featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Cadillac is home to an interesting water phenomenon that unfolds during the winter months.
As chilly winter temperatures set in, you may witness a remarkable natural event occurring in the canal between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac (formerly called Big Clam Lake and Little Clam Lake). This man-made canal was built to transport timber during Cadillac’s logging era in the late 1800s.
Intriguingly, the canal and the connecting lakes never freeze at the same time. At the beginning of winter, the canal freezes first, while the lakes remain unfrozen. Then, as the connecting lakes freeze, water will flow again in the canal.
Varying water depths and currents may be key factors in solving this natural mystery. The shallower waters of the canal freeze more quickly than the deeper Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac. Then, as these lakes later freeze over, the rapid current along the canal may cause this section to flow freely again.
A winter trip to the canal is worthwhile to see this water phenomenon in action!
Travel an Ancient Trail from the Three Fires Tribes
For travelers looking to connect with ancient roots in the area, the Old Indian Trail provides a unique 55-mile journey from Cadillac to Traverse City.
The trail was originally forged by Indigenous tribes around the 1200s. Known as the Three Fires, the Anishinaabe people of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes were the first to live in the Cadillac Area.
The Old Indian Trail consists of 33 historical markers, 32 of which are alongside roads, making it a driveable trail. Hiking is discouraged as the majority of the trail crosses into private property.
Download a printable map of the Old Indian Trail.
Highlights on the Old Indian Trail:
- #1 Lake Mitchell Marker: Start your journey on the scenic northeast shore of Lake Mitchell.
- #3 Boon Marker: Look for ceremonial mounds and garden sites here, which are rich in cultural significance.
- #16 Indian Camp Marker: This location was likely used as a campsite for many years. Be sure to take the short path beyond the marker for a peaceful view of the Manistee Valley.
Take a Tour of Fascinating Historic Landmarks
Continue your exploration of local history with the Historical Cadillac Tour of Buildings, Sculptures, and Monuments. This experience offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the area’s rich heritage while enjoying a charming stroll through town.
Downtown Cadillac Section
The tour begins in Downtown Cadillac, where you’ll discover important historical buildings dating back to the 19th-century logging boom. Many of these architectural gems are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Shay Locomotive in Cadillac City Park is a must-see landmark on the Historic Cadillac Tour. A symbol of innovation, the Shay Locomotive played a crucial role in the town’s prosperity by providing an alternate way to transport lumber despite Cadillac’s inland location.
Lake Cadillac Section
The second part of the Historic Cadillac Tour winds along the shores of Lake Cadillac on the Keith McKellop Walkway. Here, you’ll encounter a series of historic markers, sculptures, and monuments.
Be sure to visit the enchanting Sound Garden, a beautiful park with sculptures that blend art, music, and movement. And don’t miss the iconic KISS monument near the end of the path, a fitting tribute to Cadillac’s more modern history.
Discover a One-of-a-Kind Resource for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Located right next to Cadillac’s canal, the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center serves as a one-of-a-kind resource for outdoor enthusiasts. Through interpretive displays and a wide variety of classes and programs, the center helps promote safe and responsible hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational practices.
Participants can choose from clinics on topics like beekeeping, wild mushrooms, or fly fishing, as well as hikes on the Heritage Nature Trail. In the summer months, the center has archery and pellet gun shooting ranges available for practice. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to borrow fishing poles to use on the canal or the nearby lakes.
If you are wild about outdoor life, the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center is the place for you!
Play the #1 Rated Public Golf Course in Michigan
Searching for one-of-a-kind golf course gold? Cadillac has three courses ranked in the top 25 this year but the Eldorado Golf Course has been recognized as the #1 public golf course in Michigan for 2025 by GolfPass.
As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by two stunning convertible Eldorados, the luxurious cars produced by the Cadillac automotive company.
Eldorado features beautiful scenery, exceptional service, and pristine course conditions, providing a fun challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
After your round, be sure to visit the Cadillac Grill for an excellent meal paired with a panoramic view from the top of the golf course.
Experience a Beloved First-Class Bakery
This wildly adored local bakery takes the art of service to new heights. With upbeat vibes and a top-notch menu, WildFlour Bakery quickly becomes a favorite for anyone who walks through their doors.
The WildFlour menu includes a delicious array of homemade pastries, a wide variety of refreshing boba tea flavors, and convenient deli soups, sandwiches, and salads.
WildFlour Bakery is not just about great food. They also foster community connections through culinary classes, such as pasta-making workshops, and special events, like decadent five-course holiday-themed dinners.
Try a Fun New Way to Eat Ice Cream
Does ice cream taste better rolled up? There’s only one way to find out!
Head to Let’s Roll with It, Rolled Ice Cream for a new twist on a classic dessert. Watch as your ice cream server spreads out the ice cream into a thin layer, scrapes it into rolls, and adds tasty toppings.
Viola – a wildly delicious frozen treat!
In addition to extraordinary ice cream treats, Let’s Roll with It, Rolled Ice Cream also offers a full food menu. Try a savory parfait or gourmet grilled cheese for classic comfort food with a bit of a kick.
Explore Spicy Flavors in Northern Michigan
If you love exploring diverse culinary flavors, Cadillac has an exciting new destination for you in town – Indian Spice Restaurant. This vibrant eatery features a delectable selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with specialties including tikka masala, biryani, and lamb saag.
Treat your taste buds to a journey of international flavors at Indian Spice Restaurant – without leaving the comfort of Northern Michigan!
Bring Home a One-of-a-Kind Souvenir from Local Artisans
Before you head home, don’t miss one final stop at The Bird House, a charming local boutique brimming with handmade treasures – the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Inside, you’ll discover a delightful selection crafted by local artisans, including handmade pottery and jewelry, stained glass art, hand-carved wooden pieces, homemade sauces and dips, custom clothing and accessories, and so much more.
Additionally, The Bird House occasionally hosts arts and craft classes for the community, like garland-making workshops, providing a creative outlet for all ages.
Plan Your Wildly Unique Trip to Cadillac, Michigan
Cadillac is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind experiences for every interest – whether you’re seeking top-rated golf courses, exhilarating outdoor adventures, or exceptional local dining and shopping.
The area also offers a variety of intriguing historical tours that explore its rich history – spanning from the original Indigenous tribes and the bustling logging era to a legendary rock ’ n ’ roll concert and modern art sculptures.
As you plan your own wildly unique trip, be sure to use the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau as your ultimate planning resource!