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Cadillac, Michigan is known for being "out in the middle of everywhere" and I think that perfectly describes this beautiful area of our state. Their location makes it an ideal destination for experiencing some of the best skiing and outdoor winter adventures within just a couple hour drive to the majority of the Lower Peninsula. We recently visited in January and had the perfect snowy season getaway. Keep reading to discover where we ate, stayed, and adventured!
Disclaimer: Our trip was sponsored by Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Some of the links below are affiliate links meaning I may receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Day 1 - Downtown CAdillac Shopping, Clam Lake Beer Company & Lantern-Lit Hike
We arrived to Cadillac in the late afternoon on Friday and our first stop was strolling through the downtown district to check out the local shopping scene along historic Mitchell Street. I was so impressed with the variety of shops and how walkable this area was. A few of our favorites were Simply Delightful for their selection of gourmet popcorn, Maske Boutique for their custom trucker hat bar, The Bird House for local Michigan-made artisan goods, Charming North for a curated selection of men's and women's clothing and home decor, and Serendipity for fashionable clothing, accessories and gifts.
For dinner we stopped in to Clam Lake Beer Company, a micro-brewery serving several of their own brews along with over 30 Michigan-made beers and ciders on tap. The building itself has a historic industrial feel with exposed brick and metal artwork. There is something for every taste bud on the menu from burgers and handhelds to wood-fired pizza. I had the bang bang shrimp tacos which were tossed in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce as well as the chips and dip with their homemade French onion dip and beer cheese. After dinner we headed to the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center. While the museum is closed during the winter months, on Friday evenings (6-9 p.m.) in January and February they host a free lantern-lit hike along the Heritage Trail. There are snowshoes available to borrow free on a first come basis in the lodge or you can hike in your boots. The trail was beautifully lit and it made walking through the snow covered trees that much more magical. When you're done with the hike you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate in the lodge and warm up around the outdoor fire pit. This is a great activity for all ages and skill levels. DAy 2: Ski DAy at Caberfae, Arlo's Deck, & Mi Mezcal MExican Grill
If you're looking for the big hills with the best snow, head to Caberfae Peaks - one of the first ski resorts in the Midwest. We stayed at the recently renovated, 39-room Mackenzie Lodge which offers easy ski-in/ski-out access. This allowed us to get out on the slopes first thing in the morning after fueling up with the breakfast buffet at Beatie's Bar & Grill located inside the main lobby of the lodge. Caberfae offers 27 runs on three peaks with a magic carpet bunny hill and lessons available for all skill levels. It is such a fun vibe here and perfect for a family vacation or winter getaway with a group of friends. If you have individuals in your group who don't ski or snowboard, Caberfae also rents snowshoes and cross-country skis which you can enjoy along the 10-mile MacKenzie Trail that is accessible from the resort's base.
When you need a break from the slopes, the apres ski scene here is fantastic with multiple dining options including R Dub's Pub and Arlo's Deck which offer food and drinks, live music, and fire pits directly off the slopes. Be sure to try the famous Arlo's Bloody Mary! Families and those looking to grab a quick bite to eat will enjoy the Blackmer Lodge Cafeteria as well as the recently renovated Skyview Lodge which welcomes crockpots and picnic lunches with ample seating and three fireplaces. After a long day on the slopes, we headed back to the Mackenzie lodge for a relaxing evening in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. For dinner we drove back to downtown Cadillac and enjoyed a delicious meal at MI Mezcal Mexican Grill serving authentic Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients and a large selection of cocktails and frozen margaritas. DAy 3: Winter Rafting, After 26 Depot Cafe & Coffee at Roasted CAfe
After enjoying breakfast at Beatie's we bundled up for one last outdoor winter adventure - winter rafting with Pine River Paddlesports. In addition to renting rafts, kayaks, canoes and SUPs in the summer months, Pine River also offers guests a unique opportunity to get out on the river in the snowy season. The winter rafting tours are a guided trip, meaning your guide will either ride in the raft with you and help navigate or canoe next to your raft if you'd prefer to paddle on your own. The float is very peaceful and you don't have to worry about falling in or getting wet. You can also check out my list of highly recommended winter gear to help you stay warm and dry.
It's a 75 minute trip down the river and was so peaceful with a fresh blanket of snow. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the river and the surrounding area and he will even bring his dog Hoxey along for the ride upon request. Hoxey was the sweetest boy and made our trip so much more fun! At the end of the float, you can choose to ride a shuttle back to your car or hike the Silver Creek Pathway which runs along the river if you want to extend your adventure. For lunch we paid one last visit to downtown Cadillac to dine at After 26 Depot Cafe which serves breakfast and lunch in a converted train depot. In addition to delicious food, they also have an amazing mission dedicated to employing adults with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments. We couldn't hit the road without a coffee in hand so we stopped at Roasted Cafe which serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and cocktails. They also have a variety of fresh baked goods and I had to try one of their homemade oatmeal cream pies which was an amazing treat to end our trip with!
Looking for more winter fun? Cadillac is also home to a regional snowmobile trail network of nearly 500 miles through five counties as well as 500,000 acres of Manistee National Forest with nearly 100 miles of backcountry trails for fat tire biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing along with three inland lakes with endless ice fishing opportunities. Discover more and plan your trip!
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AuthorI love creating detailed travel guides to ensure you get the most out of your adventures. On this blog I'll be sharing my favorite destinations, lodging, and activities in Michigan and beyond . Pack your bags you never know where I'll be heading next! Archives
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