Play a Round of Golf

With nine dynamic golf courses within 30 minutes of Cadillac, Michigan, this region is truly a golfer’s playground. During my recent visit, I toured both Lakewood on the Green and Eldorado Golf Course, each offering a unique “Up North” golf experience. Lakewood on the Green, nestled among tall pines and shimmering lake waters, features gently rolling fairways and scenic views that make every round memorable. The course’s 18 holes wind through 300+ acres of tranquil northern Michigan landscape, and its signature hole #15, with its T-box peninsula, is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.

Eldorado Golf Course, renowned for its meticulously maintained bent grass fairways and panoramic views of flowering wetlands, is just south of town. With five tee boxes, the course accommodates players of all skill levels, and its 4-star rating from Golf Digest speaks to its high quality. After your round, the Cadillac Grill Restaurant is the perfect spot for lunch. Two bright red Cadillac Eldorados greeted me at the entrance—an Instagram-worthy moment. The award-winning restaurant’s elevated dining area offers sweeping views of the course and a welcoming atmosphere.

For those looking to maximize their golf getaway, Evergreen Resort stands out. The 18-hole Spruce Course, perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Cadillac, winds through scenic pine forests and gentle hills.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Their resident golf pros and customizable packages make planning easy.

Book your stay in Cadillac, Michigan today.

Follow the KISS Trail

Ready to rock your way through Cadillac’s most legendary story? Follow the KISS Trail and relive the wild, unforgettable days when the iconic band KISS took Cadillac by storm. I began my adventure with Jim Neff, the coach who made it happen. We started at the impressive KISS Monument, located on Chestnut Street, in the southeast corner of Veterans Memorial Stadium. This eight-foot-tall, midnight-black granite monolith is the only KISS monument in the world—an actual pilgrimage spot for fans and music lovers alike.

From there, Jim and I strolled around Cadillac High School, where the band performed in the gym back in 1975. Check out the commemorative marker at the athletic director’s entrance. The trail then leads into downtown Cadillac. You’ll find more plaques marking KISStorical moments—like the Old City Hall and firehouse, where KISS posed on a fire truck, and the Sweet Shop, which celebrates the day Mitchell Street was temporarily renamed KISS Boulevard.

This 2.4-mile “KISSercise” loop is full of photo ops, fun facts, and a healthy dose of rock history.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Download a free Cadillac KISStory brochure or pick up a paper copy at the Visitors Bureau in the old City Hall (201 N. Mitchell St.) before you start. It’s loaded with maps, classic photos, and insider stories to make your KISS Trail experience even more epic. Rock on and enjoy the walk. Discover the special activities happening in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of KISS visiting Cadillac.

Take an ORV Scenic Ride

Get ready to rev up your sense of adventure with an ORV Scenic Ride through the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Cadillac. This experience offers over 100 miles of mapped trails winding through some of Michigan’s most stunning woodlands, part of the nearly one million acres that make up these iconic national forests. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a complete beginner, they designed the Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride for everyone, with family-friendly speed limits and plenty of trail markers to help you stay on track. You’ll pass by towering pines, sparkling streams, and hidden treasures, with designated staging areas at Caberfae and Cadillac West.

Along the way, you’ll find kiosks with maps, scenic overlooks, and even local restaurants perfect for a quick stop. It isn’t just about thrills; it’s about taking in the beauty of the forest and supporting local businesses that make Cadillac a unique destination.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Pack extra snacks, water, and a paper map before you head out—cell service can be spotty in the deep woods, and you’ll want to be ready for impromptu picnics or photo ops at those stunning forest clearings.

Buy Some Cheese at Boon Country Store

No trip to the Cadillac area is complete without a stop at the legendary Boon Country Store. Located at one of the trailheads, this charming shop is the oldest continuously operating cheese store in Northern Michigan—and possibly the entire state—with a history spanning over 100 years. Step inside, and the irresistible aroma of fresh cheese and friendly staff will greet you, ready to help you sample their best varieties. Whether you’re a cheddar connoisseur or love a good snack for the road, you’ll find something to savor here. Locals and visitors alike rave about the quality and selection, and if you’re out enjoying the trails, Boon Country Store is a perfect pit stop for both cheese and gas for the ATV. Note that they don’t have fuel for cars.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Don’t be shy about sampling. The staff is happy to let you taste before you buy so you can discover a new favorite or pick the perfect picnic addition for your northern Michigan adventures. You’ll want to be sure to make a purchase.

Discover William Mitchell State Park

If you’re ready for a day of outdoor fun in Cadillac, you won’t want to miss William Mitchell State Park. This beautiful park is home to the Heritage Nature Trail, also known as the Mitchell State Park Heritage Trail or Cadillac Heritage Trail—a scenic 3.5-mile loop winding through a 235-acre preserve right inside the park. The trail is a treat for all ages, featuring a mix of dirt and hard-packed gravel paths, peaceful boardwalks, and charming bridges that let you explore the area’s natural beauty up close. You can access the trail from the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, making it a perfect starting point for your adventure.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of picnic areas with picnic tables—ideal for a relaxing lunch or snack break surrounded by towering trees and lakeside views. Families will love the children’s play areas, where kids can burn off energy while parents soak in the scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual walker, or just looking for a great place to unwind, William Mitchell State Park offers something for everyone. Bring your camera and a picnic lunch, and get ready to discover one of Cadillac’s most popular outdoor escapes.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Leashed pets are welcome on the Heritage Nature Trail as long as they stay on a leash.

Explore the Historic Old Indian Trail

Step back in time and discover the magic of the Historic Old Indian Trail, a hidden gem that connects Cadillac and Traverse City. This ancient pathway, stretching roughly 55 miles, has roots dating back to as early as 700 BCE, to the Hopewell civilization. Later, the Anishinaabe people—members of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes—have traveled this path since the 13th century. 

Today, you can follow this route marked by 33 distinctive white stone markers, most of which are easily accessible along scenic roadways. Along the way, you’ll pass through landscapes once filled with bustling Indigenous campsites, fertile farmlands, and even ancient burial mounds near Lake Mitchell—each marker revealing a new chapter in Michigan’s rich history. It’s perfect for history buffs, road trippers, or anyone who loves uncovering local legends and treasures. So, set out to explore the Old Indian Trail—where every mile tells a story, and the spirit of Michigan’s earliest travelers still lingers.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Thirty-two of the 33 markers are along the roadside, so driving is the best option. Please avoid planning to hike the trail because it mostly crosses private property. Download the trail map here.

Discover White Pine Trail

The White Pine Trail in Cadillac marks the northern end of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, which is one of Michigan’s longest rail-to-trail parks and the longest paved trail in the state. The trail extends 92 miles, connecting Grand Rapids to Cadillac, and passes through five counties and many small towns along the way.

The White Pine Trail in Cadillac is a must-visit for anyone craving outdoor adventure and small-town charm. As the northern gateway to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, Cadillac marks the end—or the beginning of Michigan’s longest paved rail-to-trail park. Spanning an impressive 92 miles, the trail stretches to Grand Rapids, winding through five counties and a series of welcoming small towns. Whether you’re a cyclist, runner, walker, or rollerblader, you’ll love the smooth, scenic ride past forests, farmlands, and sparkling lakes. Cadillac’s trailhead is located near downtown, so you can easily grab a coffee, enjoy a picnic, or celebrate your ride with a local treat.

Piper’s Pro Planning Tip: Start early in the morning for cooler temps and fewer crowds.

Take a Tour of the Wexford County Historical Museum

Housed in a restored 1906 Carnegie Library, the museum features exhibits that bring Cadillac’s past to life in an engaging and accessible manner. It’s a fun way to discover local history.

Walking through the museum, you’ll find yourself stepping into various parts of small-town history. There’s a replica of Wexford County’s first post office, a charming one-room schoolhouse filled with old desks and artifacts from rural schools, and even a barber shop that acts as a mini time capsule—back when barbers also served as dentists and surgeons. You can peek into a watch shop to see how timepieces were repaired before smartphones became our timepieces or stroll through recreated Main Street stores like a general store, men’s shop, and women’s shops to get a sense of early shopping experiences. You’ll also find an exhibit about the KISS experience in Cadillac.

What makes the experience extra special is the knowledgeable volunteers who take you on a guided tour. They’re full of stories and encourage you to touch and explore the exhibits, making it feel more like a conversation with history than a stuffy museum visit. There’s even a scavenger hunt for kids (or curious adults), and the building itself, with its classical dome and original glass floors, is a piece of history worth seeing on its own.

Piper’s Pro Planning: The museum is open from May to October, and you can visit by appointment during the off-season.

Read More: The Mystery of Cadillac’s Clam Lake Canal

Make Some Music at the Cadillac Sound Garden

Tucked along the headwaters of the Clam River Greenway, the Cadillac Sound Garden is an interactive park that encourages all ages to play, explore, and create music outdoors. This park features hand-carved wooden instruments, xylophones, and chimes made from recycled brake drums, as well as a log drum. The Sound Garden is more than a musical playground; it’s a living art installation celebrating Cadillac’s history, nature, and community spirit.

Piper’s Pro Planning: Bring a picnic and your sense of play—there are picnic tables nearby, and you never know who you’ll meet or what spontaneous melodies you’ll create in this joyful, one-of-a-kind space.

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