Between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac lies the 770-acre William Mitchell State Park. The historic Clam Lake Canal connects the lakes and leads into a story in which waterways also served to transport lumber. This interplay of landscape and past offers a distinctive path of discovery.
Lakes, Canal and Waterfront Trails
The Clam Lake Canal was built in 1873 to connect Big and Little Clam Lakes—Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac. This allowed lumber from the west side of Lake Mitchell to be transported through the canal to Lake Cadillac and onward into town to the railroad. Today, the historic canal is about 400 meters long. Its purpose explains why the connection between the lakes is more than a scenic feature.
Different activities come together on the water: The park has boat access on Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac, as well as a buoy-marked swimming area on Lake Mitchell. You can paddle on both lakes and on the canal. Fishing is also part of the area’s appeal. Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell are fished for perch, walleye, pike, various sunfish species and largemouth bass; shore fishing is popular along the Clam Lake Canal.
For walking or biking, the park offers access to the 7.5-mile Lake Cadillac Foot & Bike Path. The Mitchell State Park Heritage Trail offers a different kind of nature experience: It includes 3.5 miles of wood-chip trails, with bridges and boardwalks, opportunities for wildlife viewing and interpretive information panels. Access is from the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center.
Long Distances and Different Kinds of Trails
The paved Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is a 92-mile rail trail between Comstock Park, near Grand Rapids, and Cadillac. It passes through 15 cities and towns, as well as rural farmland. Along the route are scenic overlooks, picnic areas and opportunities for wildlife viewing. To reach the Cadillac Trailhead, take US 131, Exit 177: From there, Mitchell Street runs two miles north; then head a quarter mile west on Chapin Street.
The Cadillac Pathway offers a different trail format, with 11.3 miles across six loops through hardwood forest. The Clam River Greenway connects the trails around Lake Cadillac with the soccer and baseball fields of the Cadillac Area Sports Association and passes through residential areas. It also connects to the Keith McKellop Walkway, which in turn links to the White Pine State Park Trail. The trails differ not only in length, but also in whether you’d like to explore loops, routes around the lake or a long rail trail.
The MacKenzie Trail is 15 miles west of Cadillac and offers more than ten miles of non-motorized trails through hills and valleys beside the Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort. The trail enters the National Forest. Its entrance is on 38 Mile Road, one mile west of Caberfae. In winter, the trail becomes a groomed classic cross-country ski trail system; hiking, biking and cross-country skiing here offer different ways to explore in different seasons.
Discovering History
The WCHS Museum covers 5,000 square feet. Its collection includes artifacts, photographs, maps, paintings and documents, as well as exhibits on everyday life in northern Michigan. They reflect the community’s history since the 1870s. If you’d rather look for historic traces outdoors, six historic markers stand along the eastern shore of Lake Cadillac.
Railroad history also comes to life through tangible objects: A restored Shay locomotive is on display in Cadillac’s City Park. Ephraim Shay perfected his Shay locomotive in 1878. The design was particularly suited to handling steep grades and overcoming sharp curves and uneven railroad tracks. Together with the story of the Clam Lake Canal, it tells of two distinct sides of lumber and railroad transportation.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Boon, Cadillac, Harrietta, Alger County, Leelanau County, Isabella, Van Buren County and Iron County.
For the broader travel overview: Michigan.
