Wexford County: Lakes, Trails and Railroad History

Between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac lies the 770-acre William Mitchell State Park. The two lakes shape the range of activities here: the park has boat access on both lakes and a buoy-marked swimming area on Lake Mitchell. The park also provides access to the 7.5-mile Lake Cadillac Foot & Bike Path. Water, a marked swimming area and a longer trail offer different ways to plan your time outdoors.

Lakes, Canal and Activities on the Water

Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell are suitable for fishing for perch, walleye, pike, various sunfish species and largemouth bass. Shore fishing is popular at the Clam Lake Canal. The historic canal connects the two lakes over a length of about 400 meters; paddling is also possible there. You can also paddle on Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. In addition to the lakes, this offers a much shorter stretch of water that you can consider as a separate part of your plans.

The Clam Lake Canal was built in 1873 to connect Big and Little Clam Lakes—Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac. At the time, its purpose was to transport logs to the railroad. Today, this canal brings together a specific historical function and activities on the water. Anyone interested in the area’s history will find a direct connection here between the lakes and the former transport of lumber.

Trails in Different Formats

The Mitchell State Park Heritage Trail includes 3.5 miles of natural trails with bridges and boardwalks. Along the way, there are opportunities for wildlife viewing and interpretive information panels. The Cadillac Pathway is laid out differently: its 11.3 miles run in six loops through hardwood forest. The loops and trail length offer a different way to navigate than the Lake Cadillac Foot & Bike Path, which is also accessible from the park.

The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is a 92-mile paved rail trail. It connects Comstock Park near Grand Rapids with Cadillac. To reach the Cadillac Trailhead, take US 131 to Exit 177, then follow Mitchell Street and Chapin Street. The trail offers scenic overlooks, picnic areas and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Unlike the loops of the Cadillac Pathway, this trail focuses on a long route with clearly named endpoints.

The Clam River Greenway is another trail connection in the Cadillac area. It connects the trails around Lake Cadillac with the soccer and baseball fields of the Cadillac Area Sports Association and links to the Keith McKellop Walkway and the White Pine State Park Trail. The trails therefore differ not only in length and layout: some run through forests or along the lakes, while others connect named destinations.

More Trails and a Seasonal Change

The MacKenzie Trail is 15 miles west of Cadillac and offers more than 10 miles of non-motorized trails alongside Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort. In winter, the trail becomes a groomed classic cross-country ski trail system. Its entrance is on 38 Mile Road, one mile west of Caberfae; the trail leads into the National Forest. Details about its location, length and winter use help distinguish this trail from those around Lake Cadillac and the loops of the Cadillac Pathway.

Historical Insights and Railroad Connections

The WCHS Museum covers 5,000 square feet and displays artifacts, photographs, maps, paintings and documents. Exhibits on everyday life in northern Michigan reflect the community’s history since the 1870s. There are also six historic markers on the eastern shore of Lake Cadillac. A restored Shay locomotive is on display in Cadillac’s City Park.

The locomotive’s name refers to Ephraim Shay, who perfected his Shay locomotive in 1878. It was particularly well suited to handling steep grades, sharp curves and uneven railroad tracks. Together with the history of the Clam Lake Canal, this offers another perspective on the railroad and the earlier transport of logs—alongside the lakes, trails and nature experiences you can include in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Boon, Cadillac, Harrietta.

For the main travel overview: Michigan.