How To Experience the Magic of Fall in Cadillac, MI

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Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year. It has the best holiday, Halloween I’m looking at you, cool weather, fantastic fall festivals, pumpkins, apples, boots and sweaters. Honestly, best.season.ever., and one of the best places to experience that season is up north in Cadillac, MI.

Here you can experience the splendor and magic of autumn without the crowds because this area of Michigan is still an undiscovered fall gem.

Our Favorite Ways to Experience Fall in Cadillac, MI

Take A Color Driving Tour

Color driving tours are kinda the gold standard when it comes to fall fun and that is no exception in the Cadillac area.

The region has two fall color routes that you don’t want to miss. Each route is a perfect day trip that allows you to explore Cadillac and the greater area to find some of our best hidden gems.

The in-town Cadillac route is an 18-mile loop that takes you around both Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. Did you know we had two lakes in the heart of downtown Cadillac?

Before you begin your fall color drive grab a cup of coffee at one of the many local coffee shops and then start your tour at Cadillac Commons. Drive along the lakes and part of the Manistee National Forest before arriving in “Cadillac West.” There you can visit Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center and take a jaunt on the Heritage Nature Trail. The route will loop you back into downtown Cadillac in time for lunch and shopping.

The Around Cadillac color tour loops total about 200 miles. There is both an east and west segment that will wind you to scenic overlooks, beautiful hiking trails, fall canopies, farm markets and boutiques.

The western side of the loop will have you stopping at seven overlooks and take you past a few farms and hiking trails while the eastern loop is focused on the agricultural aspects of the region.

Specific details can be found here.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins found at local farms and markets

Where To Have Family Fun Down On The Farm

Dick Family Farm in McBain is a centennial dairy farm open on Fridays and Saturdays in October that offers lots of family fun in the fall. Pick out the perfect pumpkin from over 20 varieties, explore the Pure Michigan corn maze, climb the hay bale mountain, play in the corn bin, and pet the animals. Homemade donuts and cider are also available!

Brinks Family Creamery located in McBain is a 4th generation farm, creating premium milk and cheese products directly from the Grade A milk of top quality, registered Holsteins. They also have play areas for kids and animals to pet along with a fully stocked bakery. If that is too far of a trip for you, keep your eyes peeled as they have just opened a frozen yogurt shop in downtown Cadillac, Benny’s Froyo and Mo!

This next stop truly has something for everyone. Maple Leaf Farm and Creamery in Falmouth is an artisan goat milk creamery & farm, take an afternoon to discover their on-site classes and demonstrations, to educational activities and camps, festivals and gift shops, hayrides, wagon rides and more! No shortage of fun on this fully operational farm. This is one of our favorite farms to visit. Throughout the year you’re always welcome to visit the goats, pssss, spring is great for that!

Norman’s Farm in Tustin is a small family owned farm in operation since 1889! You will find a variety of pumpkins, squash, gourds, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes on site. This farm yields not only quality produce and livestock, but also seven generations of agricultural knowledge and ability.

The Hudson Farm in Cadillac features seasonal events and a gift shop cleverly named “Ewe-niquely U”, with plenty of fun activities to explore. Their Fall Festival entertainment includes: feeding & petting farm animals, wagon rides, hay maze, free crafts, pumpkins, hot & cold refreshments and much more!

The mission at 3rd Day Farm in Lake City is clear -“learn, love, & give…REAL food!”. You can visit with the alpacas, baby doll sheep, Lim-flex cattle, chickens, and pigs, tour the greenhouses, or request a fresh salad blend be cut for your dinner.

The Poplar Pines farm in Mesick produces a variety of farm fresh organic duck eggs, chicken eggs, and home baked breads, available on a first come, first serve basis at their seasonal farm stand. Other fall activities on site include a petting zoo, sandbox, playground, and hayrides with cider and donuts!

View from trail at High Rollway on the Manistee River

Hikers on the Hunt for Fall Colors

While Cadillac offers some remarkable driving tours that show off the best color, some prefer to view the scene on foot.

Our favorite hike is at the High Rollway on the Manistee River. Incredible views with an easy walk, pack a picnic and stay awhile. The color views are amazing from here. This article shares more about the high rollaway plus four additional hiking trails to check out!

New Cadillac ORV Wayfinding sign (c)CadillacCVB

ORV Fall Trail Fun

Cadillac and the surrounding region has 120 miles of off-road vehicle trails along 10 ORV trail systems, which makes it a great way to get deep in the woods and see fall colors missed by many.

Cadillac also has new wayfinding signs making your adventure in the woods easier to navigate. There are also a number of outfitters in the area to rent an ORV from so you don’t have to own one to get out on the trails.

We went with Bigfoot Epic Adventures, because of course we did, but the Cadillac CVB has a list of rentals listed so you can find the one that works best for your up north adventure.

Fall river paddle is worth the trip up north! (c)Cadillac CVB

Fall River Floats

Soak up all that the fall season has left to offer by taking to one of the Cadillac Area’s two magnificent rivers. The Big Manistee River, a wide, smooth flowing river with many great places to get out and enjoy picnics, camping, and fishing; or give the Pine River a try, more narrow, swift and a true challenge. Fall color views from the water are second to none! Click here to learn more.

Can’t make a float this fall? No worries, come on up this winter and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with a winter rafting trip on the Pine or nearby East Jordan. It’s our favorite winter activity.

Fall Fishing in Northern Michigan

The section of the Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam is designated a National Scenic River. The changing colors of the leaves and wildlife visible along the river banks as autumn moves into early winter make for a beautiful float. In the fall, the Steelhead are feeding heavily for the onset of winter; you will also find Coho Salmon and Brown Trout. Read more about it here.

Little Mackinac Foot Bridge on the Manistee River Trail

While you’re in that area be sure to check out the Little Mac Footbridge on the Manistee River Trail near Hodenpyl Dam.

KISS Monument at the Cadillac High School (c)CadillacCVB

KISS Fans

One of the most unexpected discoveries in Cadillac is the KISS memorial at Cadillac High School. You can read about the why it exists here, but it’s definitely worth a stop for 70s Rock n Roll fans and all those who appreciate some seriously good hard rock music.