Cadillac Introduces Game-Changing New ORV Scenic Ride
By Kim Kisner, Contributing Writer
Cadillac, Michigan is a snowmobiler’s paradise, and with 200 miles of groomed trails, it’s been a destination for adventure in the snow for decades. Now, the area is expanding its offering and extending the fun by featuring a new kind of excursion that’s a game-changer for visitors, locals and businesses alike.
With 299,195 licensed ORVs in the state as of September 2022 (up 20 percent from 2019), the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau (CAVB) saw an opportunity to also position the region as a destination for ORV recreation to capitalize on a trend of lengthening recreation shoulder seasons and expanding visitation year-round.
So on May 1, the CAVB along with state, regional and local business leaders dedicated a new 100-plus-mile ORV Scenic Ride along open Wexford County roads and U.S. Forest Service roads — increasing connectivity to neighboring roads, trails, and communities, and providing a tremendous addition to Michigan’s statewide trail network.
“The scenic ride offers so many opportunities for exploration, says CAVB Executive Director Kathy Morin. “Whether you want to go deep into the woods, explore scenic overlooks, seek out a restaurant, or go from point A to point B, it has something for everyone and is safe and easy to navigate.”
She also points out that the ride is designed to accommodate any length of time, and is ideal for a two-hour family fun ride, an all-day expedition, or anything in between.
Funded through a $48,000 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant and an additional $52,000 by the CAVB, the Cadillac Area ORV the Scenic Ride is a culmination of almost two years of hard work and collaboration between the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau; federal, state and local agencies; and ORV user groups and a critical goal in its development was safety.
“The mission is to help visitors enjoy the region via ORV while doing so responsibly and safely,” Morin explains.
To that end, comprehensive mapping and printed brochures are available, including a dozen points of interest such as restaurants, lodging, gas stations, stores, and scenic overlooks. Four kiosks with mapping, safety, and education are positioned at key intersections along the ride, and eight are located at businesses along the ride. Numerous U.S. Forest Service markers also adorn USFS roads to help people navigate the area.
“Alongside our partners, we will continue to ensure the public’s safety and enjoyment on our roads, which includes OHV use,” said U.S. Forest Service Acting District Ranger Chris Frederick.
Adds Kelly Wolgamott, interim vice president of Travel Michigan,“ORVing is a growing recreational experience in Michigan and a great way to explore the state’s 13,000 miles of trails. As we inspire travelers to ‘Keep It Fresh’ in Pure Michigan this season, we applaud the Cadillac area’s dedication to making ORVing an enjoyable, approachable and safe activity.”
A significant part of the work involved in the ride’s design involved navigating sensitive ecosystems and areas that people should avoid.
“We worked with the Forest Service and DNR to lay out a good ride that offers connectivity but circumvents things like new tree plantings or important work they are doing to preserve our natural surroundings,” said Morin.
Along the route sit a plethora of unique and charming restaurants and stores that riders can enjoy including the Boon Country Store and the Meauwataka General Store.
“The Boon County Store is famous for its cheese selection, and the Meauwataka General Store is family-owned and serves great food made from scratch,” said Morin. “Ellen’s Corners is great too. There are so many quaint and friendly stops along the way.”
ORV rental is available locally through Bigfoot Epic Adventures, Greater North Powersports and Rental or West Side Rec Rentals.
In closing, Morin says she’s most excited about bringing new people to the area to experience new things.
“The Cadillac area has hosted snowmobile enthusiasts for decades,” she said. “The addition of a great ORV ride now makes the area even more desirable, and the region is ready to embrace visitors and provide a great experience.”
For more information about Cadillac’s ORV Scenic Ride, visit RideCadillac.com. •
NOTE: The terms ORV, OHV, and UTV are used interchangeably with the Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride and are inclusive of all wheeled recreational vehicles such as side-by-sides, four wheelers, dirt bikes and Jeeps.
