William Mitchell State Park
Overview: Between Two Lakes, Connected by a Historic Canal
William Mitchell State Park occupies a uniquely strategic position on the southwest side of the city of Cadillac in Wexford County—situated on the narrow isthmus between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac, with the historic Clam Lake Canal running through the park connecting the two bodies of water. This dual-lake, canal-linked geography gives Mitchell State Park a character unlike any other park in the Michigan system: a 221-site campground with access to two distinct lakes, a navigable historic canal, and the full-service amenities of the city of Cadillac just minutes away.
Named for William Mitchell, a local conservation advocate, the park combines the quiet, wooded charm of a northern Michigan campground with the convenience of a city-adjacent location that provides easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and the Cadillac area’s extensive trail systems, golf courses, and cultural attractions.
Two Lakes
Lake Mitchell
The larger of the two lakes, Lake Mitchell provides extensive boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. The park’s boat launch provides direct access to the lake’s open water, and the warm, moderately deep lake supports a productive fishery including walleye, bass, pike, perch, and panfish.
Lake Cadillac
Connected to Lake Mitchell via the Clam Lake Canal, Lake Cadillac offers additional water recreation and is closer to the city of Cadillac’s downtown waterfront, including public beaches, the Cadillac Pathway trailhead, and waterfront dining.
The Clam Lake Canal
The Clam Lake Canal—approximately one-third of a mile long—was originally dug in 1873 to allow logs to be floated from Lake Mitchell’s timber cutting operations to the lumber mills on Lake Cadillac. Today, the canal serves as a navigable waterway for recreational boats passing between the two lakes and as a popular shore fishing spot where the current flowing through the narrow channel concentrates fish and provides excellent angling from the bank.
The canal exhibits an unusual freeze/thaw pattern: its flowing water often freezes while the still lakes remain open in early winter, then remains open after the lakes have frozen solid—a curiosity of hydrodynamics that local anglers have learned to exploit.
221-Site Campground
The campground is one of the larger in the Michigan system, offering 221 sites that include full-hookup RV sites, electric-only sites, and tent-appropriate sites in a wooded setting of mature northern hardwoods. The campground operates year-round, making Mitchell one of the few Michigan state parks available for winter camping, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center
Located adjacent to the state park, the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center serves as an educational and informational resource for outdoor enthusiasts, providing exhibits on Michigan’s fish species, hunting traditions, and wildlife management practices.
Cadillac: Trails, Golf, and Year-Round Recreation
The city of Cadillac, immediately adjacent to the park, provides a full complement of northern Michigan recreation and amenities:
- Cadillac Pathway: A multi-use trail network connecting to the park area, offering hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing
- Golf: Several courses in the Cadillac area provide options for golfers at all levels
- Downtown Waterfront: Cadillac’s lakefront downtown offers restaurants, shops, and summer festivals
- Snowmobiling: Cadillac is a major snowmobile hub with extensive trail access from and near the park
Seasonal Guide
Spring (April–May)
Walleye fishing opens. Canal fishing at its most productive as fish move between lakes. Campground fills on weekends.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season. Swimming in both lakes. Boating, fishing, and paddling the canal. Cadillac area festivals and events.
Autumn (September–October)
Fall color. Reduced crowds. Fishing remains excellent as water cools. The canal’s unusual freeze patterns begin.
Winter (December–March)
Year-round campground open. Ice fishing on both lakes. Snowmobiling from camp to regional trail systems. Cross-country skiing on the Cadillac Pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I boat between the two lakes? Yes. The Clam Lake Canal connects Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac and is navigable by recreational boats.
Is this campground open year-round? Yes. Mitchell State Park is one of the few Michigan state parks that operates its campground throughout the winter, supporting ice fishing, snowmobiling, and winter camping.
What is the canal? The Clam Lake Canal was dug in 1873 for the lumber industry to float logs between the two lakes. It is now a recreational boating passage and popular shore fishing spot.
