William Mitchell State Park

Picnicking on the beach at Mitchell State Park.

Bordered by Mitchell and Cadillac lakes, William Mitchell State Park lures fishermen and boaters who travel back and forth between the lakes on a canal.

Both lakes yield yellow perch, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, channel catfish, northern pike and bass. Both also have beaches and boat launches.

The Cadillac Heritage Nature Study Area, a wetland that hosts a variety of plants and animals, is ringed by a hiking trail. Spurs lead to an observation area and a path over bridge and boardwalk through the heart of the nature area.

Here, hemlocks, maple, ferns and yellow lady's slipper grow. Explorers may see green and blue herons, redwinged blackbirds, muskrat, raccoons and an occasional bald eagle.

The modern campground has 221 sites, including eight that are wheelchair-accessible. A heated toilet building makes winter camping more comfortable.

A mini-cabin and camper cabin are available for rent.