Cadillac, Michigan: The Gem of the North

Cadillac, Michigan, offers an enchanting blend of charming small-town warmth and stunning natural beauty. Situated amidst the breathtaking landscape of northern Michigan, this delightful city greets residents and visitors alike with a unique blend of history, community, and adventure. With its sparkling lakes and vibrant downtown, Cadillac is an inviting haven for those seeking a life away from the hustle and bustle.

The heart of Cadillac lies in its rich community spirit, where festivals, markets, and gatherings bring people together year-round. The local dining scene serves up delightful surprises, from cozy cafes to innovative eateries, ensuring food enthusiasts have much to explore and enjoy. The city’s commitment to arts and culture is evident, with galleries and performances showcasing local creativity at its finest.

Nature lovers will find Cadillac to be an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The surrounding forests and lakes make for endless opportunities to hike, fish, ski, or simply soak in the beauty of a sunrise over the water. With places like Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell offering year-round activities, adventure awaits at every corner.

Whether you're embracing the active lifestyle or relaxing in scenic tranquility, living in Cadillac means experiencing the warmth of a close-knit community alongside the wonders of nature, making it an idyllic escape for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Veterans Serving Veterans: A Beacon of Light in Cadillac, Michigan

Situated in the stunning landscape of northwest Michigan, lies a city synonymous with service and community - Cadillac, Michigan. Nestled amongst serene lakes and beautiful forests, this city embodies the true beauty of Northern Michigan. This beauty is not only in the essence of nature that surrounds it but in the heart and core values of the city, represented by organizations such as Veterans Serving Veterans, Inc.

In the heart of this picturesque city, on a 57-acre expanse of pure Northern Michigan grandeur stands a unique community resource that has not only become a symbol of love and support for our veterans but has also brought the community together: The Veterans Serving Veterans Park.

Beyond just being a green space, the park is home to an invaluable initiative: a food pantry specifically dedicated to the brave veterans of Cadillac. This substantial initiative feeds over 120 veterans on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month, affirming the city's commitment to the welfare of those who have dutifully served their country.

The Veterans Serving Veterans Park also boasts the most beautiful 5K course in the state, considered one of the fastest three courses statewide. This breathtaking course is the home of the reputable Cadillac High School and Manton High School, offering an inviting and challenging space for their students and community athletes.

An integral piece of the park’s offering includes an impressive 8,000 square foot pavilion complete with modern amenities such as full bathrooms. Each Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, this pavilion turns into a hive of activity as it hosts a neighbourhood farmers’ market. This event has not only breathed new life into the park but has also been instrumental in bringing the community together in a common cause of supporting their local veterans.

Veterans Serving Veterans, Inc. in Cadillac, Michigan, is much more than a service provider to the city’s veterans. It is a thread that weaves the entire community of Cadillac together, reflecting the spirit of unity, compassion, and gratitude that defines this wonderful city. Experience the combination of natural splendor and community service that is Cadillac, Michigan, where every landscape is breathtaking and every deed is about caring and supporting one another.

Education Blossoms in Cadillac, Michigan: A Community of Learners

In Cadillac, Michigan, education is more than just a pursuit—it's a vibrant, inclusive community that fosters a love for lifelong learning. The city's schools, known for their dedicated and innovative educators, create an environment where students are motivated to explore their passions and push beyond their limits. The faculty's commitment to nurturing curiosity and resilience is evident as you walk through the welcoming hallways of Cadillac's schools.

Cadillac Area Public Schools, at the heart of this educational gem, offer a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the needs and interests of every student. From robust arts programs to cutting-edge STEM opportunities, the education system here is committed to equipping young minds with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Lake Superior State University's branch in Cadillac further extends the opportunity for students to pursue higher education with ease and distinction.

Beyond academics, Cadillac's schools emphasize community values and character building, ensuring students graduate as well-rounded individuals prepared to lead and innovate. With supportive community involvement and resources, Cadillac stands as a testament to the power of community-driven education, where every child has a chance to flourish and make a lasting impact.

Cadillac, Michigan: A Hub of Compassionate Healthcare Excellence

Cadillac, Michigan, is earning its stripes as a beacon of healthcare excellence, offering residents and visitors alike a wealth of robust healthcare services. This charming city doesn’t just look after its own but extends an inviting hand to neighboring communities with its comprehensive medical facilities and compassionate care.

At the heart of Cadillac's healthcare are its state-of-the-art medical centers. Chief among them is the Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, a cornerstone in the community's commitment to health and wellness. This facility is more than just a hospital; it is a hub of innovation, combining advanced medical technology with a personal touch that puts patients first. The dedicated healthcare professionals here are not only equipped with exceptional skill but also a genuine compassion that makes all the difference in patient care.

Complementing the hospital are numerous specialty clinics and wellness services, ensuring that every health need, from routine checkups to specialized care, is met with utmost attention. Cadillac’s robust network of family doctors, specialists, and support staff work tirelessly to deliver top-notch care, making it a community that truly prioritizes the well-being of its people.

In Cadillac, healthcare is more than a service; it’s a commitment—a reassuring promise of health, happiness, and a high quality of life for everyone who calls this vibrant Michigan city home.

Preparing for Mohs Surgery in Northern Michigan

Laurel Leithauser, MD, FFAD, FACMS

If you’ve been scheduled for Mohs surgery in Northern Michigan, it’s helpful to understand what the experience will be like before you walk through the door. This precise method of skin cancer treatment is known for its high success rate and ability to preserve as much healthy skin as possible, most often performed on cosmetically sensitive places, like the face. For many people, especially those with types of skin cancer like basal or squamous cell carcinoma, it’s the recommended next step after diagnosis.

Once a biopsy has confirmed the diagnosis of skin cancer, you will be scheduled for a pre-operative surgical consultation. This visit focuses on education about the procedure, possible repair outcomes, and any health related issues, all based on your unique skin cancer location and diagnosis. It also gives you an opportunity to address questions or concerns.

On the day of the procedure, things move efficiently, but not rushed. Your dermatologist begins with a focused plan. From there, the Mohs surgery technique removes one thin layer of skin at a time, checking for cancer cells under a microscope before moving forward. This is all done on-site, in a dedicated lab, so results are available the same day.

While the tissue is processed, and the dermatologist examines each layer, you’ll wait in a comfortable space. Many people bring a book or something to listen to, since the process can take several hours depending on how deep the cancer goes. The benefit is worth the time: same-day cancer removal means fewer return visits and less uncertainty between steps.

Mohs surgery offers thorough, same-day care where skin cancer is removed and reconstruction begins immediately, all with your comfort in mind. Once your dermatologist confirms that no cancer cells remain, the next step is immediate repair. This might be as simple as stitches, or it could involve more advanced techniques depending on where the cancer was removed. Either way, reconstruction happens right then, so healing can start right away.

The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which keeps the area numb while you stay awake. That means no fasting, no general sedation, and often a faster recovery. Most patients eat a normal breakfast, take their usual medications, and return home the same day. Local anesthesia also reduces risks for older adults or those with underlying health concerns.

In Northern Michigan, where outdoor lifestyles and reflective surfaces increase UV exposure, Mohs surgery is a common and trusted approach to skin cancer treatment. Dermatologists here frequently use it to treat types of skin cancer that form in visible or delicate areas, where preserving healthy skin matters for both function and appearance.

The goal of Mohs surgery is not only to cure the cancer but to minimize scarring and reduce the chance it comes back. With same-day cancer removal, local anesthesia, and on-site pathology, the process is designed to be as efficient and patient-friendly as possible. It reflects a modern approach to care, where precision meets comfort, and where each step supports healing from the very beginning.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Nestled in the heart of northern Michigan, Cadillac serves as a strategic industrial gateway for manufacturers, logistics providers, and distribution firms seeking access to the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The city benefits from its proximity to US-131 and M-55, providing strong north-south and east-west transportation corridors. This connectivity is further enhanced by nearby regional airports and rail access, making Cadillac an attractive location for companies with regional supply chain needs.

Industrial development in Cadillac is supported by a proactive local government and the Alliance for Economic Success, which works closely with businesses to identify sites, streamline permitting, and facilitate growth. The area features several industrial parks with available land and utilities, catering to both new builds and expansions.

Workforce development is a major focus, with the Michigan Works! Northwest office offering tailored training and placement services. Local educational institutions, including Baker College and the Wexford-Missaukee ISD, partner with employers to deliver technical training in manufacturing, skilled trades, and logistics.

Michigan’s robust incentive programs, such as the Michigan Business Development Program and the Industrial Facilities Tax Abatement, are available to qualifying projects in Cadillac. These incentives, combined with local property tax abatements and infrastructure support, make Cadillac a competitive choice for industrial investment in northern Michigan.