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Kruse Park Dog Beach

Kruse Park Dog Beach is located at the park's Northern end in Muskegon, MI. The dog-friendly area is marked, so pay close attention to the signs to avoid being ticketed and keep Fido on a leash. Upon arriving, please note there is a 10-foot cliff/steep sand dune when you enter the area. Call ahead to ensure the beach is open due to erosion issues. Visit Website

Or call (231) 724-4100 or email ann.meisch@shorelinecity.com for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Kruse Park Dog Beach has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 bones by 39 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 52 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Danylle
    Jul 2, 2022
    Nice beach but hard to access

    As of 2022 there is still no boardwalk and no plans to build one. It’s about a 10-15 foot drop to get to the beach. You have to climb down the sand dunes to get to the beach and back up to get out. People often don’t know this, I saw a poor family try to navigate a baby and three small children down the dune. My husband and I no longer go here because the 10 foot drop (and climb up) is not worth it.

  • Cassandra
    Jun 30, 2022
    No board walk

    Disappointed for the fact that the board walk is out and it’s hard to get up the huge sand dune to exit (the only way out.) there was a lot of dead fish. My dogs enjoyed playing in the water.

  • Kenzie
    May 12, 2022
    Actual Dog Beach

    The beach itself is eroded and gone. However, the shoreline still has enough room to let your dog run and play. Many locals carry their leash and overall have a better time off lead. This is the best place to let my pup actually play

  • Linda
    Jul 19, 2021
    Algae Bloom in full force, and dune is eroded

    We went to the dog beach yesterday (July 18, 2021) and the algae bloom was very bad. I am still pulling strands of green algae out of my Springer's ears this morning. Getting down the dune and back up is treacherous. I do not recommend this location if you have any physical challenges or limitations. Park is heavily patrolled by local police. You must purchase a day pass ($10) or a season pass ($20) as this is a county park.

  • Crystal
    Dec 28, 2020
    Beautiful dog friendly beach area

    This park is gorgeous. Has lots of boardwalks going up to the top of the dunes. The dog beach area was closed off in 2020 due to erosion and high water levels which basically eliminated the beach area. It also broke part of the staircase going down to the beach so they closed it off.

    If the water levels go back down in 2021 I'm sure they will be open again. Its a favorite spot of the locals. Technically they require your dogs to be leashed there but almost no one actually leashes. So its basically a dog park type environment where unruly off-leash dogs will charge your dog (happens to me almost every time). If you have a playful dog this shouldn't be a problem, but if your dog isn't into that nonsense you may want to arrive in the morning when its not too busy.

  • Michael
    Aug 19, 2020
    Almost 5 Bones

    The only thing, and I mean the only thing, keeping me from giving this place 5 bones were the flies. The flies on this particular day were terrible. They wasn't attacking me so much as they were making it an unpleasant experience for my dog. Otherwise we had fun and the beach is moderately accessible enough without too much trouble to get to from parking.

  • Sarah
    Aug 6, 2020
    Fantastic Dog Beach

    August 5-6, 2020
    The boardwalk is closed, but individuals may still access the beach by hiking down the dunes (a quick walk). This was an excellent beach

  • Charlotte
    Aug 2, 2020
    Great beach for your fur kids and non-fur kids!

    Ample parking at Kruse park but it does cost $5 for the day. The boardwalk down to the water is partially closed due to deterioration and dune erosion but it's not too difficult of a walk down/up the dune. Once you are on the beach, it's wide open for dog play. There were families enjoying the beach and swimming who didn't have dogs. One mom said they like this beach because it's not crowded. We carried chairs, cooler, snacks, etc and made an afternoon of it. Our black lab played stick retrieval until she was exhausted. Everyone we encountered was friendly. Most dogs were playing freely. I noticed another reviewer felt unwelcomed as a pitbull owner. We didn't see that type of behavior while we were there. We saw three pitbull type dogs. The only issue was one pitbull was deaf causing the owner to have to come get her when she would stay visiting us too long in the hope she might get a snack from us. There are restrooms available but they are a bit of a hike back up the dune to the parking lot.

  • Peggy
    Jul 26, 2020
    Closed

    I used to frequent this beach with my labs. Sadly, the city of Muskegon has closed the beach due to high water and excessive erotion

  • Robert
    Sep 21, 2019
    Dog Beach Heaven

    If you are in the Muskegon area with your pooch, a visit to this beach is a must. There is over a mile of off leash beach for you to enjoy filled with like minded dog owners. It can be a bit crowded on the weekends but there is plenty of room if you hike in a bit.

  • Cori
    Jul 3, 2019
    Not “Pit Bull” Friendly

    I drove over an hour to take my “Pit Bull” looking dog to this beach. She loved this beach but I felt very unwelcome. The people were very unfriendly. In fact, only one couple spoke to us. I left feeling very uncomfortable but did not want to jump to conclusions. Months later, I saw information posted that “Pit Bull” type dogs are supposed to be muzzled! As a dog owner of any type and an animal advocate, I’d never return to this beach.

  • Megan
    Jun 24, 2019
    So many horseflies!

    We have been to this beach many times and absolutely love it with our doggo! Yesterday we visited again and had a great time until the horseflies came out. Our dog and my in-laws dog kept getting completely covered in horseflies and everyone, people included, got tons of bites from those suckers. It was too bad that the hundreds of biting horseflies turned what was a fun day at the beach into a chaotic scramble back to the car while we tried to outrun them. We are hopeful that it had something to do with the rain, and we won’t have that much of a problem next time we visit.

  • Shaye
    Aug 31, 2018
    Amazing doggie beach

    It was our first time taking our dog to the beach. It was easy to access. Very clean and spacious. They had plenty of waste bags if you happen to run out. Everyone was extremely friendly and tried to keep enough space between each other when setting up for the day. Rules are posted prior to walking down to the beach regarding dogs being on leashes. We had no issues taking our pup off the leash to allow him to swim and run. We had a great time and will definitely be returning soon!

  • Claire
    Jul 19, 2018
    We <3 the lake!

    Be warned: since they've made this park no longer fenced in there have been a few changes to the normally dog friendly beach. Dogs are no longer allowed off Leash unless they are in the water. It's still an absolutely beautiful beach and hillside with lots of fun trails/boardwalks. There's also a delicious ice cream place (Hannah Bananas) that serves doggie sundaes for all your cooling off needs!

  • Emily
    Jun 27, 2018
    Fantastic Location for Dog parents

    Went to this location a couple weeks ago, and can’t stop raving about it. Great beach! With, plenty of room to have your dog run around off leash with very nice owners. My Newfoundland puppy loved it. It’s free, which is a plus. Was questioning it bit because it was a 2.5 hour drive for us, but was totally worth it. !!!

  • Debbie
    More than a year ago
    Perfect

    Spent the day at the dog beach. It was a great day. We played in the water with our water loving dog. Beach is very clean. Everyone was very polite in keeping their dogs in their own space. Will definitely be back.

  • Brittany
    More than a year ago
    AMAZING

    We had a great time at this beach! I was a little surprised that dogs had to be leashed, but it worked out surprisingly well with most dogs staying politely by their owners. Lots of fetch happening off leash in the water and no aggressive or rude dogs bothered us. Didn't see any poo in the sand which was my fear, lots of attentive owners here! My guy enjoyed digging his heart out and dipping his toes in lake Michigan for the first time.

  • Rebekah
    More than a year ago
    Awesome

    Plenty of space and my dog loves the swimming and running along the beach. I like that there was a specific dog area instead of just a beach that allows dogs because the people on the dog side are very welcoming and fun!

  • Amanda
    More than a year ago
    Great experience

    Had a ball! Great experience went multiple times last year looking forward to this year!

  • Kaitlyn
    More than a year ago
    Paw-some!

    I was so surprised how nice everyone was. Everything also seemed pretty clean. Overall a really great spot to take your pup. Will definitely return!

  • Kara
    More than a year ago
    LOVE this Beach!

    Drove 2 hours to get to this beach, and it was well worth the drive. It is clean, and everyone picks up after their dogs. Everyone is nice and understanding! The sunsets are gorgeous there.

  • Kelly
    More than a year ago
    fun day

    We liked this beach. Main reason for the 4 bone rating is the lack of bathroom or changing area. Dogs had a good time.

  • Patrece
    More than a year ago
    K 9 A +

    Awesome beach for dogs..weve made the trip several times

  • Shelli
    More than a year ago
    beyond great

    This was the best dog beach I have ever been to! Great sand, water , dogs and owners

  • Melissa
    More than a year ago
    a beach that allows pups!

    We had been exploring SW Michigan with my dog for the weekend and were having trouble finding beaches that allowed dogs until we found this one. Great find! Everybody hanging out there was really friendly and we had a blast trying to get my dog in the water (it was her first experience with big water - she put her feet in eventually!)

  • Julie
    More than a year ago
    Best Dogcation ever!!!

    This place was awesome!!!!!! The beach was clean. The dogs were friendly! Everyone cleaned up after their dogs!!! My dog was in heaven!!!!!! THe only downer is that there aren't any decent dog friendly places to stay in Muskegon. They were all pretty shady. Either stay in Grand Haven or Whitehall! We can't wait to come back again!

  • M
    More than a year ago
    The best!

    We've been going for a number of years and it is great, the dogs really appreciate it! This id so great for them to get to socialize and have fun, it is a beautiful beach and time.

  • Benjamin
    More than a year ago
    Great beach for beginner swimmers

    I named my dog after a body of water and she can't swim! Went on 4/27/13 and the water was too cold for me to go in, but because it's shallow enough for her to wade out pretty far she had a blast playing. When it warms up I'll be able to go out with her and teach her how to swim while she wears her life vest.
    PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET. I went barefoot on the sand and almost stepped in a very large pile that was fairly old. I cleaned it up because the owner of the culprit dog did not. NOT COOL!

  • Dawn
    More than a year ago
    Great day at the beach

    My husband and I have taken our yellow labrador to this beach every fall for the last two years and we always have a great time. Lots of friendly dog owners and dogs. Great place to take your beach chairs/blanket and stay for the day.

  • Tom
    More than a year ago
    Fun in the sun for my girl an her man

    The hour and half ride was well worth the trip to watch my year old lab/boxer and her boy friend which is a two half year old lab/dane play in the waves and the new friends. Would do it again any time.

  • Lorraine
    More than a year ago
    Had a blast!

    Was extremely impressed with this beach! Much larger than we expected. Our dog had a terrific time, hard to get her to leave! Many well-behaved dogs in attendance. Weather and conditions were perfect and we will be back in the future! Our pup insists!

  • Sherry
    More than a year ago
    Back to Nature

    What a wonderful time our dogs had! Looking forward to a lot of visits this summer. It was amazing how happy and well behaved all the dogs were! Also, very clean and well cared for.

  • Kerry
    More than a year ago
    Loved it!!

    We drove over 2 hours just to bring our puppy to this beach. We all loved it! The dog owners were all pretty much nice. The other dogs were so well behaved. Our puppy is only 6 months old and was unsure of the waves and water but she had a great time with the other dogs and digging in the sand. One word of advice though, bring down everything you need or may think you might need. Its a long hike back up to the top parking area. There are bathrooms but they are on the top of the dunes by the right parking lot. All in all its a great beach and we will for sure be bringing our Libby back out there a few more times this summer!!

  • Daisy
    More than a year ago
    Close to home

    Just read the reviews. So glad this beach is minutes from our home. Easy enough to go in the evenings. We LOVE to see all the dogs playing and getting along. Definitely one of Muskegon's best free attractions!

  • Rufus
    More than a year ago
    BYOB

    Due to budget constraints, please bring plenty of your own bags and clean up after your pet. Let's keep the beach as pristine as possible, cuz it's a really great place and we don't want to lose the privilege! Sunsets are usually gorgeous and dogs are welcome off leash if they get along. Check it out!! Sherman Blvd all the way west. The park is on the left. SEE YA

  • Amy
    More than a year ago
    We need more beaches for our furkids!!!

    This beach was Awesome!! We were visiting family in Grand Rapids and it was only an hour away. We wanted to get our 6 month old Lab in water and he loved every minute of it. I can't wait to go back, maybe make it a camping weekend.
    6-4-11

  • ROBERT
    More than a year ago
    K9 P OLICE OFFICER

    July 17, 2010: The Best Beach for dogs!! The Beach is about a mile in length and dogs can run free off leash. Dog Owner's are still obviously responsible for there dogs clean-up and interaction with other dogs such as dog bites. The sand is not rocky and was just as good as Florida's sand and even better with no salt water. Here's the "winner winner chicken dinner"....It's FREE and in your GPS!!!!

  • Roshell
    More than a year ago
    Best!

    Took our Labordoodle and can't wait to go back! Clean, sandy shore-line. Great for everyone! Spent hours off-leash and loved every minute of it.

  • JOJO
    More than a year ago
    SHIH TZU/BORDER TERRIER

    YOU HAVE TO GO!! I went in April, 2010. WINDY and COLD that wknd. Didn't care! This is an actual beach: sand, wonderful sand! Clean, clean water. You can use the stairs or the ramp to the beach.
    THANKS FOR THE FANTASTIC WKND. AND WET KISSES TO THE 2 DOGS I MET. GOOD TIMES!!!!

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Kruse Park Dog Beach