Dog-Friendly Activities in Michigan

Along forty miles of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a pet-friendly spot in Munising, MI, that puts the glory of nature's ever-changing scenery on display every season. Ensure you and Fido head out to Sable Falls or Miners Beach. Your pet is permitted along roads and in designated developed visitor facility areas but not in fields or the backcountry. On trails, dogs must be kept on a leash, six feet or shorter, at all times.

Ludington State Park is a dog-friendly trail and state park in Ludington, MI. Leashed pets are welcome to explore the State Park, which features beautiful hiking trails along Lake Hamlin. The hiking trails are wooded and cross several small islands. There are many places along the trail to sit and enjoy the lake. The Park does not allow pets in any water area used for swimming or wading, including Lake Michigan. However, pets are allowed on the Big Sable River (east of the highway bridge) and on Hamlin Lake (outside of the swim area) as well as other public park areas.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards in Traverse City, MI is pet friendly. Leashed pups are welcome to join you at a table outdoors or on the heated, covered patio. Sit back and relax with a glass of fine wine and a great atmosphere with your furry friend by your side. Reservations are highly recommended. Trails are also on site.

Warren Dunes State Park has a beautiful pet-friendly beach on Lake Michigan in Sawyer, MI. Dogs are allowed in the campground, forested trails, boardwalks, and north of the northernmost swim buoy at the beach, which provides two and a half miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under the direct control of their owner at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. Entry fees apply.

Kruse Park Dog Beach is situated at the northern end of the park 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. The shoreline offers a refreshing spot where pups can splash and explore the water freely. Call ahead to ensure the beach is open due to erosion issues.

A day-use park along a secluded strip of the dog-friendly Lake Michigan shoreline, Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Holland, MI, offers 2.5 miles of shoreline. The park has freshwater coastal dunes that are over 200 feet tall. The terrain varies from steep slopes to rolling hills. Leashed dogs are welcome but not permitted in buildings or public swimming areas. However, a pet swim area is located a half mile from the parking lot via the Yellow Trail. Your furry friend must always be on a six-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control.

The patio at Mari Vineyards in Traverse City, MI is dog friendly and offers stunning views across East Bay. Fido can enjoy a fresh bowl of water and a complimentary dog treat. Sit back and relax in the spacious outdoor area with a glass of vino, or try a range of delicious wines with your friends in a group tasting. Charcuterie is also available for purchase.

Located on the banks of Lake Michigan in Ludington, MI, Buttersville Park offers plenty to do with your pooch during their mid-May through the mid-October season. There's a dog-friendly beach area, picnic facilities, camping, or just taking a stroll to see the breathtaking view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, including the North Breakwater Lighthouse. Please ensure Fido remains on a leash during your visit.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, MI, is dog friendly. The centerpiece of the park's 50,000 acres is the waterfalls of the Tahquamenon River. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, more than 200 feet across, and a water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. Dogs aren't permitted in buildings or swimming areas.

Shepler's Ferry is a pet-friendly business in Michigan. Two and four-legged passengers are welcome to join you on any ferry departures between Mackinac Island and the mainland. The ride takes between 15 to 25 minutes. Leashed dogs are permitted free of charge.

Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades in Michigan. This pet-friendly destination allows well-behaved pups on the beach and trails but not inside the lighthouse. The lighthouse is a classic piece of history, located at the north end of a picturesque drive along M-37 through cherry orchards and vineyards.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is a pet-friendly horse and carriage tour in Michigan. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board to join you around the island. If your furry friend is a lap dog, they ride for free, whereas large dogs are allowed for the price of a child ticket.

Fido is welcome at dog-friendly Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland, MI. This family-friendly attraction invites you and your leashed dog to learn the culture and history of the Netherlands. Snippets of daily life are presented around the park and tasty authentic candies, cheeses and other goods are available to buy. There is an admission fee for adults and children. Excitable dogs should stay out of the petting farm and are not permitted in food service areas.

Learn about the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes at the dog-friendly Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, MI! Leashed and well-behaved pets are allowed almost everywhere on the historic property, including inside the buildings. Dogs aren't permitted to climb up the Whitefish Point Light Tower. The Shipwreck Museum is open seasonally, from May 1st to October 31st. Dog owners can check out the Museum's official website for information on admission and tours.

Retro Boat Rentals is a dog-friendly business in Saugatuck, MI. Their boats allow canines on board and provide a fun experience for your furry friends. Remember, the retro boats are small, and they recommend bringing a towel to protect their seats from claws.

Ore Dock Brewing Co. is a dog-friendly microbrewery in Marquette, MI that welcomes Fido at a table on their outdoor patio with a fresh bowl of water, when the weather is nice. They brew a wide variety of beer styles as well as hard seltzers. Check their website for a current schedule of events and live music.

Two K Farms Cidery & Winery is a pet-friendly destination welcoming leashed dogs in Suttons Bay, MI. Stop by for a tasting and panoramic views of West Grand Traverse Bay while Fido enjoys a fresh bowl of water and a complimentary treat. There are snowshoeing trails on the property that can be accessed during tasting room business hours.

Dog-friendly Sugarloaf Mountain is located in Marquette, MI. Bring your pup to explore one of two incredible trails that set off from this trailhead. Pet parents are reminded to clean up any mess left behind and to keep their furry friends leashed.

Hagar Beach is a pet-friendly recreational spot in Coloma, MI. Bring Fido to walk the shoreline or wooden walkway offering shaded picnic tables. Please note there are about 100 step stairs upon arriving and the entrance has a waste station for easy clean up.

The family operated Bavarian Belle Riverboat is an authentic Stern Driven Paddlewheel in Frankenmuth, MI. Offering a 1-hour historical narrated tour of the Frankenmuth area, Fido is bound to have fun aboard this fully restored, dog-friendly, 150-passenger vessel. The Bavarian Belle is open-air canopied on the upper deck and has a fully enclosed lower salon with restrooms. They offer a snack bar and soft drinks on board. Located in the River Place Shops, the Bavarian Belle is docked at the waterfall. The dock and lower level are both handicap accessible. Please bring cash or check to pay for your trip aboard the Bavarian Belle.