If you’re planning a summer road trip around Lake Michigan, be sure to “paws” at Haymarket Brewery & Taproom in Bridgman. Michigan’s best dog-friendly brewery has tons of outdoor space, a welcoming staff and plenty of room for pups to sprawl out. Sit outside in the sun or seek shade under an umbrella and cool off with a Chicago Tavern Beer or Coffee Blonde Ale. Take your pick from a list of delicious wood-fired pizzas to go with your brew. Continue on the road to Warren Dunes State Park and paddle with your pooch in the lake.

Spend the night by the lake at this pristine pet-friendly Airbnb with a private, fenced backyard.

A town called “Paradise” is the perfect location for Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a paradise in itself. The 50,000-acre park is surrounded by the waterfalls of the Tahquamenon River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. At 200 feet across, the Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi and has a drop of nearly 50 feet. The Lower Falls is a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island accessible by a rowboat that can be rented from park concessions. After viewing the famous falls, continue exploring the 35 miles of dog-friendly trails throughout Michigan’s most dog-friendly state park, but keep your eyes peeled for black bears, moose, and other wildlife.

Pets are allowed in the Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground. For a rustic retreat with modern conveniences, book the Discover Lodge at Silver Creek.

See the dunes surrounding Lake Michigan with your best friend in a “ruff” and ready vehicle from Silver Lake Buggy Rentals in Mears. Fido can ride shotgun in a two-seat or four-seat cart on an off-road adventure between the shores of Lake Michigan and Silver Lake at the state’s most dog-friendly attraction. Eye protection is needed on dune adventures, so don’t forget to buy him a pair of his own dog goggles before you leave. Bring a change of clothes for yourself and a towel for your pup, too.

Dunes Express Inn & Suites is a sweet place to hole up with your pup near the dunes. Well-behaved dogs can hang out in the room alone and there are grassy areas outside.

Located in the Lower Peninsula, Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor is a stone’s throw from the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan as well as world-class fishing. While at Michigan’s most dog-friendly campground, your energetic pup can burn her energy at the on-site dog park or on a walk around the property, where waste stations are scattered throughout. Each spacious pull-through RV site features a stone fire pit for roasting hot dogs to share with your pooch. When you want to venture out, the historic downtown area is full of dog-friendly stores like Ruff Life Pet Outfitters. Dogs of any size are permitted at the campground for no additional fee.

Orion Oaks Dog Park in Lake Orion is top dog for The Great Lake State’s dog parks. This 24-acre fenced space offers separate play areas for small and large pups, a fetch field, and access to the canine swim beach at Lake Sixteen. Your pooch can swim, dig in the sand, or dive from the dock. There’s even a ramp for any pooches who want to take it easy, but still get their paws wet. After a dip in the water, take a walk together on two trails and enjoy a picnic in the shade at one of the park’s shelters.

Play in the water during the day and stay by the lake at night at this pet-friendly cottage. The property even has a dock for diving at home, too.

Planning on plodding with your pooch in Michigan? Located along 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising is one of the most popular places in the state to explore on foot. Miners Castle Trail is a quick way to see one of the epic natural rock formations here, and it’s the top trail to hike with your dog in Michigan. This easy walk is under a mile in length and should be comfortable for all hiking levels, leading to three viewing platforms that overlook the lake, shoreline, and rugged rocks. For a more expansive trek, backpackers can hop on a section of the North Country Trail from Grand Marais to Munising here, too.

Share more stunning lake views at Holiday Inn Express Munising Lakeview. Guests traveling with pets sleep on the ground floor for easy access to the grassy relief area outside.

Weathervane Inn in Montague is a waterfront property on beautiful White Lake. Guest rooms at Michigan’s best pet-friendly B&B feature hot tubs, fireplaces, and private balconies overlooking the lake. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, then take your pup for a stroll on the property’s trails, or go for a longer walk at nearby Hart Montague Bicycle Trail State Park. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and bike rentals are available at the state park through WaterDog Outfitters.

Weathervane Inn permits two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $20 per pet, per night.

The largest Olympic-style dog event in the world is held each May at River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, MI. The Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, Michigan’s can’t miss dog event, invites guests to cheer on canine athletes as they jump, dive and retrieve with events like disc dog competitions, a barn hunt, sheep herding, and agility courses. You can also register your pet to compete in some of the 22 events, enjoy a canine cruise on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, or let them loose in the on-site doggie play park and kiddie pool.

Watching all those canines compete can be exhilarating and tiring for you and Fido. Book a pet-friendly room at Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth to catch your breath and some sleep.

If our Best of Michigan preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!