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.

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.

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.

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.

While spending the day on Mackinac Island with your pup, be sure to visit Colonial Michilimackinac in Michigan. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the historic 18th-century fort and trading village to experience life as it was in the 1700s. Although Fido isn't permitted inside most buildings, couples with pets are welcome to share a single rotating admission ticket to the museum. One person enjoys the grounds with the pet while the other explores the museum. Hours for attractions vary by season. Be sure to check their website or call ahead.

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.

BringFido when you stop by the dog-friendly biergarten at Drifa Brewing Company, located in Marquette, MI. Take a seat and relax at an outside table or inside the taproom with your best friend and enjoy a tasty craft beer. Open from lunchtime until late evening, pair your favorite freshly brewed ale or larger with a bite to eat from the onsite food trucks. Check their website for current schedule.

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.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a pet-friendly activity in Traverse City, MI. The attraction melds old-world, historic charm with cosmopolitan vitality. It is a thriving economic center and a diverse, multi-generational residential community. A place to live, work, play, shop, dine and explore. The Village allows dogs in the Mercato, and many merchants keep treats behind the counter. There are also hiking trails available to do with your furry friend, but please note that they aren't marked well.

Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, MI, is dog friendly! Leashed pups are allowed to explore the Gardens, with the exception of the windmill and gift shop, due to food processing. Visiting dog owners must clean up after their pets. Clean-up bags are available around the park. Please note you must purchase a ticket to visit.

Grand Ravines Dog Park in Jenison, MI, features 21 acres of enclosed space for Fido to play, including separated fenced sections for large and small dogs. The area also has fenced walking trails, a drinking fountain and a dog washing station.

Black Star Farms is a renowned winery and agritourism destination in Suttons Bay, MI, nestled on a scenic 160-acre estate in the heart of Northern Michigan wine country. Fido is welcome in dog-friendly outdoor areas, including picnic spaces and walking trails, making it a great destination to explore with your pup. Guests can enjoy award-winning wines, hard cider, fruit brandies, craft cocktails, and wine flights while exploring vineyards, orchards, hiking trails, and the property's charming inn. Please note that dogs aren't permitted on the Bistro patio.

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.