Dog Friendly Resorts Michigan – Located at the tip of Michigan’s thumb, Port Austin is one of the lesser-known gems in the entire state, and it just happens to be dog-friendly. With more than 3 miles of sandy beach located near Port Crescent Park, you can spend the day in the crystal clear turquoise waters or take the more than 18 miles of boardwalks that wind over the hills and offer amazing water views.
Dogs are allowed on the beach, which is accessed from the mouth of the Pinebog River, which is accessed by a metal bridge that connects to trails near the campground. Pets must be kept on a leash and it is important to remember to clean up after your pet.
Dog Friendly Resorts Michigan
One of our dog friendly backyards, Clean Backyard, is also located in Port Austin. They have a great selection of Michigan craft beer, great bar food, and a great atmosphere. They often have live music so you can enjoy your dinner and drinks right on the water with your package after a long day at the beach.
Pet-friendly Hotels In Grand Rapids, Mi
Just a few hours from the shores of Lake Huron is one of our favorite stops, Tawas Point. This dog beach is the only truly fenced beach in Michigan where dogs can run free in an off-leash area. The camp is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your dog for a summer weekend getaway.
Boathouse Brewing Company and Boozery is another stop where you can dine with your pets on the patio. Located in downtown Tawas, they have great food and drinks and are across from a small dog friendly park.
If you’re looking for a unique experience to enjoy with your dog in Michigan, Mackinac Island is IT. To travel to a car-free island, board one of the dog-friendly Star Line or Shepler ships, which is a unique experience in itself. Once there, you can explore more than 70 miles of trails and overlooks, dine at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants, and discover the history of Fort Holmes with your pooch. Many shops in town allow four-legged visitors – look for the ‘Dogs Welcome’ sign.
Mackinac Island also has three dog-friendly hotels, including Park Place Suites, Sunset Condos, and our favorite Mission Point Resort, which also has a dog-friendly yard.
6 Dog-friendly Mackinac Island Adventures
Gray’s view of the Mackinac Bridge and in front of the mural in front of the courtyard
The most beautiful national park on the Michigan peninsula, Manistee is another gem of northern Michigan, and yes, you can bring your dogs. There are a few areas that allow dogs in the park, including Sand Point Beach, Munising Falls Trail, Miners Falls Trail, Miners Beach, Lake Superior Overlook and Beach, and Sable Falls Trail and Beach.
While the North Country Scenic Trail and all backcountry campgrounds are unfortunately closed to pets, all three campgrounds, including Little Beaver Lake, Twelvemile Beach, and Storm River Campgrounds, allow pets.
Marquette, also in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is one of my favorite places in the world, and definitely one to explore with your dog. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, with rolling hills and stunning views, there are many hidden gems to discover.
Mackinac Island Hotels
When we visit, we stay right at the Staybridge Inn and Suites, right downtown. The rooms are spacious and have pet-friendly amenities, and dogs love a change of pace from regular ice cream. Staybridge Inn and Suites is a large hotel chain that can be seen in other cities as well. We have stayed on the road several times and it is always good.
Head to one of the area’s many waterfalls, and if you’re brave enough, you can jump to Dead River Falls, a moderate but short 1.7-mile hike. If you’re looking for water views from the top, check out Mt Sugarloaf or Mt Hogback, both are fairly steep but worth it once you get to the top.
After a day of hiking, visit Ore Dock Brewing’s dog-friendly patio. They have a number of house beers and last year when we visited they also had seltzer which was amazing. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Dia De Los Tacos set up outside—the tacos are so good that we follow this food truck all day long.
Traverse City has been called one of the best small towns in the US, and it certainly lives up to the hype. It is also very dog friendly and we visit at least once a year. The greater Traverse City area is one of Michigan’s top wineries, with more than 40 wineries located on the peninsula. Go for a day of wine tasting and take your dog to a few of our favorites like Mari Vineyards, Left Foot Charley and Bonobo, all of which welcome canine guests.
Dog Safety Tips
If you’re looking for a bite, visit The Filling Station downtown for some of the best pizza or our Little Fleet, a food truck location that welcomes dogs inside. They also have great cocktails in the main building.
Whether you want to hike or explore the famous blue beaches, the Good Harbor Bay Trail and Beach is pet-friendly and won’t disappoint. The trail is 2.7 miles of gentle trails that lead to a quiet sandy beach. Bad dogs are welcome in the loop and on the beach as long as they are kept clean.
Beulah and the surrounding area are definitely worth a visit if you want to explore next to Bear Sand Dunes National Park. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on certain trails during the summer due to the endangered Piping Plovers on the lakeshore, but from December 1st to March 31st, many trails are available in the park.
Pets are allowed year-round at many quiet beaches, including Alberta Beach, which is usually less crowded because it preserves Mother Nature, and Peterson Road Beach, located at Empire Bluff, Sleeping Bear Point – with great views. It is popular. and South Manitou Island on clear days.
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Pets are allowed at most campgrounds near the park, but be sure to check if you’re visiting Sleeping Bear NPS before you go.
One of our favorite places in the area is the Iron Fish Distillery. The property is beautiful and there are lots of things to do and try, including maple syrup, airplanes, and my favorite pizza, wood fired pizza.
When you go, be sure to ask the locals about their favorite places. From the tip of Michigan to the West Coast and in between, there’s plenty to explore, and yes, you should bring the dogs.
In place? Check out our dog-friendly guide to hiking in Michigan and our dog-friendly guide to Cleveland.
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Rachael Jezowski & The Wild Goldens Rachel is a freelance graphic designer and content designer who lives in beautiful Northern Michigan with her three golden retrievers, Joe, Cassie, and Mo. They spend as much free time as possible packing and hitting the trails to spend the weekend enjoying all things Michigan. When you’re not hiking or visiting the beach (and Rachel isn’t working, haha!), the dogs enjoy playing and swimming in their backyard. Rachel also became a huge rescue advocate after adopting Cassie, who was rescued from the Chinese meat trade in 2019. You can follow all their adventures and beyond on Instagram at @wildgoldens.
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