Ron Bexel
Dog Friendly Vacation Spots In Michigan – Planning a Michigan getaway with your furry friend? Look no further in Muskegon County! Wagging tails and playful paws are welcomed with open arms and offer a variety of pet-friendly experiences for an unforgettable holiday together.
Beach Bliss: Unleash the fun at Kruse Park Dog Beach, a dog play paradise. This picturesque location has a sandy beach and barrier-free access.
Dog Friendly Vacation Spots In Michigan
Downtown Dog Park Delights: Let your pup socialize and burn off some energy at Petsafe Bark Park. This fenced park has separate areas for small and large breeds, ensuring safe play for everyone.
Dog Friendly Vacations In The Midwest Archives
Walking Your Greyhound: Go on an adventure with your furry friend at Dune Harbor Park. Explore miles of scenic trails through forested dunes surrounding a beautiful inland lake. Explore the lighted trails at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park with your dog on a leash during a “Walk in the Lights.”
Top Dog Daycare: Planning an adventure tour in Michigan while traveling with your pup? Dog Star Ranch (2-minute drive!) offers daily admission to day care and dog parks. Forty-eight acres of fenced recreation area with lake and nature trail will keep your furry friend happy while conquering excursions.
Pet-only accommodations: Check out SniffSpot, an Airbnb-like service for dogs that offers private play areas for your pet. Check out “Happy Tails and Trails” for a comfortable and convenient stay.
Enjoy delicious meals with your furry friend on one of Muskegon County’s many patios. Some patios, like Pigeon Hill’s Brewer’s Lounge and North Grove Brewers, even have water fountains to keep your child hydrated.
14 Awesome Dog-friendly Midwest Road Trip Destinations
In March 2022, Livability magazine awarded Muskegon the title of “Michigan’s Best City to Visit with a Dog.” We pride ourselves on providing a friendly and fun environment for you and your furry best friend.
Plan your Muskegon pet adventure today! Visit our website for a full list of pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants. West Michigan is a dog lover’s paradise with a wide variety of dog-friendly beaches, parks, and restaurants. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of places where you and your furry friend can enjoy sun, sand, and delicious food. Here’s a guide to the best dog-friendly places in West Michigan this summer.
Hoffmaster State Park – Located in Muskegon, Hoffmaster State Park has a private dog beach (North Beach) where your pup can swim in Lake Michigan. The park also has many trails through the dunes and forests, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Grand Haven City Beach: Located south of Grand Haven State Park, this beach allows leashed dogs before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Enjoy the beautiful views and lively atmosphere while your dog explores the beach.
15 Top Dog-friendly Vacation Travel Destinations
Norman F. Kruse Park: This Muskegon park has a large beach for dogs. Your dog can roam freely in the designated off-leash area, making this a popular destination for dog owners.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park – A short hike through beautiful forested dunes leads to a quiet, less crowded beach. Dogs must be on a leash, but the trail and views are worth it. Many restaurants in Saugatuck have outdoor patios for dogs.
Bear Lake Beach – This small beach in North Muskgegon (701 Fleming St) is a perfect spot that dogs and owners alike love. It’s usually not too crowded so you and your dog can go swimming. Keep your dog on a leash at Bear Lake Beach.
Shaggy Pines Dog Park This special dog park on the Island is a dog’s dream come true. The 20-acre off-leash area, agility equipment, swimming pool, and even a dog wash area are well worth the membership fee.
Plan A Vacation In Pet-friendly Holland, Michigan
Kirk Park – Located in West Olive, Kirk Park has a private dog beach and several dog-friendly trails. This is a great place to let your dog burn off some energy while enjoying the natural beauty of the lakeshore.
Cascade Dog Park – This park is a favorite with local dog owners for its large off-leash areas where dogs can run free and socialize. The park has separate areas for large and small dogs, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for puppies of all sizes. With its well-manicured grounds and shaded seating area, Cascade Dog Park provides the perfect environment for dogs and their owners to relax and have fun.
This list is a small sampling of our favorite off-leash dog parks. Other notable attractions include the Wyoming Dog Park (small fee and vaccination check), Lowell Dog Park, Whistlestop Dog Park in Byron Center, and Covell Dog Park in Northwest Grand Rapids.
West Michigan offers many beautiful parks and trails that are perfect for spending time with your canine friend. Grand Rapids’ Millennium Park (the trails and areas outside the beach area are open to dogs, but not the beach or coast) is a favorite park for its expansive green spaces and a designated off-leash dog area where pets can socialize and roam. freely. . With miles of riverside trails, Riverside Park is a local gem that offers a delightful urban escape. These places exemplify the natural beauty of the area and are perfect for spending quality time outdoors with your furry friend. West Michigan has many parks and trails that offer adventure and many opportunities to bond with your dog.
Travel Tips For Planning Your Pure Michigan Vacation
Harmony Brewing Company – Also in Grand Rapids, Harmony Brewing Company has a dog-friendly patio throughout the summer. Enjoy their pizza and craft beer while spending quality time with your dog. Harmony co-owner Heather confirms that they often host dog-friendly events and there is always a “Yappy Hour” on the patio on Thursdays. If you bring your dog, you get happy hour prices and there are usually dog activities and treats available. Follow their Facebook page to learn about dog activities this summer!
Archival Brewing – Located in Belmont, Archival Brewing offers a large outdoor area where dogs are welcome. Enjoy heritage-style beers and a locally sourced menu in a casual, dog-friendly atmosphere.
Others with kennels closer to Cascade Animal Hospital in the Cascade, Forest Hills and Ada areas are Nonna’s, MudPenny and Vitale’s Ada.
This list is not all-inclusive. There are numerous dog parks in Grand Rapids and cities along Lake Michigan. If in doubt, check with the facility before you go and make sure your dog is well-behaved and enjoys being around other people and other dogs.
Dog Safety Tips
Relax at the Rosa Concert Series – Take your dog downtown for lunch and a concert! An outdoor concert and rotating food trucks are held at Rosa Park Circle every Thursday afternoon from 1:30 pm until September 12. Dogs are welcome if they are well-behaved and on a leash.
Many outdoor casual venues in West Michigan are dog-friendly. If you are interested in an open air concert near you, we recommend that you review the organizer’s contact information or social media pages.
West Michigan Whitecaps – The West Michigan Whitecaps will host their popular Dog Days at LMCU Ballpark on June 19 and September 3, 2024. These special events allow fans to bring their furry friends to play alongside them. The atmosphere is always lively, with dogs of all shapes and sizes dressing in team attire and mingling with other dog enthusiasts. This is a great opportunity to watch an exciting baseball game while spending quality time with your dog in a fun, community-oriented environment.
West Michigan offers many opportunities for unforgettable adventures with your furry friend. From splashing in the waves to dining at a local restaurant, there’s something for every dog and their owner to enjoy this summer. Grab your leash and sunscreen and discover the dog-friendly delights of West Michigan.
Ultimate Guide To 10 Dog Friendly Beaches In Michigan
Located in the heart of the West Michigan, Ada, Cascade, Forest Hills and Grand Rapids area, Cascade Animal Hospital and Breton Village Animal Clinic are safe havens for veterinary care. If you need an appointment, contact us today. Located at the tip of Michigan’s thumb, Port Austin is one of the lesser-known gems in the entire state, and it’s also dog-friendly. At nearby Port Crescent State Park, you can spend the day walking in clear blue waters on more than 3 miles of sandy beaches or hiking 28 miles of tree-lined trails that wind over dunes and offer stunning water views.
Dogs are allowed on the beach near the mouth of the Pinnebog River, which is reached by a steel bridge that connects to the hiking trails closest to the campsite. Pets should be kept on a leash and it is important to remember to clean up after your pet.
One of our favorite dog patios, Pak’s Backyard, is also located in Port Austin. They have a wide variety of Michigan craft beers, great bar food, and a great atmosphere. There’s often live music, so after a long day at the beach you can enjoy your backpacking dinner and drinks right on the water.
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