Michigan Vacations With Dogs – West Michigan is a dog lover’s paradise with dog-friendly beaches, parks and restaurants. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of places where you and your friend can enjoy the sun, sand, and delicious food. Here’s a guide to the best dog-friendly places in West Michigan this summer.
Hoffmaster State Park – Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon has a dog-friendly beach (North Beach) where pups can splash in Lake Michigan. The park has many trails through bogs and forests and is a great hiking destination.
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Grand Haven City Beach – south of Grand Haven State Park, this beach is open before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere as you explore the beach with your dog.
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Norman F. Crews Park – This Muskegon park has a great dog beach. Your dog can roam freely in a designated outdoor area, making it a popular spot for dog owners.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park – A short hike through the beautiful wooded dunes brings you to a quiet, uncrowded beach. You have to rent a dog, but the hike and the view are worth it. While in Saugatuck, many restaurants have outdoor dog-friendly patios.
Bear Lake Beach This small beach in North Muskegon (701 Fleming St.) is a great place for dogs and owners. Usually not too much, so you and your dog can soak up the water. Please leave your dog at Bear Lake Beach.
Shaggy Pines Dog Park – This private island dog park is a dog’s dream. With more than 20 hectares of grounds, amenities, a pool and a dog washing station, it is well worth the membership fees.
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Kirk Park – Located in West Olive, Kirk Park has a dedicated dog beach and several dog-friendly trails. This allows your dog to release energy while enjoying the natural beauty of the lake.
Cascade Dog Park – This park is a favorite of local dog owners where dogs can run free and socialize. The park has separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for children of all sizes. With well-maintained grounds and shaded seating, Cascade Dog Park offers a great environment for dogs and their owners to relax and have fun.
This list is just a small sample of our favorite dog parks. Other attractions include Wyoming Dog Park (small fee and vaccination check), Lowell Dog Park, Whistle Dog Park in downtown Byron, and Cowell Dog Park in northwest Grand Rapids.
West Michigan offers many parks and trails. Grand Rapids’ Millennium Park (open to ocean trails and dogs, but not the beach or splashpad) is a Grand Rapids favorite with spacious green spaces where pets can roam free. . The Riverfront is a local gem that offers a respite from the city on the banks of the river. These spots showcase the area’s natural beauty and are perfect for spending quality time outdoors with your furry friend. There are many other parks and trails throughout West Michigan that offer plenty of opportunities for adventure and bonding with your dog.
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Harmony Baking Company – Also in Grand Rapids, Harmony Baking Company offers dog-friendly patios all summer long. Enjoy their artisan pizzas and craft beers while spending quality time with your dog. One of Harmony’s owners, Heather, confirms that they often host doggy events, and Thursdays are always “happy hour” on the patio. If you bring your dog and often do dog activities, you will receive a happy hour price! Follow their Facebook page to keep up with their dog-friendly activities this summer!
Archive Brewing – Located in Belmont, Archive Brewing offers a spacious dog-friendly area. Enjoy historic style beer and a local menu that is dog friendly.
Nonna, Mudpenny and Vitale have dog kennels in the Ada Cascade, Forest Hills and Ada areas near the Cascade hospital.
Of course, this list is not all-inclusive. There are dog friendly parks in Grand Rapids and many cities along Lake Michigan! When in doubt, check with the facility before you go and make sure your dog is hydrated and comfortable around other people and other dogs.
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Relax at the Rose Concert Series – Take your dog downtown for lunch and a concert! Enjoy an outdoor concert and food truck tour every Thursday at Rose Park Circle from 1:30pm through September 12th. Dogs are welcome if they are well behaved.
Many public places in West Michigan allow dogs. If you are interested in an outdoor concert near you, please contact the organizer via their contact details or social media.
Western Michigan Whitecaps – The Western Michigan Whitecaps hold the famous Dog Days on June 19 and September 3, 1924 at LMCU Ballpark. These special events allow fans to enjoy the game with their friends. The atmosphere is always lively, with dogs of all shapes and sizes, sports team gear and the company of other movie fans. This is a great opportunity to watch some entertaining baseball while spending time with your dog in a fun, community-oriented environment.
West Michigan offers many opportunities for an unforgettable adventure with your friend. From splashing in the waves to grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant, there’s something for every dog and owner this summer. So put on some sun and sunscreen and explore West Michigan’s dog-friendly delights!
Our Dog-friendly Day Trip To Mackinac
In the heart of West Michigan in the Ada, Cascade, Forest Hills and Greater Grand Rapids areas, Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic are your trusted destination for veterinary care. If you need an appointment, get in touch today. Exploring Mackinac Island with your dog is the perfect summer vacation. With Victorian charm, rich history, beautiful beaches, and miles of trails, everyone will enjoy pure Michigan magic!
Taking a ferry to Mackinac Island with the Mackinac Tour is like stepping into a time machine to travel back in time.
Although the journey is only 20 minutes, the ship takes you to another era. Horse-drawn carriages ply the streets, people walk or cycle, and the natural beauty that draws visitors here remains untouched.
If you’ve heard anything about Mackinac Island, there’s a good chance they ban cars. When the first “horseless carriage” was brought here in 1898, the noisy vehicle spooked the horses and threatened the peace and tranquility of the islanders. So the village council quickly decided to ban the car – a simple but decisive move that changed history. Makes Mackinac a wonderful place to explore with your dogs!
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The lack of cars does not mean that you will have problems getting around the island. The shops, restaurants and souvenir shops of the ferry stops, located just a few steps from the main street, will keep you busy for days. Mackinac’s most popular sites are within easy reach – Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, Cottages at East and West Bluffs and Arch Rock – all within a mile of the visitor center.
For those who want to see more of the island, consider a horse-drawn taxi or carriage tour. (Well-behaved rental pets are welcome on board, unless horses are kept.)
Or for a more authentic (and possibly more exciting) experience, choose a “drive yourself” buggy or “drive yourself” saddle horses!
If you’re not feeling adventurous, there are many bike shops where you can rent two- and three-wheel bikes, as well as trailers for children and pets.
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Both ferry operators serving Mackinac Island are happy to see and welcome your furry family members. The trip takes 15-20 minutes and costs $32 for adults. Day trippers can park their cars for free in Mackinaw City or at the designated ferry terminal in St. Ignace. The ferry companies also offer a number of transfer options for guests staying overnight on the island.
Ty and Buster were so excited about our trip that we were first in line for the ferry!
Ferries to the city center are just a short walk from the high street. From there you can explore the shops, stop at the visitor center for tips and information, sign up for a buggy tour, rent a bike, or visit Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel, East and West Bluffs cottages, or Arch Rock. . .
Pets are welcome to explore Mackinac Island with you! keep
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