Traveling with your dog can be a fun time full of adventure. Or, it can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. Not everywhere you pass by will be dog-friendly. For a stress-free trip both you and your pup can enjoy to its fullest, take the time to plan ahead and make sure you both will be welcome with open arms no matter where you decide to go. If your travels will take you to “The Badger State”, use this Wisconsin dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

9 Dog-Friendly Activities in Wisconsin

The trip you take with your dog should be more than restaurants, hotel rooms, and the occasional walk in the park. Check out some of these dog-friendly activities throughout Wisconsin to add a little more adventure to your trip:

1. Point Beach State Forest

Located in Two Rivers along the shore of Lake Michigan is the Point Beach State Forest. This area has a dedicated dog beach just south of the lighthouse with its own parking, bathroom, drinking water, and cleanup bags. Plus, there is a ton of space where your pooch can run and clean, clear Lake Michigan water where they can swim freely.

Just make sure you bring a life jacket for your dog, keep an eye on them, and follow other safety tips for swimming with your dog. Outside of this area, your dog will need to be well-behaved and on a leash no longer than 8 feet. You and your leashed pooch can also enjoy several of the hiking trails, except for the Swales Nature Trail, where pets are prohibited.

2. Dells Boat Tours

Should your travels bring you to Wisconsin Dells, set some time aside for one of Dells Boat Tours. There are several boat tours to choose from with varying locations, and all of them give you a chance to experience the beauty and history of Wisconsin Dells.

This outfit offers river tours, group outings, sunset cruises, and trips for special events from mid-March through mid-November, weather permitting. If you’re booked on one of the regular trips, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they remain on a leash.

If you’re interested in one of the special event trips, make sure you check ahead of time and have a plan in place for your dog if they won’t be able to join you. For example, pets are not allowed on the special event Ghost Boat tours late in October.

3. Milwaukee Boat Line Cruises

If you want to experience a boat tour, but your travels take you closer to Milwaukee, try out Milwaukee Boat Line Cruises. This boat company offers public summer cruises that allow you to enjoy the views along the Milwaukee River and along Lake Michigan. Well-behaved dogs that remain on a leash are welcome on these general cruises. Specialty voyages are also available, but there may be some pet restrictions on these.

4. Ridge Run County Park

Ridge Run County Park is located in West Bend. It features plenty of hiking trails that wind through forests, run along the riverside, and even include views along the boardwalk. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you on all of them as long as they are leashed.

5. Tails & Trails

If you and your dog are itching for some off-leash time and you’re near Waupaca, set aside some time for Tails & Trails. This dog park has paid admission, which is $4 per dog for a day pass or $10 per day for a day pass for up to three dogs. This park is open from sunrise to sunset every day.

Once inside, your dog is free to run and play off-leash across the enclosed 30-acre dog park. There are also several walking trails available on-site in addition to a large swimming pond. There is even a pump for drinking water, so you can make sure you and your dog stay hydrated.

6. Cave Point County Park

If you’ll be traveling through or near Sturgeon Bay and want to build in a break, consider adding a stop at Cave Point County Park. Provided the weather is nice, this is a great stop to take a break, stretch your legs, spend some time outside, and see some beautiful views.

Cave Point County Park is a recreation space right along the shore of Lake Michigan. It’s known for the limestone cliffs, underwater caves, and hiking trails featuring beautiful scenic views. And, it’s dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore, provided they are leashed and that you clean up after them. There are several dog waste stations along the trails.

The trails are well-marked, but they are nature trails that can have some rough spots. Make sure you have the proper footwear for hikes. It’s not a bad idea to have paw protection for your dog if they tolerate wearing dog boots. The trails near the cliffs offer gorgeous views. It’s important to be cautious and stay alert on these trails even as you enjoy the scenic vistas.

7. Whitefish Dunes State Park

If you’re already planning to explore Cave Point County Park, consider adding Whitefish Dunes State Park to your trip itinerary, especially if you and your dog enjoy the beach. It’s about a mile away, and there is a section of the beach where your leashed dog can join you and play.

The pet beach access is about 0.75 miles from the parking lot, and you do need a state park vehicle admission sticker to enter this park. Also, your dog must remain on a leash, and the leash cannot be longer than eight feet. The dog-friendly section is year-round, but they are not permitted on the section of beach from the nature center to the third beach access from April 1 to November 1.

8. Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market

If you’re exploring Door County and will be near Fish Creek, consider stopping by Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market. This orchard features cherry and apple trees. During the season, they even have pick-your-own events. The market and bakery offer a variety of products, including food. There is also a winery and tasting room.

Plus, there’s an outdoor patio where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. They do not have guided tours of the orchards, but you are welcome to stroll through them, explore, and take pictures. Additionally, your dog is welcome to join you everywhere you go, provided they are leashed and well-behaved. You will need to bring your own bowl and waste bags.

Your dog is also welcome to join you inside the spaces as long as it’s not too crowded. If there are a lot of people inside, you may need to wait for it to clear out a little bit before you go in with your dog. Lautenbach’s also has live music and events throughout the season, so make sure you check the schedule before you go and adjust your plans according to you and your dog if needed.

The market and bakery have food items available for purchase, and the tasting room has charcuterie. If you’re interested in more of a meal, the 888 Cheese & Co food truck is usually on site. Their menu features a variety of sandwiches on artisan breads, fried pickles, cheese curds, tomato bisque, and daily specials.

9. National Mustard Museum

Do you love mustard? Will you be traveling near Middleton? If so, then the National Mustard Museum is the stop for you. This museum features over 6,000 mustards from all over the country and is the world’s largest collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia. Admission is free, and your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

You can spend time exploring the collection, learn about mustard and the history of mustard, and enjoy free samples of various types of mustard. Then, you can check out the shop to purchase gourmet mustards, fun merchandise, other specialty foods, and more. You can even explore the greeting card mustards available for various holidays, celebrations, and occasions.

6 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Wisconsin

After a long day of adventure and fun, you and your dog will need a place to rest. You can’t always count on every hotel you pass being dog-friendly or having a dog-friendly room available when you stop by unless you book a room ahead of time. Start your research with some of these dog-friendly hotels in Wisconsin, and no matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book early so you are guaranteed to have a room when you need it.

1. Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort

Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort is located in Wisconsin Dells and has dog-friendly rooms available. They allow up to two dogs of any size to join you during your stay, provided they are gentle, well-behaved, and non-disruptive. There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per dog and per night of your stay, and you will need to sign the hotel’s pet policy agreement upon arrival. There is also usually a little treat bag provided for your dog on check-in.

Your dog cannot be left unattended in your room. They must be leashed in public or common areas. Housekeeping services will not be provided automatically during your stay with your dog; you will have to request it and either be in the room with your dog or remove your dog from the room during housekeeping.

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites Madison American Center

If you plan on staying overnight in Madison, consider booking a room at La Quinta Inn & Suites Madison American Center. In addition to all of the standard hotel amenities and benefits, this hotel also has a convenient location and is close to several landmarks.

Plus, there are dog-friendly rooms available. Up to two dogs, 75 pounds or fewer each, are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per night with a maximum of $75 per stay.

3. The Iron Horse Hotel

Should you need to stay overnight in Milwaukee, The Iron Horse Hotel could be the right place for you. Your dogs will need to be crated if you leave them unattended in your room, but up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $100 per stay.

It’s a great place to stay if you want to have a historic and authentic Milwaukee experience. Plus, there are dog-friendly spaces around the hotel. Make sure to ask the front desk for the Dog Brochure. You can also opt for the “Big Dog Package” when you book a room to give your dog the “VIPooch” treatment.

4. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

Should your trip plan require an overnight stay in Milwaukee, look into the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG on E Chicago St. Not only is this hotel located downtown in the historic third ward, but it also offers dog-friendly rooms.

There are no pet restrictions at this hotel, so it’s a great option for people traveling with large dogs who might run into size restrictions at other hotels. There is also no additional pet fee, and you will need to complete a pet form during check-in. Beds and bowls are also available at the front desk when you check in.

Although you can leave your dog unattended in your room, provided they are quiet and well-behaved when you are not around, they will need to be out of the room or crated during housekeeping services. If you are leaving your dog unattended in your room, you will need to notify the front desk and leave a cell phone number with them.

If you do need to do something without your dog, but don’t want to leave them completely unattended, you can purchase various pet services from the front desk. Some of the pet services available to guests include dog walking, pet sitting, and even pet spa services. There is no pet relief area on site at this hotel, but there is a small park that is only about a block away.

5. Staybridge Suites Madison

If you need to stay overnight in Madison, consider booking a room at Staybridge Suites Madison – Fitchburg by IHG. In a convenient location and just a short drive from downtown, the Staybridge Suites is a dog-friendly option that also offers extended-stay options if you will be taking a longer trip.

Up to two dogs up to 80 pounds can join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per dog and per night for one-night stays, $50 per dog for stays from 2 to 6 nights, and $75 per dog for stays from 7 to 29 nights.

You can leave your dog in your room unattended, provided they are crated and well-behaved when you are not around. There is also a grassy relief area on site. Plus, the surrounding area is walkable, and there are also neighborhood waste stations.

6. Curriers Lakeview Lodge

Should your travels bring you to Rice Lake and you want a more scenic stay, consider reserving a room at Curriers Lakeview Lodge. There are rooms where pets are not permitted, but there are still plenty of designated dog-friendly rooms. And, because this lodge is located on a 5-acre peninsula, it has been designed so that every room features a scenic lake view.

Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. If you only have one dog with you, there is no additional pet fee. If you have two dogs with you, then the additional pet fee is $30 per stay. You cannot leave your dog unattended in your room. In addition to gorgeous lakeside views, there are also on-site areas to walk your dogs.

8 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Wisconsin

It can be hard to find restaurants that will allow your dog to join you for a meal. Without some extra planning, you could find yourself stopping at convenience stores and fast food chains for food. Not only does that get boring fast, but it also means you’re missing out on the local flavor. Instead of missing out, consider some of these dog-friendly restaurants in Wisconsin if you find yourself near them during a mealtime:

1. Bark and Brew

If you find yourself in Green Bay and thirsty, be sure to stop by Bark and Brew. This place doesn’t serve human food, but as long as you’re enjoying a drink, you can bring your own human food or even order takeout from somewhere nearby. Here, your dog is welcome at both indoor and outdoor seating.

They also have a menu just for dogs where you can order something for your pup from the Bone Bar. While you enjoy some good brews, your pup can enjoy some grub or run around in their fenced-in grassy play area. If your travels bring you through Green Bay, this is a must-stop for you and your dog.

2. The Yard at The Iron Horse Hotel

Whether you’re staying at The Iron Horse Hotel or just passing through Milwaukee when you’re hungry, it’s worth stopping at The Yard in The Iron Horse Hotel. This restaurant is dog-friendly and has plenty of outdoor seating available. There are a ton of options featured on the menu, so you’re bound to find something you will love. Plus, there are water bowls and dog bones available for your favorite pooch.

3. David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse and Saloon

That may look like a typo or feel like deja vu at first, but David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse and Saloon is a Mukwonago staple. In addition to great drink options and delicious food, D.A.A. Smokehouse has plenty of outdoor seating, and your dog is welcome to join you on the patio, weather permitting.

There is even a special doggie menu available so you and your pup can relax and grab a bite to eat together! If you’re there between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a weekday, you’ll be there during Puppy Hour, and your dog can enjoy a free pupsicle with any purchase. There are also special drinks featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka, where a portion of the sales of them goes to benefit the Winston’s Wishes Organization with matching donations from Tito’s.

4. Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard

If your travels bring you near Pepin and you enjoy a good glass of wine, consider stopping by the Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard. This is a winery complex that is open daily for visitors and features a classic Mediterranean style.

You can relax on the piazza and in other outside spaces with your leashed dog while you enjoy a bottle of wine and a small plate. The scenery is beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxing, and there is even a fountain nearby that adds to the beauty and ambiance.

5. The Boneyard

The Boneyard is a combination bar and dog park located in Madison. You do need a day pass or an annual membership in addition to reviewing the rules and signing a waiver in order to bring your dog to The Boneyard, but if they love a good dog park, it can be well worth the stop.

There are on-leash and off-leash recreation areas for dogs. While your dog hangs out or runs around, you can get a drink from one of the “Barktenders”. 16 drinks are on tap in this biergarten dog park, including beer, wine, and coffee. They don’t have an extensive food menu, but there are some options if you are feeling hungry.

They even offer dog grooming appointments! Plus, there are events throughout the year for dogs and humans. From dog parties and meat raffles to live music, trivia, special events, and more, The Boneyard has a lot of fun to offer for canines and humans alike. You can even pick up some merch, including pet supplies, in the shop before you leave.

6. OPE! Brewing Co.

If you want to kick back and relax with a drink in West Allis, stop by OPE! Brewing Co. This brewer and taproom is known for being “super dog friendly.” They have a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, and your dog is welcome to join you inside or outside. Plus, you can take a picture of your dog at OPE! and submit it for a chance to win their Dog of the Month prize.

From IPAs and stouts to pale ales and more, OPE! offers several house-brewed beers, in addition to a variety of flavored hard seltzers made in the brewery. You won’t find a food menu, but you will find a variety of local food trucks on site every Friday for weekly Bites and Brewskis events in the evenings from May through September.

7. Salty Paws

There are some things for you here, but this stop is all about your dog. Salty Paws is located in Milwaukee and sells dog-friendly ice cream, cookies, and other treats. Their ice cream is lactose-free and available in a variety of flavors. Plus, there is a toppings bar with options perfect for pups.

And, since this dog ice cream shop is all about dogs, your dogs are welcome inside and at the tables as they enjoy their treats. In addition to ice cream for dogs, Salty Paws also offers dog-friendly cake mixes, doughnuts, and cookies, in addition to a selection of dog toys. You can even work with them to host a birthday party for your dog, a fundraising event, and more.

8. Urban Olive and Vine

Should your travels bring you to Hudson around a mealtime, consider making some time to relax at Urban Olive and Vine. Known for a great ambiance and delicious wine, beer, and cider, this stop also features a menu packed with delicious food, including paninis, wraps, salads, soups, quiche, various small plates, and more, including gluten-free options. There are also breakfast, daytime special, and evening special menus.

Plus, there is an outdoor dog-friendly patio where your dog is welcome to join you. There is even a “Yappy House” menu featuring options just for dogs. In addition to their complementary bowl of water or Bowser Beer for dogs, you can order some homemade meatballs for your dog, a puppucino, a cup or bowl of biscuits, and more.

If you enjoy wine, consider having a glass of wine from Chateau La Paws and buying a bottle to take with you. This winemaker donates to no-kill shelters across the country. And, Urban Olive and Vine donates all proceeds from every bottle to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, a local rescue in Hudson.

Plan a Dog-Friendly Trip to Wisconsin

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you have this Wisconsin dog-friendly travel guide on your side. Although it doesn’t cover everything, it is a good place to start. If you find something else you want to do or see, just make sure it’s dog-friendly or you have a plan in place for your dog before it goes on your trip plan.

If you’re headed to a different state, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available to help plan your trip. Here’s to an adventure full of wonderful memories and safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where you and your pup wander!