Traveling can be stressful enough without having to worry about leaving your dog behind or whether they will be welcome if they come with you. Instead of stressing out about it, take some extra time to research and plan a dog-friendly trip. If you’re headed to “The Great Lakes State”, start your research with this Michigan dog-friendly travel guide.

16 Dog-Friendly Activities in Michigan

While you’re traveling around, you want to make sure there are plenty of things you and your dog can enjoy together. Depending on where your travels take you, you might be able to include some of these dog-friendly activities in Michigan in your trip itinerary:

1. Lake Michigan Beach

If your travels take you near Glen Arbor and especially the Sleeping Bear Dunes, be sure to set some time aside for Lake Michigan Beach. The beach and the water are beautiful and dogs are welcome on the east end of the beach. It’s the perfect place to stop if you and your dog both love to play in the sand and the water!

2. Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail

Located in Portage is the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail, which is also referred to as Celery Flats. This multi-use trail is paved and runs alongside Portage Creek. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!

This well-maintained trail is beautiful during all seasons and your dog is welcome to romp and play along with you on the trail and in the creek as long as they are leashed. Also, pick-up bags are provided and there are waste bins available along the trail to make clean-up easy.

3. Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is a must if your travels bring you near Ludington, Michigan. This state park features 5,300 acres of sand dunes, beaches, marshlands, wetlands, and forests. Your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed.

They may not be able to hang out on the beaches or swim in designated swimming and wading areas, but there are still plenty of things you can do together. Between wooded hiking and biking trails, Hamlin Lake, and Big Sable River, there are a lot of places for you and your dog to explore and even a few areas where your dog is allowed to splash around.

4. Bavarian Belle Riverboat

If you and your dog love boat rides and your travels bring you near Frankenmuth, the Bavarian Belle Riverboat is the perfect dog-friendly attraction for you. The Bavarian Belle is a fully-restored historic vessel and is an authentic stern-driven paddlewheel riverboat.

It carries up to 150 passengers and welcomes dogs aboard its 1-hour historic and narrated tour of the area. The upper deck is open air while the lower salon is fully enclosed and includes restrooms. There’s a snack bar on board with both food and drinks available for purchase. There are even souvenirs on board and tours run from early May to mid-October.

5. Mackinac Island State Park

Mackinac Island features Mackinac Island State Park, which was Michigan’s first state park. Over 80% of the island is state park property and there are plenty of historic and natural areas to enjoy.

Fort Mackinac and Historic Downtown offer several events throughout the year. Plus, there are plenty of natural wonders to see and hiking trails to enjoy. The best part is that it is dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome to explore the sites with you as long as they are leashed.

6. Shepler’s Ferry

If you’re in Mackinaw City sometime in late April through late October and need a ride from Mackinac Island to the mainland or vice versa, or just want to take a ferry ride, consider Shepler’s Ferry. Your leashed and well-behaved dog is welcome to join you for the 15-25-minute ride. Seating is available up top and covered down below. Additionally, your dog rides for free!

7. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a 50,000-acre state park located in Paradise. The waterfalls of the Tahquamenon River are the stars of this state park. The Upper Falls have a water flow of over 50,000 gallons per second! It is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

The Upper Falls are more than 200 feet wide and have an almost 50-foot drop. If you and your dog aren’t up for the steep, metal-grated stairs, you can still enjoy the gorgeous Lower Falls. Although your dog is not permitted in swimming areas or inside buildings, they are welcome to join you around the grounds provided they are leashed and well-behaved and you clean up after them.

8. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

If you’re spending time on Mackinac Island and your dog does well around horses and new things, consider taking a horse and carriage tour with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. The tours last around an hour and 45 minutes with several stops along the way.

Reservations are not accepted for the regular public tours. You just show up during operating hours, purchase a ticket, and get on the next available carriage. Because of this, there are not necessarily set departure times, but you can get an idea of how long the wait might be when you go to purchase a ticket if there is not a carriage already waiting.

In addition to informative narration and stops along the way, your dog is welcome to join you. If they are small enough to sit on your lap, they can ride for free. If they are bigger dogs or will want their own seat to be able to look around, they can join you on the tour for the price of a child ticket.

9. Colonial Michilimackinac

If you’re on Mackinac Island and enjoy history, consider spending some time exploring Colonial Michilimackinac. You can explore the historic 18th-century fort and the surrounding trading village to get a sense of life there during the 1700s.

Although your dog cannot go into the museum and most buildings, your leashed and well-behaved dog is welcome to join you as you explore the grounds. Just be aware that there may be rifle and cannon demonstrations, so you’ll want to check the website for hours and attractions and avoid those periods if your dog doesn’t do well with loud noises.

10. Windmill Island Gardens

If your travels will bring you near Holland during tulip season and you love walking through beautiful gardens, plan to get a ticket and spend some time in Windmill Island Gardens. Provided your dog is leashed and well-behaved, and you clean up after them, they are welcome to join you as you explore the gardens.

Because of food processing and other things, dogs are not allowed inside the windmill or gift shop. You’ll also want to make sure that your dog is comfortable and friendly in busy places with a lot of other people and pets. The gardens tend to be popular, especially during peak tulip season, so you can bet that you will encounter a lot of other people and their dogs.

11. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

The Great Lakes are known for several famous, historic, and mysterious shipwrecks as well as holding some of the most well-preserved wrecks. If maritime history, ships, shipwrecks, and more are your interests and your travels will bring you to Paradise, consider spending time exploring the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

The museum is open every day from the beginning of May through the end of October. Although your dog cannot climb up the Whitefish Point Light Tower, they are allowed to join almost everywhere else on the property and inside the other buildings. Just make sure your dog is leashed and well-behaved, and that you clean up after them.

12. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Should your travels bring you to Munising and you and your dog need a break, spend some time exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This attraction stretches along 40 miles of Lake Superior and features plenty of stunning views and several trails.

Your dog is welcome to join you along the road, on trails, and in visitor facility areas. They must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times when on the trails and they are not permitted out in the fields or in the backcountry. Make sure you bring plenty of water and bags for cleanup, and check out Miners Beach and Sable Falls before you leave.

13. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park

If you love shoreline views and your travels bring you to Norton Shores, consider taking a break to explore P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. This recreation area is dog-friendly. It stretches along 3 miles of shortlines and includes dunes and 10 miles of trails featuring scenic views.

It’s a popular spot for hiking and for cross-country skiing. Your dog is welcome to join you provided they are leashed. But, they are not allowed inside the building or in the swimming areas. So, if your dog loves the water, make sure you stick to the trails and keep them out of the water.

14. Silver Lake Buggy Rentals

If you love exploring things off-road and you’re planning to swing near Mears, consider adding Silver Lake Buggy Rentals to your trip plan. These off-road rentals let you explore the Silver Lake sand dunes in style.

Plus, most of the vehicles are dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome to join you provided they are well-behaved. Just make sure they are excited about new adventures and that you bring a pair of goggles for them and a seatbelt harness for dogs. These are outdoor adventure products for dogs that will come in handy with this activity.

15. Munising Falls

If you love waterfalls and you’ll be traveling near Munising, take some time to explore Munising Falls. The trail to the falls is paved, only .4 miles long, and is considered easy enough for all levels. The waterfall is 50 feet high and drops over a sandstone cliff.

There are The park notes that the best time to visit and use the trail is between April and October depending on the weather, but the location is known for its ice formations in the winter. You can get a view of the falls from the end of the trail and there are two sets of stairs that lead to platforms with higher views.

It’s also dog-friendly and your dog is welcome to join you provided they are leashed. Just make sure they are great with other dogs, a lot of people, and other animals. This trail is popular with locals and tourists alike and is heavily trafficked throughout the season.

16. Great Turtle Kayak Tours

If you love kayaking or just want to give it a try and you’ll be in Mackinac Island, consider making a reservation ahead of time with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. They have professionals available to teach you how to kayak or paddle board and can also provide guided tours.

Lessons and tours take place in calmer waters, especially the Mackinac Marina and Haldimand Bay. More experienced paddlers on a tour can head out and explore wildlife, lighthouses, natural rock formations, and other scenic views. If your dog is up for it, they are welcome to join you for your paddling activities.

Just make sure you have a life jacket for your dog and bring it along with you. If you haven’t been in a kayak or on a paddleboard with your dog before and you want to do this activity on your trip, make sure you spend some time beforehand to get ready to take your dog paddling at home so you both can enjoy it on your trip.

8 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Michigan

After a long day of exploring, you and your dog will need a place to stay and you’ll want to make sure wherever you stay will welcome your dog. Start your research with these dog-friendly hotels in Michigan and be sure to book your room in advance to make sure a dog-friendly room is waiting for you when you arrive!

1. Comfort Inn Ludington

The Comfort Inn Ludington, located in Ludington, Michigan, is dog-friendly. This hotel offers cozy accommodations, including breakfast, and is located near Lake Michigan. They welcome up to two dogs of any size to join you.

There is a pet fee, which is an additional $10 per dog, per night. You cannot leave your dog unattended in your room. There is a fenced dog run on the property as well as a waste station.

2. Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth

This Drury Inn & Suites is located in the heart of Frankenmuth and is dog-friendly. You are permitted to have up to two dogs with a combined weight that does not exceed 80 pounds. There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 plus tax, per night, and you cannot leave your dog unattended in the room.

Outside of your room, dogs must remain leashed in common areas throughout the hotel and on hotel property. There is a grassy relief area on the property. There is also an area with waste bags in case you forget yours in your room.

3. Kara’s Kottages

Kara’s Kottages is a bed and breakfast consisting of several historic homes near downtown Kalamazoo that have been transformed into suites with cozy interiors. Up to two dogs up to 50 pounds are welcome to join you during your stay.

Birchbark, Redwoods, or Pinecone Kottages are the dog-friendly accommodations. There is a pet fee, which is $20 per dog, per night of your stay. You are permitted to leave your dogs unattended in your room. There is also a grassy relief area next to the hotel.

4. Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport

If you will need to stay overnight in Grand Rapids, consider booking a room at the Residence Inn by Mariott Grand Rapids Airport. This hotel is located in a prime location with grassy areas and a walking trail nearby.

And, it has dog-friendly rooms. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay, but they cannot be left unattended in your room. There is an additional pet fee, which is $100 per stay.

5. Weathervane Inn

If your trip itinerary means a stay overnight in Montague and you’re looking for a calmer, more relaxing place to stay, look into the Weathervane Inn. This hotel is located on the lakefront of White Lake and boasts gorgeous waterfront views.

With plenty of on-site amenities, the Montague bike trail nearby, and being within walking distance of both downtown Montague and Whitehall, there are plenty of things to do. Plus, up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $30 per per, per night.

Provided your dog is well-behaved when you are not around, you are permitted to leave them unattended in your room for up to two hours at a time. Walking trails and grassy areas with waste stations are available on-site and there are more nearby. You can also pick up dog treats at the front desk.

6. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has a lot to offer. If you’ll be visiting and will need to stay overnight with your dog, check out the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ann Arbor. This hotel is located conveniently off of Interstate 94 and is close to many businesses and attractions.

It also offers dog-friendly rooms. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $150 per stay. Provided your dog remains calm and well-behaved when you are not around, you can leave them unattended in your room if they are crated. There are also grassy pet relief areas with waste stations on-site.

7. Sleep Inn & Suites Acme Traverse City

Should you plan to stay overnight in Williamsburg, Sleep Inn & Quotes Acme Traverse City is a hotel that has dog-friendly rooms. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay, but they cannot be left alone in your room.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per pet, per night. There is a grassy relief area on-site and you can pick up dog treats at the front desk on your way in and out.

8. Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor

If you’ll need to stay overnight in Ann Arbor or will be spending several days there, look into booking a room at the Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor. This hotel has dog-friendly rooms where up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. And, they offer long-term stays if you need that.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $75 for 1-7 nights and then $25 per week after that. There is a grassy relief area on site and they even have a PAWS program, which stands for Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta. As part of the PAWS program, there are bowls, beds, waterproof mats, and even treats available at the front desk at check-in and throughout your stay.

8 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Michigan

While out and about with your dog, you’re bound to need some sustenance. Convenience stores and gas station food get old very fast. Instead, check out one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Michigan where you can sit down and enjoy a meal:

1. Grizzly Peak Brewing Company

If your travels bring you near Ann Arbor around a mealtime, be sure to stop by Grizzly Peak Brewing Company for some refreshment and relaxation. In addition to their craft beer on tap and specialty burgers, Grizzly Peak also offers a varied menu featuring hot sandwiches, BBQ ribs, shrimp tacos, and pizza.

The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly and, along with a bowl of water, you can order some food for your dog off the “Pups on the Patio” menu. There are dog-friendly burgers, salmon or chicken with rice, kielbasa with peanut butter, and ice cream available. Dinner and dessert with your dog? Yes, please!

2. Scalawags Whitefish & Chips

If you’re a fan of seafood and are traveling near Mackinaw City, Scalawags Whitefish & Chips is the place for you. This restaurant features a menu of tasty seafood and other options and their outdoor seating is dog-friendly. You both can relax and your dog can enjoy a bowl of water and some food of their own while you enjoy a delicious meal.

3. Tom’s Oyster Bar

Located in Royal Oak, Tom’s Oyster Bar offers a delicious menu featuring seafood and other options. You can choose from menu items like jambalaya, lobster mac, shrimp scampi, oysters, and non-seafood options. Plus, their outdoor patio is dog-friendly and the staff often provides a bowl of water to help hydrate your pup while you eat.

4. Mari Vineyards

If you enjoy sampling local wines and your travels bring you to Traverse City, consider spending some time at Mari Vineyards if the weather is nice. Not only can you sample a range of delicious wines, but you and your dog can relax and take in the gorgeous scenery of the East Bay on the outdoor patio. You can also order a variety of charcuterie to enjoy a little food with your wine while your dog enjoys fresh water and a complimentary dog treat.

5. The Portside Inn

The Portside Inn is a restaurant located in Marquette that hosts an American menu. Between salads, burgers, sandwiches, and a slew of Southeast staples, there is a little something on the menu for everyone. If you happen to be there on a Friday and enjoy seafood, there is a Friday fish fry just for you.

And, the tables out on the spacious outdoor patio are dog friendly. Provided your dog remains leashed and well-behaved, they are welcome to join you at an outdoor table for a menu. Just make sure they are good with other people and other dogs as this is a favorite stop for local dog owners and you can bet there will be other pups on the patio.

6. The Deck

If you love good BBQ and your travels will bring you to Muskegon in the spring or summer, consider making a stop at The Deck. This casual eatery boasts a full menu of specialty smoked foods. Their smoked meats and BBQ are all made from scratch in-house.

Local favorites include smoked chicken, sausage, beef brisket, and pulled pork. They also have burritos, nachos, fresh salads, and some other options available. There are even allergy-free and gluten-free food choices. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you at one of their outdoor tables where you can enjoy some good food and you both can take in the great view of Lake Michigan.

7. Sidetrack Bar & Grill

If your travels will bring you near Ypsilanti around a mealtime, consider stopping at Sidetrack Bar & Grill for some food, drinks, and relaxation. This historic restaurant offers a varied menu of favorite comfort foods.

From salads and sandwiches to burgers, fish & chips, and more, there are plenty of options for every palate. If you enjoy a good brew, there are more than 30 beers on tap. And, there are two outdoor seating areas where your dog is welcome to join you. There is even a doggie menu available with some delicious snacks just for your dog!

8. Griffin Grill & Pub

Griffin Grill & Pub is located in Battle Creek. This stop may be known for its wings and beer, but its menu is much more extensive than that. Soups and salads, breakfast items, appetizers and burgers, entrees, and more all fill out this comprehensive menu. It also includes a lot of craic-inspired, Irish American fare.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you at the outdoor tables. There are twenty outdoor tables available on the patio so there is plenty of room for you and your pooch to kick back and relax. There is even a dog menu available so you can order some food and treats for your canine companion too. You can even pick up themed merchandise for your dog!

Plan a Dog-Friendly Trip to Michigan

When you’re planning a trip, there’s no need to leave your dog behind when you have dog-friendly travel guides on your side. Although this Michigan dog-friendly travel guide is a good start, it certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you find something else you want to do, just make sure your dog will be welcome before it makes it into your trip plan.

Have fun planning a trip you both can enjoy together and then have a blast creating memories with your furry best friend. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where your adventures take you!