10 Dog Friendly Things to Do in Michigan

There is no shortage of dog friendly things to do in Michigan. This post will help you find all sorts of creative adventures that you and your dog can enjoy together!

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1. Visit a dog friendly beach

The great thing about Michigan being a peninsula is there is an abundant amount of beaches around, and in turn a variety of dog friendly beaches. Taking your dog with you to the beach can be one of the most enjoyable days in the summer for you and your pup. 

Kirby loves the water and tries his darnedest to drink the entire lake. He has not succeeded. We always make sure to bring his life jacket and a water toy.

There are a few beaches that allow well-trained dogs to be off leash. If you plan to go to an off leash beach, make sure you have good recall ability and control over your dog.

Our personal favorite off leash beach is Mission Point Beach. It is more secluded with not as many other dogs or people around. 

A few other great beaches to take your dog would be Port Crescent State Park, Warren Dunes State Park and Silver Lake sand dunes. 

2. hit the trails

If you are traveling with your dog, odds are you plan to do a bit of hiking. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Michigan is filled with dog friendly trails. Easy, moderate, and hard. 

Always check the type of trail: gravel, paved, etc. Depending on how long of a hike you plan to go on, it’s important to protect your dog’s paws. We’ve had great success with these booties. Our dog is a mini golden-doodle with skinny paws and they manage to stay on really well. 

For trails around some of the major cities, you’ll want to check out the Clinton River Trail, Paint Creek Trail and the B2B trail. 

If you happen to be in Michigan in the Fall, visiting Hartwick Pines State Park would give you a variety of beautiful colorful hikes.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? You’ll want to check out one of the trails out by the Lake of the Clouds or trek up Hogback Mountain.

Pup Tip: put your dog to work and make them carry their own water and supplies by getting them a backpack!

3. attend a dog festival

Believe it or not, there are a couple of dog themed festivals that take place every year. Most notably is the Dog Bowl in Frankenmuth which is considered “The World’s largest Olympic Style Festival for dogs.” With over 25 different events taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, it’s definitely worth checking out and participating in. 

If you are planning a vacation to Frankenmuth in the Fall, Frankenmuth also hosts a Scarecrow Fest during Halloween. You’ll find some other Halloween dog themed festivals in other cities as well, mostly for dog costume competition and prizes.

4. take your dog on the green

Golden Sands Golf Course in Silver Lake allow dogs on the green! It is the only golf course in Michigan I could find that will allow your dog to go golfing with you. Dogs are allowed to golf with you as long as they are well-behaved, on a leash, and cleaned up after. 

They even allow dogs to have lunch with you on the patio at the Bucket Bar restaurant onsite. 

Make sure to call and let them know you plan on bringing your dog. Policies can change at any time and it’s always good to be prepared. 

5. visit a cider mill

Michigan is the 3rd largest producer of apples in the U.S and home to some of the best cider mills. You’ll find plenty of dog friendly cider mills around the state. 

Some popular choices would be: Yates Cider Mill in Rochester, Uncle John’s Cider Mill in Saint Joseph, and Robinette’s Apple Haus in Grand Rapids.

6. go on a wine trail

Northern Michigan is filled with vineyards and plenty of the wineries up north are dog friendly. If you are planning a trip to the popular dog friendly city of Traverse City, then you should definitely take your dog with you on a wine trail. You have the choice between taking the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail or the Leelanau Wine Trail, both have dog friendly stops. 

Popular Dog Friendly Wineries Include:

• 45 North Vineyard & Winery (Leelanau Wine Trail)
• Black Star Farms (Leelanau Wine Trail)
• Mawby Sparkling Wines (Leelanau Wine Trail)
• Bowers Harbor Vineyards (Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail)
• Chateau Grand Traverse (Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail)
• Bry’s Estate  (Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail)

7. Have a luxurious dog friendly weekend getaway at a resort

If you want to spoil yourself by going to a resort for a weekend getaway, you don’t need to leave your dog at home. There are a few resorts around Michigan that will not only welcome your pet, but will pamper them too with dog specific amenities or packages!

The most popular resort that will pamper you and your pup would be Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. They have a specific Pooch at the Point Package that includes a bunch of amenities for you and your dog. 

If that seems like a little much for you, one of our favorite resorts would be The Homestead in Glen Arbor, near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake-shore. They offer pet friendly rooms in their Fiddler’s Pond Inn.

8. take your dog shopping

Taking your dog shopping might seem odd, but if you are traveling around one of these cities and you get stuck with your dog when it rains, you’ll be glad for some shelter.

Dogs are welcome inside at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Not all stores are pet friendly, so it is best to ask before you enter the store. Kirby loved his time at the Commons!

Another popular dog friendly shopping center is The River Place Shops in Frankenmuth (home of the Dog Bowl festival). Pet friendly shops are marked with a paw on their brochure, making it easy for you to navigate where you are allowed to enter with your dog.

Pets are also welcome in the common areas of Birch Run Outlets. You will find a dog park located in section E. Some stores may allow your dog to go in with you, but always ask beforehand. 

The Mall at Partridge Creek is also pet friendly, though you won’t find any pet friendly dining here. Again, it is up to the discretion of each store, so make sure to ask before you enter the store with your dog!

9. see a movie at the ford drive-in theater

Drive-Ins are definitely a blast from the past, but you will find that most will allow you to bring your dogs to watch the movies with you. Ford Drive-In is located in Dearborn and is the largest Drive-in theater in the world, according to them.

Dogs are welcome at the drive-in theater, but they must be leashed when outside the vehicle.

10. take your pup out to the ball game!

Both Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers and Jimmy John’s Field, an independent baseball league, have “Bark at the Park ” events which allow you to bring your dog to a baseball game!

This event happens usually in the summer. In the past, Comerica Park has held this special event 3 times during the season. Jimmy Johns only offers it once a year.

Looking for more things to do with your dog in Michigan? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Travel in Michigan.

Have you done any of the above experiences with your dog? Let me know in the comments!

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