Woof
woof woof! That is dog speak for “take me to the beach”! Luckily for
your dog, and you, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in West
Michigan! Whether you are traveling North, South, East or West in the
Region, your dog will be able to take a quick dip no matter where you
are!
North
This
is not a Great Lakes beach, but is conveniently located off of I-75.
The park has a special pet swimming area which is located by the
playground. Pets need to be leashed and cleaned up after. The park is
located seven miles south of Cheboygan and 25 miles from the Mackinac
Bridge.
This
is not a Great Lakes beach, but is conveniently located off of I-75.
While dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach, there is a special
designated spot where dogs can go into the water. It is near campsite
lot number 42, off Road 1, at the west end of the park. The road leads
to the beach and dog run. Pets must be on a six foot or less leash and
attended at all times.
A
variety of year round recreational activities, beautiful beaches and
trails greet visitors at this park. Well behaved dogs are allowed at no
additional fee. Dogs may not be left unattended, and they must be
leashed and cleaned up after. Dogs are not allowed in public swim areas
or in buildings. Dogs are allowed on the trails. This campground is
closed during the off-season. The camping and tent areas also allow
dogs. There is a dog walk area at the campground. There are no water
hookups at the campground.
While
pets are not allowed in certain areas of the park like the islands,
Dune Climb, back country campsites or inside buildings, they are allowed
on some trails, campgrounds and on the following beaches. Pets are
welcome on the south side of the beach at Esch Road (south of Empire),
on the south side of Peterson Beach and on Empire Beach. Dogs must be
leashed at all times and cleaned up after. To get there from Traverse
City, take M-72 west to Empire.
A
popular place for dog lovers, this beach is frequently used for taking
the family pet swimming on those hot summer days. (Doggie bags and
scoopers are available for owners to clean up after their dogs.)
Although not the typical white, sandy beach, this is a great place to
relax, swim, and enjoy a great view of Lake Charlevoix!
Dogs
are not allowed at the beach but they can swim in the water on the
other side of the boat launch. Pets must be a on a six foot or less
leash and cleaned up after. The park is located 11 miles west of
Mackinaw City.
While
dogs are not allowed on the beach, they can go into the water past the
boat launch. There is a sandy and rocky area that leads to the water.
Pets must be leashed and attended at all times and cleaned up after.
Zoll
Street beach is a real gem. This dog-friendly beach is great for
swimming and kayaking. Located at the western edge of Wequetonsing, this
beach has a long, shallow area that is great for kids (and dogs!) to
splash and play in the water. There are sandy and grassy areas and
picnic tables.
Central
Sandy
swimming beach located on Lake Michigan. The city beach is nestled
between The Bil-Mar, a beachfront restaurant, and Grand Haven State Park
beach on Harbor Drive. Limited free parking is available. No fees or
passes required.
Dogs
are welcome on City Beach except when swim buoys are in place. During
this time, dogs are permitted to swim on the designated beach just south
of the swim area.
Nordhouse
Dunes is located within the Manistee National Forest. While dogs are
not allowed on the swimming beach, they are allowed on the rest of the
beach in designated areas.
Norman
F. Kruse Park has about one mile of Lake Michigan Beach, with
breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. This is the major picnic area with 4
picnic shelters and an accessible ramp to the beach and into the dunes.
The
park has about one mile of Lake Michigan Beach. The dog beach is
located on the beach along the northern part of the park. Location is
Sherman at Beach in Muskegon.
South
Grand Mere State Park - Rosemary Beach
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
With over one mile of shoreline, Grand Mere has plenty of space and beauty for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
Dogs
on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one
mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to
clean up after your pet.
To
get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25
miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles.
Grand Mere State Park - Shoreline Beach
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
State Park permit required.
Dogs
on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one
mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to
clean up after your pet.
To
get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25
miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles
Grand Mere State Park - Waverland Beach
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
Grand
Mere State Park has three beaches for visitors to enjoy. Located on
Lake Michigan, this beach requires a State Park permit.
Dogs
on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one
mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to
clean up after your pet.
To
get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25
miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles.
Grand Mere State Park - Waverland Beach
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
Thornton Drive
Stevensville, MI 49127
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Directions
Grand
Mere State Park has three beaches for visitors to enjoy. Located on
Lake Michigan, this beach requires a State Park permit.
Dogs
on leash are allowed at the beach and on the hiking trails. The one
mile beach is located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Remember to
clean up after your pet.
To
get there, take I-94 south of St. Joseph and take Exit 22. Go west .25
miles to Thornton Drive and head south on Thornton for .5 miles.
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, MI 49125
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Website Directions
12032 Red Arrow Highway
Sawyer, MI 49125
Phone: (269) 426-4013
Website Directions
Located
on Lake Michigan, this State Park offers views that will take your
breath away. With a beautiful coastline and magnificent dune formations
that are great for hang gliding. With over 1900 acres, this park offers
activities year round. State Park permit or visitor pass required.
Dogs allowed on two-mile non-swimming beach and on trails.
