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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Pet Friendly Beaches

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
Aloha State Park Beach
4347 Third Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Directions 
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.

Burt Lake State Park Beach
6635 State Park Dr.
Indian River, MI 49749
Directions
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.
 
Cheboygan State Park
4490 Beach Rd
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Directions
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.
 
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Directions
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.
 
Tannery Beach
862 Front Street
Boyne City, MI 49712
Directions 
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!

Wilderness State Park Beach
903 Wilderness Park Drive
Carp Lake, MI 49718
Directions 
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.

Young State Park Beach
02280 Boyne City Road
Boyne City, MI 49712
Directions
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
Zoll Street
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Directions 
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
Grand Haven City Beach
1299 S. Harbor Drive
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Directions
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 Wilderness Area
Manistee National Forest
Manistee, MI 49660
Directions 
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
Norman F. Kruse Park
Muskegon, MI 49441
Directions
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
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
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
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
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
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.