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, 
backcountry campsites or inside buildings, they are allowed on some 
trails, campgrounds and on the following beaches. Pets are welcome on 
the 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.
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