Michigan is known for its beautiful lakes and if you are planning a trip to Michigan, chances are you are looking to take advantage of the abundant waterfront access in the state. If you plan on bringing your dog, however, not all beaches will be available to you. For any beach you plan to visit, it is important to verify that dogs are welcome.
Thankfully, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in Michigan. If you are planning a trip and aren’t sure where to start, take a look at the list we’ve gathered.
The Top 21 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan
1. Buttersville Park Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSFygBaM5RA/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍1100 S Lakeshore Drive, Luddington, MI, 49431 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open from May 15th –October 15th |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes |
- On-site, there is a pavilion, a grill, and a playground to be enjoyed at your leisure.
- Accessible restrooms are nearby.
- This beach is a part of Buttersville Park Campground, giving you the option to stay the night.
- It is not uncommon to see wildlife in the area, so carefully over any food you have.
- Walk the gorgeous trails to see the sights, including an amazing view of the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
2. Esch Road Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfh4ohouMuK/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Esch Rd, Honor, MI, 49640 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24/7 |
| 💲 Cost: | $25 per car |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Esch Road Beach is also known as Otter Creek Beach.
- This beach is found inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, at the mouth of Otter Creek.
- This beach is 3 miles south of Empire, MI.
- Accessible restrooms are nearby, and parking is available along the road.
- The natural beauty and abundant wildflowers at Esch Road Beach make the location worth exploring.
3. Grand Mere State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cif5Kb8pcxl/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Thornton Drive, Stevensville, MI 49127 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Take your dog on a mile-long walk of the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.
- The Grand Mere Dune Trail is available for sightseeing and exploration, plus several hundred extra acres of forest and sand dunes.
- There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as fishing, hunting, and picnicking.
- In the warmer months, the beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and metal-detecting.
4. Warren Dunes State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjiSf0_sQct/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Off-leash is not permitted at this beach, and a 6-foot leash is required for entry.
- The state park contains over a thousand acres of land, including several miles of shoreline and hiking trails.
- The high dunes offer a great spot for hang gliding.
- The view is gorgeous and awe-inspiring, and many people climb the dunes just to soak in the sights.
5. First Street Manistee Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfp0Hwelrgn/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍S Lakeshore Dr, Manistee, MI 49660 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open 24/7 |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- You can find concessions, recreational areas, bathrooms, fishing outlets, and picnic spots at this beach.
- If you plan on picnicking, be sure to bring a camera: the picnic area offers a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.
- From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this beach is inaccessible to dogs.
- Throughout the year, there are dog running trails available in the Douglas Recreation Area.
6. West End Beach in Traverse City
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPCS9lksTGX/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍716 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open sunrise to sunset all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Here, you can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and various sports.
- Areas for grilling and picnicking are available to the beachgoers if you plan to spend the day there.
- Although the western part of the beach welcomes dogs, the other areas are dog-free.
- Dogs are not allowed to swim at the West End Beach.
7. Kirk Park & Dog Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci6LdhQJldD/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍9791 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI 49460 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7:00 am to 10:00 pm all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $8 for non-residents |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes |
- If you plan to bring your dog to Kirk Park & Beach during the summer, pay attention to which dates you visit because from Memorial Day to Labor Day, parking fees are in effect.
- You may want to make a trip to the southern end of the beach: that is where off-leash roaming is allowed.
- Be sure to plan ahead, as dogs are only welcome from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
- Don’t worry if you forgot your dog’s waste bags, because bags are offered at the park.
- The natural beauty of the area is worth exploring, as it hosts an abundance of forests, dunes, trails, and coastlines.
8. Tawas Point State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiacClnO3gp/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍686 Tawas Beach Road, East Tawas, MI 48730 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes |
- Tawas Point State Park has been given the nickname “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”
- Dogs are not permitted to swim at the beach.
- From the lighthouse to the camping grounds, dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach.
- The hiking trails are another great opportunity to let your dog roam off-leash.
- History buffs will get a kick out of visiting the Tawas Point Lighthouse, which is an example of a true Victorian-era lighthouse along the Great Lakes.
9. Frankfort Public Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiS3vpdr4Be/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Frankfort, MI 49635 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7:00 am to 11:00 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 per car |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes, but only in the dog-run area |
- Parking and restroom access may be a bit of a walk, as they are located on the street leading up to the beach.
- Frankfort Public beach offers an incredible view of Lake Michigan.
- For more active pups, check out the north side of the beach, where a dog-run area can be found.
- If you are interested in an overnight stay, there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels in the area.
10. North Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjOR1s6phGz/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍45 Lakeshore Dr, South Haven, MI 49090 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open all year round from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | $7 per car |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- There are easily accessible restrooms and other amenities for your convenience.
- If you are looking for an active beach visit, try out the available activities: swimming, fishing, volleyball, and kiteboarding.
- Although dogs are allowed on the beach, they are excluded from the volleyball courts, the picnicking areas, and the locations off-trail.
11. Port Crescent State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf4Ma3BgCVc/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍1775 Port Austin Road, Port Austin, MI 48467 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes |
- Port Crescent State Park is in a unique location, situated right at the tip of Michigan’s “thumb”.
- Off-leash dogs are welcomed on specific hiking trails as well as on the portion of the beach nearest to the Pinnebog River.
- There are several miles of coastline available for exploration and leisurely strolls.
- The hustle and bustle of the nearby city is blocked out, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the splendor of nature.
- For those who love to stargaze, there is a dark sky preserve that will allow you to enjoy the heavens with more clarity than ever before.
12. Grand Haven City Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cis0aaXObLj/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍S. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- There are accessible restrooms on the beach.
- You may want to get there early—although there is free parking, the space is limited.
- During the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), dogs are not allowed on the beach between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.
- Before the summer season, dogs can be on the beach at any time.
13. Orion Oaks Dog Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChiiVfZMDe2/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍1200 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 8:30 pm all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $5 daily pass |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes |
- For those planning a day trip to the beach, Orion Oaks has restrooms and picnicking pavilions at your disposal.
- Be sure to make a note of where you parked: there are three separate parking locations that give you access to the park.
- If your dog wants to splash around, you can take him to Lake Sixteen, which is intended for dogs to swim in.
- There are plenty of ways for you to enjoy the water too, such as fishing and non-motorized boating.
- If water isn’t really your thing, check out the many acres of fields and trails that you can explore.
14. Mackinac Island
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjlO6GCu_AR/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Mackinac Island, MI 49757 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open 24/7 all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | Varies depending on trip details |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Mackinac Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Michigan.
- The island is filled with natural beauty, historical charm, and quaint shops.
- There are many trip details that will influence the cost of your visit, including travel fare to the island, lodging, and how long you plan to stay.
- The island is a perfect area to walk, bike, and explore with your dog.
- Depending on when you visit, some shops may be closed during your stay (especially if you visit in the off-season).
15. Otsego Lake State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgeieloOUqp/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍7136 Old 27 South, Gaylord, MI 49735 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm all year |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Be prepared for a climb—the one part of the beach that allows dogs is accessible only past a flight of stairs.
- Entertaining yourself at Ostego Lake State Park won’t be hard, as you can enjoy picnicking, fishing, boat launching, and water volleyball.
- There is plenty to explore, including dozens of acres of land and a sprawling, spectacular sandy beach.
16. McLain State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch4pYHAugAj/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍18350 Highway M-203, Hancock, MI 49930 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- It doesn’t matter where you are on the beach, your dog is welcome everywhere!
- For overnight visits, you will have access to cabins or more modern lodging.
- Those who enjoy natural beauty will be spoiled by the views at McLain State Park, where you can find spots on the coast where ice can form.
- If you like lighthouses, you’re in luck—there is a grand lighthouse nearby for you to visit.
- During your stay, you can enjoy fishing, hunting, berry picking, and windsurfing.
17. The Porcupine Mountains
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkZDqQZOWWc/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8:00 am–8:00 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- The Porcupine Mountains State Park is the largest in Michigan, boasting tens of thousands of acres for exploration.
- It is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in the Midwest, including nearly a hundred miles of trails.
- There are plenty of activities to entertain yourself with, such as skiing, disc golf, and sightseeing at the observation tower.
- There is an abundance of bodies of water to enjoy, including waterfalls, rivers, streams, and the grand Lake Superior.
18. Marquette South Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg-1VaINmnu/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍501 S Lake St, Marquette, MI 49855 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes |
- Parking and restrooms are easily accessible from the beach.
- During the summer season, the beach is monitored by lifeguards to ensure your safety and well-being.
- The city of Marquette is nearby, providing you with even more entertainment when you are done spending time at the beach.
19. Baraga State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSwujoTrd4p/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍1300 US-41 South, Baraga, MI 49908 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open all year from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 for a one-time recreational passport |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- If you’re looking for a trip to the Upper Peninsula, Baraga State Park is a great choice.
- The natural beauty is mesmerizing, as the park offers a great view of the Keweenaw Bay, in Lake Superior.
- For active visitors, the park offers hiking and kayaking.
- Rocky landforms make the beach areas somewhat limited, but no less beautiful.
20. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjlgEdcpKU1/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍N8391 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open 24/7 all year round |
| 💲 Cost: | $10 per car |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s most treasured destinations.
- There is s much to explore, with stretching trails, extensive coastlines, and amazing views.
- You can bring your dog to Miners Beach and the Twelve-mile Beach Campground.
- To best enjoy the view, keep an eye out for the looming sandstone cliffs.
21. Peterson Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkDy2_zLArq/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Peterson Rd, Honor, MI 49640 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Open all year round from sunrise to sunset |
| 💲 Cost: | $25 per car |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- You won’t want to waste time getting here: parking is limited.
- The northern part of the beach is off-limits for dogs, but the southern part welcomes your pup.
- If you are interested in a beautiful, private trip, Peterson Beach is located on a secluded part of Lake Michigan.
- The views here are incredible, offering sights such as Sleeping Bear Point, the Empire bluffs, and an island called South Manitou.
Conclusion
Michigan is full of beauty, especially when it comes to lakefronts. Although we’ve listed lots of dog-friendly beaches, there are certainly more than what is on this list, so feel free to ask your local beach about their policy on dogs. Plenty of beaches are more than welcoming to your furry friends, so don’t hesitate to plan a beach trip as soon as you can!
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: freddie10, Pixabay
