Dog Beaches

Dog Beaches

Tannery Beach
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!

Boyne City - Young State Park Beach
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.

Burt Lake - Burt Lake State Park Beach
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 - Aloha State Park Beach
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.

Cheboygan - Cheboygan State Park
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.

Empire - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Beaches

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.

Grand Haven - City Beach
Dogs are welcome on City Beach, except when designated swim buoys are in place. During this time, dogs will be permitted on the beach south of the swim area.

Harbor Springs - Zoll Street Beach

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's sandy and grassy areas and picnic tables.

Mackinaw City - Wilderness State Park Beach
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.

Manistee - Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, Manistee National Forest
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.

Muskegon - Norman F. Kruse Park
An off-leash dog beach is located along the northern part of the park.

Sawyer - Warren Dunes State Park
Dogs allowed on two-mile non-swimming beach and on trails.

Stevensville - Grand Mere State Park Beach

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.

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