What’s a trip Up North without your canine companion wagging its tail by your side? After searching for the best dog-friendly vacation spots in Northern Michigan, we have a fun guide for you and your furry best friend.

Of course, always look for dog-friendly signs, keep Fido on a 6-foot leash at all times, bring water and be respectful of other humans and pets! And it never hurts to call ahead and double-check current pet policies.

After you check out all the ideas below, head to Dog-Friendly Northern Michigan for more fido-friendly tips for your Up North adventure!

Traverse City

Traverse City loves dogs! The water bowls outside downtown businesses are proof. Dogs have their own park, Wags West Dog Park (315 N. Division St.) and are welcome at many parks on leashes including the downtown Clinch Park and F & M Park at 716 State St. Dogs are also welcome (leashed and in designated areas) at most wineries including Mari Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Brys Estates Vineyard and Winery—always good to check the pet policy on their websites before you go, however.

Dog and boy running through field in Northern Michigan.

Photo by Libby Stallman

Related Read: Dog-Friendly Weekend Activities in TC, Petoskey & Harbor Springs.

Benzie, Manistee & Cadillac

Stretch your legs, Best Friend—you have plenty of room in this forest and shoreline-filled region. Some great places for your biped to take you? The Platte River Campground and Esch and Peterson Road areas of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; everywhere but swimming areas in Ludington State Park and the Nordhouse Dunes. Lake Michigan’s North Beach Access in Manistee, North Point Beach in Onekama and the Loomis Street Dog Beach in Ludington.

Woman kayaking with dog in Northern Michigan.

Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes

Oh yes, your pooch will love Charlevoix as much you do! Townline Ciderworks welcomes canines at their outdoor seating area and in the orchard off-season, or grab one of the designated dog-friendly outdoor tables at the Bridge Street Tap Room, Smoke on the Water, Cafe Esperance or East Park Tavern, and let Fido live the dream.

Just look at these sweet faces! 

Two dogs sitting together on a beach in Northern Michigan.

Photo by Tawny Cox

Dog Friendly Leelanau County

With a bounty of open land to roam, Leelanau County is dog heaven. Bring your pooch to marked beaches and trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore including Good Harbor Bay Beach—located at the end of Good Harbor Trail. (Note: A sign clearly marks which side dogs are allowed on.) Leelanau State Park and designated Leelanau Conservancy natural areas—areas that include forested trails, shoreline and gorgeous fields—are also fun spots. And you’ll enjoy your wine even more with your best friend at your side—many Leelanau wineries have pet areas. Wherever you go, please keep your dog leashed.

Woman kayaking with dog in Northern Michigan.

Photo by Gail Snable

Petoskey & Mackinac Straits

The Petoskey area welcomes four-leggeds (on leashes) at Bayfront Park in Petoskey, Glenwood Beach in Boyne City and Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs. Just as fun, many of the wineries in the Petoskey Wine Region, as well as area brewpubs and cafes, have designated areas for you and pooch to hang out together. In the Straits, know that leashed dogs are welcome at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinac City and Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island.

These dog-friendly beaches let your pups cool off with you!

Dog swimming in crystal clear Northern Michigan water.

Photo by Tawny Cox

#MyNorthPets

We love to see your adventures (especially when they involve your pets!). Follow and tag @MyNorthMedia on Instagram for a chance to be featured. 

Photo(s) by Diane Kolak