Where to Take Fido

Nine dog-friendly spots around northern Michigan

By Sara Bagley | Sept. 12, 2026

Don’t want to leave your pup at home on the next family field trip? The great news is that you might not have to! We’ve put together a list of places in addition to local dog parks, hiking trails, and restaurant patios that are excited to welcome you both for a fall outing.

1. Bowers Harbor Vineyard | 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse City
With “Wine Dog Wednesdays” features on their social media, it’s no surprise that this popular vineyard is excited to welcome your humans and dogs alike. Leashed dogs are allowed across the outdoor areas, including patio spaces, pavilions, and walking trails between the vines. The winery itself offers dog treats, plush toys, and wine-themed dog bandanas—the perfect souvenir for your sweet pup! The estate also offers a bubbly wine named after their resident Goldendoodle Lucy, which quickly became a crowd favorite.

2. Contigo Dogs | 324 E Front Street, Traverse City
“Dog Goods for Good Dogs” is what this shop boasts. (You might have seen them recently during August’s downtown sidewalk sale, or their special Pours & Pup Walk, held in conjunction with Espresso Bay.) The store, founded in May of 2020, offers high-quality, handmade products for pups, as well as inclusive events for humans—whether you have a dog or not. Regularly holding free events like Pack Walks, this downtown shop even advertises TC-Paw-partnered Kitten Yoga, embracing feline friends and lovers across the community.

3. DOG Bakery by Pets Naturally | 1117 W South Airport Rd Suite A, Traverse City
Now celebrating their 20th year, DOG Bakery offers an array of over 20 flavors of healthy dog treats, handmade in small batches and sure to delight your canine companion. Created by Pets Naturally, the bakery is dedicated to ensuring your pup is healthy and happy with everything from birthday cookies to seasonal treats. With fun designs like frosted fish or “fetch” tennis balls, each treat is guaranteed to be made with the best ingredients to reward the best dogs.

4. First Street Beach / Douglas Park Dog Park | W First Street, Manistee
Douglas Park Dog Park got a renovation glow-up in July 2025. A hydration station with running water, wooden agility structures, and benches for dog-watching place this park among one of the top places to bring your pup. Located on First Street Beach, dogs have a dedicated space on the water, with picnic pavilions, playgrounds, disc golf, and more nearby for the humans to enjoy. 

5. K&A Hop Dogs | 4277 Village Park Dr, Traverse City
Nestled near Turtle Creek Stadium, K&A is northern Michigan’s first dog-friendly pub. They celebrate their two-year anniversary in September with a model built around the unique chance for you to bring that furry member of the family on a night out. (There are even dog memberships available!) Humans choose from a menu of mostly-local craft beer, wine, and cider to specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic options, while the dogs have a (fenced) off-leash area to socialize while you sip.

6. River Street Dog | 129 River St #555, Elk Rapids
Designed for furry friends—canines and felines alike—River Street Dog carries toys, treats, and even the cutest outfits your furry companion (might) let you make them wear. The downtown Elk Rapids shop is excited to make pet supplies shopping convenient and comfortable, allowing you to spoil man’s best friend without detouring from a nice windowshopping walk. 

7. Ruff Life Pet Outfitters | 309 Howard St, Petoskey
Further north in Petoskey, Ruff Life Pet Outfitters is ready to make sure your pet is ready for anything. “Making tails wag since 2012,” they boast top-of-the-line pet supplies and food, and also offer online ordering. Look for a dog bowl near the front door—you won’t want to miss out on their collections!

8. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore | Empire
What better place to take your pup than to enjoy Michigan’s shorelines? Along Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, furry friends are welcomed at several locations. For our readers who love to hike, the Empire Bluff Trails offers a 1.5- to 2-mile round trip hike that encompasses forest, fields, and dune views, where dogs are welcome year-round. If you’re looking for a calmer beach day, Esch Road Beach (north to the Lakeshore boundary line) and Empire Beach (north to the southern end of North Bar Lake) both invite the families and furry friends to enjoy one of Michigan’s best features.

9. Snowbelt Brewing | 132 W. Main St, Gaylord
Gaylord offers some special spots for pups, including Snowbelt Brewing, which has outdoor seating and a pet patio that allows you to bring your furry friend to enjoy the four-season microbrewery. This downtown favorite offers live music on Friday nights, as well as handcrafted beer, cider, wine, and food.