Kevin and Terri Smith, of Haslett, walk their cream English Golden Retriever named Bella at Kruse Park in Muskegon on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The stairs at the dog beach were recently restored after accessibility was destroyed by the level of the water.
GRAND RKeynoteUSAIDS, MI – This week’s heat wave will have Michiganders flocking to the lake, but don’t forget to bring your furry friends too.
Along Lake Michigan there are several dog-friendly stretches of shoreline, including state parks with no pet restrictions.
It is important to remember that pets are just as vulnerable, if not more so, than people to heat-related illnesses.
Pet owners are encouraged to be aware of the heat-related safety risks that pose risks to our four-legged friends and what they can do to prevent them.
A very important way to keep animals safe during extreme heat is to ensure there is always access to clean, fresh water.
- Duck Lake State Park – A half-mile stretch along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and the entire interior of Duck Lake. This park also includes seven miles of surface nature trails. Located at 4733 N Scenic Dr, Whitehall.
- Grand Haven City Beach – This free public beach is dog-friendly, but during specific hours in the summer. Dogs are allowed on leashes before 11 am and after 5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Located on South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven.
- Grand Mere State Park: A half-mile stretch along the Lake Michigan shoreline, sand dunes, two trails, and three inland lakes. Located at 7337 Thornton Dr, Stevensville.
- Hagar Beach – A stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline is accessible via stairs. Located at 5440 M-63, Coloma.
- Hoffmaster State Park: Three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline is available, as well as 10 miles of scenic trails. Located at 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon.
- Holland State Park: Dogs are allowed on the designated dog beach along the shoreline of Lake Macatawa in the day use area directly across from the Lake Mac Campground. Located at 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland.
- Kirk Park: The park has a 1/3 mile stretch of Lake Michigan and 68 acres of beach, cliffs and dunes. Dogs are allowed off leash during all park operating hours in the South Beach area. Dogs They are not allowed on the north end of the beach. Dogs must remain on a leash on the trail. Located at 9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive.
- Kruse Park: The 52.3-acre park offers about a mile of Lake Michigan beach. A new staircase leads to the northern section of the beach reserved for dogs. Located at 3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon
- Muskegon State Park – This park has two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and one mile of Muskegon Lake shoreline. Note areas marked for piping plover nest habitat. Located at 3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon.
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park: Dogs are allowed along the 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Located at 6575 138th Ave., Saugatuck Dunes
- Van Buren State Park: Dogs are allowed along the one-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline outside of the designated swimming beach. There is also a pet-friendly park on site. Located at 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven.
- Warren Dunes State Park: A 2.5-mile section of Lake Michigan shoreline, just north of the designated swimming beach, is open to dogs. Located at 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer.
See a statewide list of dog-friendly parks and beaches: Dogs can explore these 36 shorelines at Michigan state parks and recreation areas
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