Dog Friendly Spots in Southwest Michigan

March 5, 2024

Garden Grove Inn has three dog-friendly rooms, so the next time you're visiting, pack your pup. Dogs love vacations too!

While you're here, there are plenty of things to do in the area with your dog. Here's our list of the best dog-friendly places in Southwest Michigan.

 

Take a hike...

  • Warren Dunes State Park is among the top 10 pet-friendly beaches in the country. Almost the entirety of the 2,000 acre state park is dog-friendly. There is a designated dog beach stretching 2 miles where dogs are welcome to swim. You can take the traditional entrance to Warren Dunes in Sawyer, or you can enter from the North at Weko Beach in Bridgman. The Weko Beach entrance has access to Warren Dunes, and a dog trail from the boardwalk to the dog beach.
  • Not to be confused with the Dunes, there’s also Warren Woods State Park, which is a short drive east of the Inn on Elm Valley Road. This primeval forest has 2 miles of trail to hike. Walk through the old growth forest composed largely of maples and beech trees, and toward the end of the trail you’ll see the Galien River. Make sure to check your pup and yourself for ticks after any hikes.
  • Spicer Lake Nature Preserve in New Carlisle, IN has 3 miles of dog-friendly trails, on terrains from marshland to boardwalk. Because it is a nature preserve, you will want to keep your eyes peeled for native animals and ensure your pup doesn’t disturb any current residents.
  • Taking a different type of scenic walk is also possible with dog-friendly orchards and fields in the area. Lehman’s Orchard in Niles and Stover’s Farm Market in Berrien Springs allow leashed dogs in their orchards, and Stover’s welcomes dogs to tag along on their farm tour walks.
  • Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City welcomes your dogs to walk with you through their collection of formal gardens. There are around 3 miles of trails, with short and long trail options available.
  • You can also check out Sari Asher Memorial Dog Park in New Buffalo if your pup is here to make some new friends!

 

Go out on the town...

Drinking and Dog-Watching – Bring your own and spy on other peoples’ cute puppy pals at these nearby taprooms and tasting rooms. Pups are limited to the outdoor beer gardens and patios at all of the following.

  • Round Barn – both the Estate in Baroda and Tasting Room in Union Pier
  • Haymarket Brewery – Bridgman
  • Watermark Brewing Company – Stevensville
  • Peat’s Cider Social – Stevensville
  • Seedz Brewery – Union Pier (Dogs are allowed inside too!)
  • River St. Joe - Buchanan
  • St. Julian Winery Tasting Room – Union Pier
  • Transient Artisan Ales – Bridgman
  • Zorn Brew Works - Michigan City
  • Shady Creek Winery - Michigan City, IN
  • Burn 'Em Brewing - Michigan City, IN
  • Shoreline Brewing - Michigan City, IN

Dog-friendly Restaurant Patios – Ranging from sidewalk cafes to fenced in patios, check out the following spots for an outdoor bite with your dog in tow, no problem.

  • Union Pier
    • Union Pier Social
    • Red Arrow Roadhouse
  • Three Oaks
    • Oaks Eatery
    • Journeyman Distillery
    • Patellie’s Pizza
    • Froelich’s Bakery
  • New Buffalo
    • Villa Nova Pizzeria
    • Bentwood Tavern
    • Rios Mexican Grill
    • The Terrace Room
    • Casey's

Perhaps you want some dog-inspired art to take home from your visit, then you must check out Art Dog Sawyer!

And, if you're in need of a day apart from your dog, we have the names of some great pet sitters or check out Welcott Farm.