Dog Friendly Activities In Petoskey & Beyond

By Jeff Wellman

When you plan your visit to Petoskey and the surrounding communities, you don’t have to worry about who’s going to watch the dog while you’re away, or about leaving them home for long periods of time if you’re local. Your furry friend can come along for the fun! There are plenty of areas and attractions in Northern Michigan that are dog friendly and make great destinations. Go for a hike, enjoy a meal on a patio, throw the ball for them, or let them go for a swim. Your pup will definitely thank you for bringing them along and will likely need a good nap at the end of the day, tail wagging. Here are some dog-friendly places in Northern Michigan to explore.

RESTAURANT: The Back Lot  | Petoskey

This dog-friendly beer garden in Downtown Petoskey is spacious and features several food trucks with a variety of different cuisines. The extensive beer menu includes a variety of beer types and is always rotating with various new regional brews to try. In addition, they have a full bar, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options as well. Spend time outside in the Beer Garden on a nice day, indoors at the bar area, or upstairs in the mezzanine. Firepits and picnic tables pack with guests during the summer months, making this a busy social gathering place. Bring your 4-legged friend along, as long as they are on leash; water bowls are put out for them to grab a drink and cool off, too.

TRAIL: McCune Nature Preserve Trail  | Petoskey

McCune Nature Preserve Trail is a 4.1 mile loop trail located near Petoskey, and offers a number of activity options including hiking, running, biking, snowshoeing, bird watching and more. It is best used from March to October, but is open in winter as well.  Dogs are able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hardwood forests, meandering creeks, and sprawling meadows line the property, offering a variety of terrain. Minnehaha Creek, a spring-fed creek full of fish, flows through the preserve on its way to Crooked Lake. This beautiful property was donated to the Little Traverse Conservancy in 1984 by Allan and Virginia McCune of Petoskey.

BEACH: Zoll Street Beach | Harbor Springs

This small beach is in Harbor Springs near Wequetonsing and is a hidden gem in the area. This is a super dog friendly beach, where well-behaved and voice-trained dogs are allowed off leash to romp about on the sand and in the water. Play fetch in the water, let them dig in the sand, go for a swim, and play with the other dogs. Guaranteed that your pooch will go home tired, happy and ready for a nap.

PARK: Ridge Run Dog Park  |  Boyne City

This dog park fenced-in areas for both large and small dog breeds. The park now has water fountains, an agility course and a wash-down station. The large dog area is nearly two acres, so there is plenty of room for your dog to run, play fetch and stretch its legs. Toys are provided for the dogs to play with, but you’re welcome to bring your own as well. The park is clean, well maintained, and a great addition to the community. Well done, Boyne City