By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association
The family pet doesn’t have to miss out on the family vacation. Here are a few ideas of places to stay and fun things to do with your furry friend in West Michigan. Find more pet-friendly travel information in the Carefree Travel Guide.
Pet-friendly travel in the south region
No need to leave Fido at home during your next Coldwater Country getaway. Several local hotels, including the Coldwater Inn, are pet-friendly.
South Haven has become an extremely popular destination for pets, so many businesses cater to pet owners and their furry friends. For lodging, check into the Sun ‘n Sand Resort or the Kal-Haven Outpost for unique lodging experiences. Comfort Suites is also accommodating to pets.
Looking for a vacation rental home? Check out Lakeshore Lodging for their select pet-friendly properties. Once you arrive, treat your dog to a beach day on one of South Haven’s pet-friendly beaches. Outdoor seating is also available at select restaurants downtown.
Your four-legged friend is welcome on Journeyman Distillery’s outdoor deck, overlooking the 18-hole Welter’s Folly putting green in Three Oaks.
Pets are welcome to come with you to enjoy an evening of music on the patio at Waypost Brewing in Fennville. Click here to see upcoming performers and events.
Lakeshore Lodging has pet-friendly vacation rental townhomes, condos, cottages, and cabins near the gorgeous Lake Michigan lakeshore in the Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville area.
Pet-friendly travels in central region
Historic White Pine Village is open to dogs and people alike. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 5pm (last tour tickets at 3:30pm), the Village is situated on 12 acres with 30 buildings and/or exhibits to see. It generally takes about two hours to walk through. Dogs must be on a leash and owners are expected to clean up any messes. For more information please visit the Mason County Historical Society website.
Holland is a very pet-friendly town. The walkable downtown area is perfect for taking a stroll and grabbing a brew while enjoying the atmosphere of a bustling downtown on an outdoor patio with your pup. There are also many local pet-friendly parks for walking, running, hiking, and playing, such as Windmill Island Gardens. Pet-friendly Holland Hotels include Best Western Plus, Microtel Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, and more. Contact the Holland Visitors Bureau for your Guide to Dog-friendly Holland.
Traveling in Mecosta County? The Country Inn and Suites in Big Rapids allows pets to stay overnight for a fee of $10 per night, per pet. More lodging accommodations in Mecosta County can be found under the “Lodging” tab on Mecosta County’s website. If you’re looking to pamper your pet, there are multiple venues throughout Mecosta County offering things from homemade treats to pet grooming. For a more detailed list of places in Mecosta County that allow pets, visit the “Pet Friendly Amenities” page.
Muskegon County also loves pets. With one of Michigan’s best dog beaches and a new downtown Muskegon dog park — plus an assortment of pet-friendly accommodations — your pet is welcome to Visit Muskegon too! Information on pet-friendly dining in Muskegon can be found at the Visit Muskegon site.
Find pet-travel tips or your new travel companion at Pet.A.Pawlooza, July 27th in Grand Rapids. Hosted by Michele’s Rescue, Pet.A.Pawlooza is a collaborative community event promoting education, resources and adoptions with vendors that are made up of shelters, rescues, wildlife rehabs, veterinarians, boarders, groomers and pet-related products.
Pet-friendly travel north/UP region
From canine-approved lodging that includes the newest all-suite hotel to water bowls at sidewalk seating and a park that begs for a game of fetch, leaving your best friend behind doesn’t have to be a part of the vacation plan in Marquette.
Your pooch is welcome to bring you along to the Petoskey Area where you’ll both be welcome to stay in specified rooms throughout the area, including full-service resorts Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls and Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. The Terrace Inn & 1911 Restaurant in Bay View offers a pet-friendly apartment unit. Chain facilities such as Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey as well as locally owned hotels with indoor pools like Apple Tree Inn in Petoskey, Odawa Hotel of Petoskey, and Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge & Suites in Alanson. Stop by Ruff Life Pet Outfitters in downtown Petoskey for everything to keep your pup happy. Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs is a great place to cool off and play. And most parks and trails in the Petoskey Area offer a terrific place to sniff and stroll (while leashed, please).
At the Terrace Inn in Bay View, Petoskey, the former downstairs ice cream parlor has been converted to a pet-friendly apartment. It has a queen bedroom, living room with wicker chairs, comfy red leatherette sofa, furnished kitchen, full bath, and private entrance that opens to the garden. There is an outdoor pet-friendly patio too, with a gate so you can tie up your pet at the table (or not if the gate is closed). The apartment can be rented year round by the weekend, for a week, or a month.
Shanty Creek Resort recommends bringing your precious pup with and stopping into nearby Meadowpond Pet Resort. Just a few minutes down the road from Shanty Creek in Bellaire, Meadowpond is a full-service resort for dogs offering indoor/outdoor suites. In addition to being open 24/7, Meadowpond guests can enjoy the in-and-out privileges allowing Fido to join the family on day trips to nearby Torch Lake and other fun area destinations.
Bring the entire family to Mackinac Island this season with the Mission Point Pooch at the Point package, which offers accommodations in their newly renovated guest rooms, a welcome amenity for your pet, round-trip ferry tickets, and much more. Resting on the sunrise side of Mackinac Island, Mission Point is a great pet-friendly summertime retreat located just a short stroll from historic downtown. Boasting 18 acres of lakefront property on the sprawling shores of Lake Huron, Mission Point offers genuine hospitality and relaxed elegance with on-site dining and recreation experiences.
Drummond Island Resort is pet-friendly and has large, open green spaces for dogs to roam free.
The Traverse City Econo Lodge loves canine guests. Call in advance to ensure the availability of a dog-friendly room. Pet-friendly accommodations keep you in ground-floor rooms near the exits, so it is easier to go out for a walk. And don’t forget to get your dog a treat when you check in.
