Everyone loves to go on vacation, but if you’re like me you hate leaving your pets behind. It can be difficult (and expensive) to travel with animals but luckily Southwestern Michigan is a very pet-friendly place. You can find many hotels, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, trails, beaches, farms, campgrounds and shops that will welcome your pets as they would any other member of your family. To help plan your pet-friendly vacation, here are some places I would recommend staying and visiting while you’re here. You can also download the pet-friendly guide for more information.
Where to stay
These hotels & motels welcome pets. Some may charge an additional fee so be sure to ask when booking.
- Baymont Inn & Suites- Stevensville
- Candlewood Suites- Stevensville
- Country Inn & Suites- Benton Harbor
- Howard Johnson- Benton Harbor
- Red Roof Inn- Benton Harbor
- Staybridge Suites- Benton Harbor
- Super 8- Stevensville
- Travelodge- Benton Harbor
Where to Eat
These restaurants serve delicious food and allow pets on a leash in their outdoor seating areas, however, outdoor seating is seasonal. Check out more to-go options here.
- Mason Jar Café- Benton Harbor Arts District
- The Livery- Benton Harbor Arts District
- Clementine’s Too- St. Joseph
- Froehlich’s- Three Oaks
- Kilwins Chocolate, Fudge, & Ice Cream Shoppe- St. Joseph
Where to Shop
- FuzzyButz- St. Joseph
This is a pet bakery located right in downtown St. Joseph and will be one of your pet’s favorite stops! They sell their own homemade dog and cat treats, pet supplies, and gifts. You can even order personalized cupcakes/cakes for your pet’s birthday. My dog’s favorites are the cupcakes and mini hamburgers. - Third Coast Surf Shop- St. Joseph
Owned and operated by Great Lakes surfers, this shop has everything you need for the water. They offer a full line of surf and skate gear, clothing and accessories, rentals and even lessons. - Apparel from the Past/Shawnee Road Antiques-
This antique shop in Baroda sells vintage pieces from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s and welcomes you and your pups. - Watervliet Fruit Exchange- Watervliet
The Country Store has so much to choose from including a garden center, Amish furniture and decor, local craft beer, wine and ciders and seasonal produce as well as Michigan made gifts. - The Sandpiper- Bridgman
Located in downtown Bridgman, this gift shop has fun, unique fashion, michigan-made gifts, hand-dyed yarns and natural spinning fibers. Pets are allowed in the shop and they offer treats and water. - Crystal Springs Florist- Benton Harbor
Pets welcome at this floral shop, gift shop, garden center and tropical greenhouse.
What to Do
Attractions
- St. Joseph Lighthouse Tours- The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center offers historic walking tours of the North Pier and Inner lighthouses. Pets are welcome if they are kept on a leash but keep in mind that you will have to climb a ladder if you want to see the lantern on the 2nd floor.
- Third Coast Paddling- Benton Harbor/New Buffalo
Bring your four-legged friend on a paddling adventure! Third Coast offers kayak and SUP rentals on the Paw Paw River in Benton Harbor or the Galien River in New Buffalo. - Pier 1000 Marina- Benton Harbor
This family owned, full service marina and boat rental is open 7 days a week. 
Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals- St. Joseph
Rent Surrey bikes, a beach cruiser, fat tire, tandem & electric bikes, as well as kayaks and canoes. Small non-shedding dogs considered.- Hidden Pointe Fun Park- Benton Harbor
Bring Fido along to this 18-hole miniature golf course with batting cages, Jumpshot basketball, arcade, go-karts ice cream and snacks. Dogs are allowed in the park on leashes.
Beaches/Parks:
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, even in the water.
- Warren Dunes State Park- Sawyer
The dunes are one of Southwest Michigan’s must-sees. This state park also has a designated 2-mile dog beach and has been named one of the top 10 pet-friendly beaches in the U.S. Open year ‘round, this stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline is usually less crowded than the adjacent dunes. 
Weko Beach- Bridgman
You can also access the Warren Dunes Dog Beach from Weko Beach in Bridgman. They have a dog trail from the boardwalk that leads down to the lake. This is the perfect beach to take your dog if they love to swim! You can also climb the dunes on the wooden boardwalk for an even better view.- Silver Beach County Park- St. Joseph
Dogs are not allowed on the beach, however, you can walk your dog on the paved sidewalks and pier to get a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and the lighthouses. - Lake Bluff Park- St. Joseph
Walk along the tree-lined bluff in downtown St. Joseph overlooking the Lake Michigan shoreline. You’ll pass by monuments and memorials, a bandshell, local art and drinking fountains just for your dogs! - Deerlick Creek Beach- South Haven
A good place to avoid the crowds and walk the dog-friendly beach. You can also launch your kayak via the small creek opening into Lake Michigan. - Eden Springs Park & Campground- Benton Harbor
Dogs are allowed on train rides, including Halloween & Christmas rides! - Madeline Bertrand County Park- Niles
Featuring an 18-hole disc golf course, this park is perfect for outdoor activities. Check out the hiking trails, river bluff observation tower, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing areas, playground, visitor center, and warming shelter. - Riverview Park- St. Joseph
107-acre park located in a bend of the St. Joseph River. Your pet will love the nature trails! - Roadside Park- Coloma
A good spot to stop and stretch your legs. There’s a short walk to the Lake and dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water. - Rocky Gap Park- Benton Harbor
Although pets aren’t allowed on this free beach, they are allowed in the parking lot and covered picnic bench area where you can get a great view of Lake Michigan. 
Tiscornia Park- St. Joseph
Beautiful beach with access to North Pier and the St. Joseph lighthouse. Pets are allowed on the sidewalk and the pier to the lighthouse. No pets allowed on the beach or in the water.- Arthur Dodd Memorial Park- Niles
Enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking and canoeing. - Dr. T.K. Lawless Park- Vandalia
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails. - Fred Russ Forest Park- Cassopolis
Pets on an 8’ or shorter leash are allowed on the trails. - Grand Mere State Park- Stevensville
Pets allowed on the beach & in the water if they are leashed! It’s about a ½ -¾-mile walk over the dune to the beach. - Hagar Park- Coloma
Pets allowed on the beach and in the water.
Trails:
- Grand Mere State Park- Stevensville
Climb the dunes and hike along the lakeshore in this 985-acre park. - Warren Woods State Park- Sawyer
Hike 311 acres of quiet, wooded trails with a bridge overlooking the Galien River. - Love Creek Nature Center- Berrien Center
Hike over 5 miles of trails with your pet. Leashed dogs permitted on the trails when not open for skiing. - Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails- St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
Weave your way through the Harbor Shores championship golf course, wetlands and up to the dunes at Jean Klock Park with your pet. - Howard Recreational Trail- St. Joseph
See beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River along this path. Start near Lions Park Beach, pass Silver Beach, walk through the Upton Arboretum along the St. Joseph River and end at the Bicentennial Bridge. - Kal-Haven State Trail- South Haven
This 33-mile trail links the city of South Haven to Kalamazoo. There is an 11 mile parallel section that allows horses. The staging area for horses is at 67th street and Baseline.
Wineries/Breweries/Distilleries:
Not only do these destinations welcome pets but some have their own on-site!
- Arclight Brewing Company- Watervliet- out front table area
- Round Barn Winery, Brewery & Distillery- Baroda
Leashed dogs with up-to-date shots allowed. - Round Barn, Free Run & Tabor Hill Tasting Room- Union Pier
Leashed dogs with up-to-date shots allowed. - Hickory Creek Winery- Buchanan
- Domaine Berrien Cellars- Berrien Springs
- North Pier Brewing Company- Benton Harbor
Leashed pets allowed inside the taproom and outside. - Transient Artisan Ales- Bridgman
Pet-friendly taproom. - The Livery Brewery- Benton Harbor
Pet-friendly outdoor beer garden. - Free Run Cellars- Berrien Springs
Pets allowed in the outside table area. - Haymarket Taproom- Bridgman
Pet-friendly patio. - Journeyman Distillery- Three Oaks
Pet-friendly outside back deck. - Lehman’s Orchard- Niles
- Silver Harbor Brewing- St. Joseph
Pet-friendly outdoor patio (if you can lift them over the fence). 
Watermark Brewing Company- Stevensville
Leashed dogs are allowed in the front yard and outdoor patio.- 12 Corners Winery- Benton Harbor
Dogs allowed on the covered porch and open side patio. - Vineyard 2121- Benton Harbor
Leashed dogs are allowed in the seating area near their pond off the parking lot.
Farms & Markets:
- Fruit Acres Farm Market & U-Pick- Coloma
Pets are welcome in designated picnic areas or for orchard walks. They must be on a leash. - Lehman’s Orchard- Niles
Pets are welcome as long as you keep them under control and clean up after them. - Stover’s Farm Market- Berrien Springs
Leashed dogs allowed on the farm tour, in the fields and orchards; NOT allowed in the barn. Treats and water are available.
Dog Parks:
Kiwanis Park- St. Joseph
Separate large and small dog areas.- Whittlesey Park- St. Joseph
- Hickory Creek Bark Park- Stevensville
- Toth Street Park- Bridgman
Separate large and small dog areas. 
Harbert Community Park- Harbert- Field of Dreams Dog Park- Buchanan
- Ruff and Tumble Dog Park- Niles
- South Haven Bark Park- South Haven
Campgrounds:
If your dog is anything like mine it loves to camp! Here are some choices for a more rustic stay.
- Cranberry Lake Campground- Marcellus
- Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Campground- Benton Harbor
- Covert Park Beach and Campground- Covert
- Covert/South Haven KOA- Covert
- Eden Springs Park & Campground- Benton Harbor
- Leisure Valley Campground- Decatur
- Oak Shores Campground- Decatur
- Shamrock Park- Berrien Springs
- Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center- Sawyer
- Van Buren State Park- South Haven
- Weko Beach Campground- Bridgman
- Yogi's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort- South Haven
Additional Information
Boarding/ Doggy daycare: If you find something you want to do while you’re here that isn’t pet-friendly, there are many local places that offer boarding or daycare for your pets so you won’t have to miss out on those activities. Just be sure to travel with your pet’s up-to-date vaccination records.
- Mutterly Love- St. Joseph
- Stay & Obey- Stevensville
- The Crate Escape- Stevensville
If your dog needs a quick clean up after all your adventures you can go to the self-serve Dog Wash at Sparkle Car Wash & Quik Lube. It’s open 24/7 and is conveniently located at 2109 Washington Ave in St. Joseph.
Tips for traveling with your pet
- Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has an ID tag with your updated contact information in case they ever get lost.
- Bring a 6’ or shorter leash for your pet. Most places require dogs to be leashed at all times, with the exception of dog parks.
- Never leave your pet in a vehicle during warm temperatures.
- Please clean up after your pet. Most parks offer free waste bags so be respectful of public areas.
- Carry water for your pet. There are doggie drinking fountains along the bluff in St. Joseph.
For more information about pet-friendly accommodations or about Southwest Michigan, download our pet-friendly guide or contact the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council at 269-925-6301.
