Dog friendly fun
Whether your pet loves time in the country or enjoys being the center of attention in town, Southwest Michigan is the pawsatively perfect place to spend some time together with your best friend. Enjoy this self-guided, dog friendly itinerary with man’s best friend!
Day 1: Countryside adventure
Nothing delights pets like a romp through the beautiful Southwest Michigan countryside.
Warren Dunes State Park
Approximately 1-2 hours
This scenic park is home to three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and a spectacular dune that towers 260 feet above the beach. It’s pup paradise with six miles of hiking trails that feature beach and forest scenery. On hot days, dogs and their owners will enjoy frolicking in the water, chasing a ball on the beach or strolling along the boardwalks. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach north of the northernmost beach parking lot as well as on the hiking trails, boardwalks and in the campground.
12032 Red Arrow Hwy.
Sawyer, MI 49125
Free Run Cellars
Approximately 1-2 hours
Located on a country estate, with a rustic yet contemporary feel, Free Run Cellars provides a lovely wine country setting for you and your dog to relax. Enjoy a glass of wine or share a bottle on the patio where pets will enjoy plenty of attention. Fall brings an outdoor Sunday afternoon concert series, where soothing acoustic jams provide the soundtrack to an idyllic day. Check the winery’s website for more information about occasional epicurean dinners. Pets are allowed outside at tables.
10062 Burgoyne Rd.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Stover's Farm Market & U-Pic
(Approximately 45 minutes to 1½ hours)
Pick your produce fresh from the tree, learn about the 23 different varieties of apples and leave with a new favorite family recipe. Pets will enjoy spending some time trying out life as a farm dog. They are welcome anywhere, including orchards and fields, except inside the 165-year-old Michigan Bank Barn that houses the farm market. Go on a walk through the woods and try a variety of wildlife at this family-owned Centennial farm. Please keep your pet on a 6-foot or shorter leash.
7837 M-139
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Dog friendly hotel
Overnight
Stay at any of our dog friendly hotels in Stevensville. This will place you and your furry family member right in the middle of your destinations.
Keep in mind that most hotels will not allow pets to be left in the room unattended, so check your hotel’s website for more specific details. There are excellent doggie daycare providers in town that offer both full- and half-day options. Find all this info and more in the pet friendly guide linked above!
Southwest Michigan
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: More tail-wagging adventures
Time for treats, trains, trails and happy tails!
Kiwanis Park
(Approximately 1 hour)
Your dog will love the opportunity to get off its leash, socialize and run free for a while in this sprawling park located right in the city. Surrounded by large trees on sloping hillsides, you will also find playground areas, a skate park and a picnic pavilion. Drive or walk your leashed dog up the hill into St. Joseph’s lively downtown and visit the pet-friendly shops and eateries, parks and beaches.
1200 Pearl St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
St. Joseph Today
(Approximately 5 minutes)
Conveniently located in the middle of our quaint blocks of shops and eateries, the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center offers tourist and visitor information, area maps, local guides and brochures and public restrooms. Get the inside track on all of the best spots in the area to enjoy with your pet. Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.
301 State St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
FuzzyButz Pet Bakery & Boutique
(Approximately 30 minutes)
Pets will feel the love at this shop with made-to-order birthday cakes and homemade treats that make any day feel special. Dogs can pick up a souvenir or a new toy to play with at the beach. The shop features lots of cute accessories that will tempt owners as well.
Once you’ve outfitted your pet and fueled up on some treats, head for the great outdoors. Walk up or down State Street and then turn west for one block toward the bluff.
306 State St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Lake Bluff Park
(Approximately 30 minutes)
Lake Bluff Park is awash in monuments, memorials and lovely seasonal blooms, and your pet is always welcome. While you are learning up on local history and enjoying stunning views of the lake and lighthouse, your pet will find all kinds of fun along this grassy, tree-lined park.
Turn right on Park Street toward the beach and cross over the railroad tracks. Tucked away on your left you will find a paved, wooded trail that follows the tracks. Follow the trail to Lion’s Park Beach.
Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
John & Dede Howard Trail
(Approximately 1 hour)
Walk past Lions Park Beach, then follow the path back along the road toward the left down to Silver Beach. Enjoy sweeping views of one of the top family-friendly beaches in the U.S. from the sidewalk. Walk the South Pier and watch boats on a calm lake day.
Close the loop by following Broad Street past the Whirlpool Compass Fountain and up the stairs back to the top of the bluff. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash or shorter. There are doggie drinking fountains and pet clean-up bags.
Eden Springs Park at House of David
(Approximately 1½ hours)
Enjoy some of the area’s quirkier past at Eden Springs. The amusement park was established in 1908 by the Israelite House of David religious sect and attracted visitors until closing in the mid-1970s.
Spend some time piecing together the park’s and sect’s history while strolling with your pet through the peaceful wooded grounds. Or take a weekend train ride with your pooch through the park in the summer. There are also rides on select October and December weekends.
793 M-139
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
North Pier Brewing Company
(Approximately 1 hour)
After sightseeing with your pet, nothing is quite as nice as resting those paws in a friendly place. Relax and reflect on your day together at this brewpub that creates a third-place style atmosphere. Your best friend is always welcome at this lively location near the beach and golf course. Brews are crafted with an eye toward collaboration with local farmers and sustainability.
Your leashed pet is allowed to join you in the brewery or outdoors on the large deck. Feel free to bring in your own meal.
670 N. Shore Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Thanks for joining us!
We hope you enjoyed your travels throughout Southwest Michigan. Check out other trips that you can take on our itineraries page.
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