Golden Retriever Fun: Dog Beaches, Trails, and Parks in Michigan
Michigan is a Golden Retriever’s dream destination, where endless adventures await around every bend of trail and curve of shoreline. From the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan to the wooded trails of the Lower Peninsula, the Great Lakes State offers an incredible variety of dog-friendly outdoor experiences that will have your Golden’s tail wagging with excitement.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or searching for new local spots to explore, Michigan’s welcoming attitude toward four-legged family members means you’ll never run out of places to create lasting memories together. The state’s unique geography provides everything from lakefront romps to forest hikes, urban adventures to wilderness escapes—all perfect for active, water-loving Golden Retrievers.
Dog-Friendly Beaches: Where Lake Life Meets Golden Fun
Lake Michigan’s Golden Coast
Kirk Park Dog Beach (West Olive)
Nestled along Lakeshore Drive just south of Grand Haven, Kirk Park has earned its reputation as one of Michigan’s premier dog destinations. This 68-acre park offers something truly special: a designated off-leash beach where your Golden can experience the ultimate freedom of Lake Michigan’s sandy shores.
What makes Kirk Park special:
- Off-leash beach area (southern section, clearly marked with fencing)
- Seasonal hours: Dogs allowed 7-10 AM and 7-10 PM (May-September); expanded hours during off-season
- Spectacular dune trails with wooden stairways offering breathtaking Lake Michigan views
- Year-round access to hiking trails and cross-country skiing in winter
Planning your visit: Parking fees apply Memorial Day through Labor Day ($8 daily). The beach can get busy during peak hours, so early morning visits often provide the most peaceful experience. Remember, dogs must remain leashed while walking to and from the off-leash area.
Grand Haven City Beach
Located right in downtown Grand Haven, this beach offers the perfect combination of urban convenience and lakefront fun. Your Golden can enjoy the waves while you take in views of the iconic Grand Haven lighthouse and pier.
Beach access details:
- Summer restrictions (Memorial Day-Labor Day): Dogs allowed before 11 AM and after 5 PM
- Off-season freedom: Unrestricted access from Labor Day to Memorial Day
- Leash required at all times (6-foot maximum)
- Prime location near downtown shops and restaurants
Perfect for: Families who want to combine beach time with exploring Grand Haven’s charming downtown, complete with dog-friendly patios and shops.
Lake Huron’s Hidden Gems
Tawas Point State Park (East Tawas)
This 183-acre park sits on a sandspit forming Tawas Bay, offering your Golden a unique Great Lakes experience. Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Tawas Point provides one of the few fenced, off-leash dog areas in Michigan’s state park system.
Unique features:
- Fenced off-leash area along Tawas Bay (between campground and lighthouse)
- Warmer, shallow waters perfect for Golden Retrievers learning to swim
- Historic lighthouse and scenic trails (dogs must be leashed on trails)
- Dark sky designation making it perfect for evening adventures
Practical tips: The dog beach is accessible year-round, though facilities are seasonal. The shallow, protected bay waters make this especially great for puppies or older dogs who prefer gentler swimming conditions.
Port Crescent State Park
Located at the top of Michigan’s “thumb,” this park offers a more secluded beach experience. Near the mouth of the Pinnebog River, you’ll find pet
Galen Kauffman has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since 2012. He is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. Galen and his wife have four children and enjoy spending time together, traveling (including 4 years living overseas), exploring the outdoors, and building lasting connections within the Golden Retriever community.