On the eastern side of Lake Michigan in northwestern Michigan, Grand Haven is a small beachfront community with about 10,000 residents. Just about 30 miles from Grand Rapids, the town is a popular spot for water activities along the lake as well as the Grand River. You will find dozens of beaches in Grand Haven with opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and more. Because Michigan is cold and snowy during the winter months, snow lovers can also find a lot to do outdoors here. Snowshoeing, skiing, and ice fishing are just a few.
Many of the beaches in and around Grand Haven are dog-friendly, such as the Grand Haven City Beach, Grand Haven State Park, and North Beach Park, as well as Kirk Park Dog Beach, Norman F. Kruse Park, Ottawa Sands County Park, and North Buchanan Beach. Besides these seven beaches, we found eight more that are pup popular in Grand Haven, MI.
Grand Haven City Beach
Your leashed pup is welcome in Grand Haven City Beach on the southern side of the swimming area before 11 AM and after 5 PM from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The rest of the year, your pooch can join you on the beach any time of day as long as he is leashed at all times. You and your fur puppy can enjoy swimming, playing in the sand, and sunbathing at this large sandy beach located between Grand Haven State Park and Stickney Road to the south.
You will not find any playgrounds or picnic areas here, but you will find plenty of space for your pooch to play around, easily accessible restrooms, and Noto’s at the Bil-Mar Restaurant, where you and your pup can dine on the patio. They are well-known for their amazing steaks and seafood. Remember to bring plenty of doggie doo baggies so you can clean up after your pup.
East Grand River Park Beach
This 10.5-acre East Grand River Park has more than just a beach, but the waterfront area is a big part of the excitement here. It has been used for launching boats for many years but was not a park until 1994. Your fur baby is allowed to enjoy and explore the whole park with you as long as you keep him leashed at all times and pick up after him. You can find this pup popular park about a mile east of Grand Haven City Beach on the Grand River.
Today, East Grand River Park features picnic areas with barbecue grills, a playground, a gazebo, and restrooms. It may not have a sandy beach on Lake Michigan, but it has a leash-free dog park, so that is a big bonus. It is always fun to let your canine companion run and play off the leash with other pups. The dog park here is quite large and has separated sections for small and large dogs.
Tanglefoot Park
Just across Grand River, Tanglefoot Park is also a pup popular waterfront recreational area where your pooch is allowed to play as long as he is leashed at all times. You should also bring your own doggie cleanup baggies because they do not have any Mutt Mitt dispensers. On the banks of the Grand River, you will find over 10 acres of space for picnicking, hiking, and splashing in the water. Speaking of splashing, the park has a new Splash Pad that your pooch will love!
The park’s name comes from the Thum family, famous for their Tanglefoot Flypaper, who donated the land to the city. There are boat docks, a fishing pier, a kayak launch, play equipment, and some really cool public art installations. Every Thursday from June to November, the park holds a market from 9 AM until 2 PM, so bring some cash for fresh veggies, fruits, and other items.
Spring Lake Central Park Beach
Less than two miles to the east, Spring Lake Central Park is a lovely little village park with all sorts of amenities and activities. First of all, the 15-mile Lakeside Trail runs right through the north end of the park. This popular walking and biking trail goes all the way around Spring Lake and Grand River, traveling through several parks, including Central Park, William Ferry, Rycenga, Whistle Stop, and Lakeside Beach. And it is completely pup-friendly as long as your pooch is leashed.
Central Park boasts quite a few fun things to do, including tennis courts, basketball, inline hockey, ball fields, and playgrounds. There are restrooms and water fountains for your convenience as well, but bring your own doggie bags to pick up after your pup. The best part of this park, though, is the dog park. Marv’s Bark Park is about two acres and has a separate section for small and shy poochies.
North Beach Park Beach
Less than four miles to the north of Grand Haven, North Beach Park welcomes all fur babies from October to May, but he must be on a leash. However, here, your dog’s leash can be up to 10 feet long, so he has lots of leeway for running around, playing fetch, and splashing around in the water. The only places your pup cannot go are inside buildings or the playgrounds. This is the perfect spot on Lake Michigan where you do not have to worry about crowds.
In fact, the hidden gem is extremely popular with the locals, but tourists usually stick to the Grand Haven City Beach or Grand Haven State Park. On this seven-acre large golden patch of sand, you will find 750 feet of shoreline and several covered picnic tables where your pup is allowed, as well as some incredible dunes and trails. There is no lifeguard here, so you will be swimming at your own risk, and you have to bring your own doggie bags.
Ottawa Sands County Park Beach
Not even a half-mile east on North Shore Drive, Ottawa Sands County Park has no hourly or seasonal restrictions for dogs. As long as you leave him on a leash the whole time you are there, your pup is welcome to play in the water and sand. Like North Beach Park, his leash can be up to 10 feet long, so he has more room to roam. There is no swimming beach here yet, so Fido will have to go in alone, but you can walk in the water with him.
Fishing at this 345-acre park is popular, but it is catch-and-release only, so do not plan on eating what you catch. There are also several hiking trails that take you around the small lake in the middle of the park as well as along part of the Grand River and Lake Michigan. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms for public use, too.
North Ottawa Dunes
Just go north less than a quarter-mile, and you will find the 600-acre North Ottawa Dunes, where your pupster is always welcome as long as you keep him leashed and pick up anything he happens to drop. Like the other two listed above, the leash can be up to 10 feet long, so you can play frisbee or fetch in the sand. The only place you cannot bring your pup is inside the buildings and on the dune stairs.
Besides the access to Lake Michigan in the southern corner near North Park Beach, you can also enjoy 10 miles of trails that run all the way from Ottawa Sands County Park to PJ Hoffmaster State Park. The park also boasts picnic areas with barbecue grills, play areas for the kids, tennis and basketball courts, and baseball and soccer fields. There is even a fenced dog park in the southwestern corner of the park.
PJ Hoffmaster State Park Beach
Next door to the north, PJ Hoffmaster State Park has about 1,200 acres and a fabulous beachfront spot where your leashed pup is welcome. You can both enjoy three miles of Lake Michigan shores with over nine miles of trails, sand dunes, and a campground. One of the more popular trails here is the Dune Overlook Trail, which is about a half-mile, including 225 steps. For a more challenging hike, try the two-mile Homestead Trail which includes a portion of Lake Michigan.
On the eastern edge of the park, you and your fur puppy can explore the shoreline of Little Black Creek and Little Black Lake, where you can see all sorts of wildlife like deer, foxes, raccoons, and hawks. The campground is huge, with 294 sites that include both rustic and full-hookup spaces with picnic tables and fire pits. Dogs are welcome in the campgrounds, too, as long as they are leashed at all times.
Lake Harbor Park
Two miles north, Lake Harbor Park has almost 190 acres with access to Lake Michigan, Mona Lake, and the Mona Lake Channel. Any one of these beach areas is the perfect spot to spend a day with your canine compadre, as dogs are welcome everywhere in the park as long as they remain leashed. Also, pack lots of puppy poo bags to pick up after him. If it is a sandy beach you want, head to the western side of the park, where you will find more than 4,000 feet of lakefront.
If you are interested in fishing while you are here, one of the best spots is the Mona Lake walkway under the bridge. And there is a picnic area with restrooms, shelters, and barbecue pits for use. Keep going along this trail to get to the scenic deck and the dunes, as well as interpretive signs along the way. Another nice trail is Whitey’s Woods, which takes you through the pines and hemlocks to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Norman F. Kruse Park Beach
Norman F Kruse Park is just north of Lake Harbor Park and features about a mile of golden sand beach on Lake Michigan. The 53-acre recreational space has one thing most others do not, a dog beach. Although the rules say your pup has to be on a leash, the locals insist that the city only enforces these rules if your pooch is unruly. So, bring a leash with you just in case, but also bring your dog’s favorite ball to play fetch since he can run around freely.
The upper area of the park features dozens of picnic tables with grills to enjoy a meal with your fur baby, as well as nature trails with overlooks and dunes. There is also a kid’s playground, basketball, and plenty of grassy areas for playing. Please make sure you pick up after your pup and pack enough doggie bags to do so.
Pere Marquette Park Beach
Right next door, Pere Marquette Park has almost 30 acres of space to explore and enjoy. The locals love this place because it is so well-cared for by the city. The sand is raked every day to keep it clean, and the walkways are maintained regularly. Pups are welcome here as long as they are leashed at all times. This is a popular spot for kiteboarding, paddle boarding, and kayaking, as well as swimming, fishing, and just hanging out.
Besides all that, the park has sand volleyball courts, jet ski, kiteboard, and paddle board rentals and lessons, as well as a fun play area for the human kids and lots of picnic tables. If you did not bring any food, that is okay because there is a snack bar and a restaurant where you can grab something for you both to eat and drink. Remember to pack plenty of puppy cleanup baggies to pick up anything he drops.
Muskegon State Park Beach
Muskegon State Park is up next, right across the Muskegon-Milwaukee Channel, where you and your pup can play on two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and another mile of shoreline on Muskegon Lake. Opened in 1923, this is one of the oldest state parks in Michigan and boasts a variety of activities to enjoy. As long as your fur baby is leashed, he is welcome to join you at the beach, in the water, and in most other areas of the park.
With two different campgrounds and over 250 sites to choose from, you will be able to find a place that is perfect for you and your pup to stay the night or the whole week. That way, you will have more time to enjoy the trails, picnic spots, the forested dunes, and the blockhouse on the highest point in the county. Other fun can be had during the winter, like sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
Palomita Nature Reserve
Head south from Grand Haven about seven miles, and you will find the Palomita Nature Reserve along Little Pigeon Creek. Although it is not right on Lake Michigan, you can walk to the beach from here, but you really do not need to because your pup will have plenty of waterfront along the creek to play around at. This is a nice change from the usual sandy beach, and you will not have to worry about battling any tourists since they will all be at the more popular beaches.
There are two main trails that run through the park as well, including the 20-mile Lakeshore Connector Path that goes all the way from Grand Haven to Hollan. The smaller trail is just under a mile long and loops through the woods and along the water. Keep your fur puppy on a short leash here because this is a nature reserve and is full of important wildlife, including over 100 types of birds.
Kirk Park Dog Beach
Just a mile south of the reserve, Kirk Park has 68 acres of space along Lake Michigan. Known for being the local dog beach, this sandy spot allows you to let your canine companion off the leash from 7 AM until 10 AM and from 6 PM until 10 PM from May to October. The rest of the year, he can run around off his leash anytime the park is open! That is why you will see mostly dogs and their pup parents here instead of at other beaches.
Be sure to pack your pup’s favorite ball to play fetch and the frisbee to toss around on the beach. Since there are tons of picnic tables here, you should also bring a cooler with food and beverages. If you have kids, bring them too. There is a fun playground with swings, slides, and climbing as well as horseshoe pits, trails, and a deck that overlooks the water.
Holland State Park
The last park on our list is about 13 miles from Kirk Park and features camping, swimming, and playgrounds. Holland State Park is best known for its soft golden sand beaches and the Big Red lighthouse. It is one of the most visited state parks in Michigan, with excellent fishing, boating, and fun. One of these sandy spots is Ottawa Beach on Lake Michigan. Another is the grassy lakeside area on Macatawa Bay. Both of these allow dogs as long as they are leashed.
There are two large campgrounds so you can stay as long as you want. The wooded camp has 211 sites, and the beach camp has 128. Both of these are dog-friendly, and each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and parking pad. The boat launch allows you to get out on the water to do some fishing, and there is even a fish cleaning station nearby. If you cannot catch anything, you can get something at the concessions or nearby eating establishments.
The Final Woof
If you do not have a boat to get out on the water, rent one from Grand Haven Boat Rental. The dog-friendly company offers all sorts of boats, from kayaks to huge pontoons. For something on dry ground, why not take in a drive-in movie with your furry friend at Getty Drive-In Theater? They offer double feature shows on summer weekends with concessions, and the gates open at 7 PM. You could also take your canine companion shopping at the Boardwalk & Piers in downtown Grand Haven. Afterward, have a nice meal with your dog at Righteous Cuisine on 7th Street, where you can get some awesome tacos.
