‘Bark’ your calendars for visits to the 11 best dog parks in Michigan

Leash up, grab a few treats, and have a blast with man’s best friend at some of the best-kept dog parks in Michigan.

We Michiganders love the great outdoors, so it’s no wonder that our four-legged friends are often equally as enthusiastic about getting some fresh air. Unfortunately, not all of the Great Lakes State’s immaculate beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails are pet-friendly—but that doesn’t mean there aren’t fantastic options for outdoor exploration with Fido in tow.

To help you find your new favorite pet-positive destination, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best dog parks in Michigan. Just don’t forget to bring those waste bags along!

1. Kirk Park Dog Beach

9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive

If your dog loves the beach as much as you do, head to Ottawa County for a day of splashing and fetching at Kirk Park, where you’ll find an off-leash dog beach in the south section of the park. With year-round openness and beautiful views of Lake Michigan, it’s a dreamy place to make memories with your dog while the humans in your family unwind along the waterfront.

2. Dog Park at Van Raalte Farm Park

 975 E 24th St, Holland

While you’re in West Michigan, a visit to the Dog Park at Van Raalte Farm Park in Holland won’t disappoint. This is a great option for dog owners who want their four-legged pals to get a bit of exercise in a well-maintained setting, as the three-acre park features an agility course and loads of green space. There’s even a separate area for smaller dogs who might be more comfortable around creatures their own size.

3. Shaggy Pines Dog Park

3895 Cherry Ln Ave SE, Ada

Located in Ada, Shaggy Pines Dog Park is a private park with a membership fee, but owners say the experience is well worth the extra dough. Dogs must pass behavioral evaluations and be fully vaccinated to play here, and there’s even a DIY “doggy spa” section for when your pet needs a bath.

Shaggy Pines is fenced and offers access to 16 acres of countryside beauty, along with ponds for splashing and just about everything in between. If that weren’t enough, the park holds special hours for reactive dogs who might need a more controlled, calm environment. Monthly memberships start at $64.

4. Orion Oaks Dog Park

2301 Joslyn Rd, Orion Township

Head to Orion Oaks in Oakland County for an outing with the entire family—pup included! At Orion Oaks, you’ll find 24 acres of green space, trails, picnic seating, and a friendly environment. Dogs over the age of four months are required to display licenses during their visit to the park and be up-to-date on vaccinations, so there’s an added layer of security for anxious owners. Human visitors will appreciate on-site restrooms, too.

5. Tails n’ Trails Dog Park

6359 134th Ave, Saugatuck

Located in the charming community of Saugatuck, Tails n’ Trails has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to let your dog get their exercise in an enclosed area or to venture off-leash along woodsy trails, there’s an activity here to suit your needs.

The park provides separate spaces for large and small dogs, along with fresh drinking water and natural-surface hiking paths open to pups on leashes. You might never want to leave.

6. Grand Ravines

3991 Fillmore St, Jenison

Nature nuts, Grand Ravines in Jenison is the place for you. While many dog parks feature scenic spaces and greenery, Grand Ravines takes the natural beauty to an entirely new level. Within the park, you’ll find 22 acres of dog-friendly space, beautiful shaded areas, a doggy drinking fountain, fenced trails for off-leash fun, and even a dog wash station.

Outside the designated dog park, visitors can explore wooded stairways, fishing areas, and a ravine overlook with breathtaking views.

7. Paws Park

815 South M-553, Gwinn

Upper Peninsula dog parents, we haven’t forgotten about you! If you’re near Marquette County, make time to explore Paws Park in Gwinn for its well-regulated enclosures and abundance of grassy areas. Whether your four-legged friends prefer to roll in the snow or appreciate the dog days of summer, Paws Park offers separate entrances for large and small dogs, rounded park fences to prevent digging, and a peaceful yet playful space to explore.

Membership is required to use the park (starting at $45 annually), but we think you’ll get your money’s worth.

8. Tawas Point Dog Beach

875 Paved Path, East Tawas

Tawas Beach is known for its captivating shorelines along Lake Huron and Tawas Bay, but its dog beach deserves some love, too. As its name suggests, Tawas Point Dog Beach is a waterfront area where dogs can get their feet wet, roll in the sand, play fetch along the shore, or simply unwind on lazy afternoons. Guests report shallow water that’s ideal for exploration and a laid-back atmosphere for the whole family.

9. The Pack Indoor Dog Park

5205 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park

Searching for a dog park that will never be off-limits due to weather? Look no further than the Pack Indoor Dog Park in Comstock Park, which is so much more than a place for dogs to play. In addition to its indoor space for Fido, the Pack features an on-site restaurant, a doggie daycare option, beverages for humans, and special events throughout the year.

Memberships start at $55 for a five-visit punch card, but visitors can also purchase day passes for just $12-15. We have a feeling this is going to become one of your new favorite hangouts.

10. Davison Area Dog Park

1285 N Gale Rd, Davison

Davison Area Dog Park is just a good, old-fashioned dog park with everything your best friend might need for a day of burning off energy: Green space galore, fenced enclosures, a fountain, structures to be sniffed and explored, the occasional kiddie pool, and benches for watchful owners. Whether your dog is a fan of direct sunlight, shady sprawling, or something in between, Davison Area Dog Park has you covered.

11. Midland Dog Park

101 Golfside Dr, Midland

Got a dog with a little too much pent-up energy? Midland Dog Park can fix that. With its spacious layout, separated small and large dog areas, and walking paths, it’s pretty much impossible for an adventurous dog to have a bad time here.

Since 2005, dogs and their families have appreciated four acres of land and on-site agility equipment—snowy trails are even compacted during the winter to make walks easier for all involved. Is your tail wagging yet?