Dog-Friendly Things to Do on Leelanau Peninsula

It can be hard to leave your four-legged friend at home or boarded while you go on vacation. The good news is there are plenty of pet-friendly places in northern Michigan, including some on the Leelanau Peninsula, where Fido is welcome to join in the fun.

Dog-Friendly Leelanau Peninsula Activities

Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge wants you to enjoy the time you have with your dog in our neck of the woods. Learn about our favorite dog-friendly beaches, restaurants, and more!

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Michigan

There are plenty of spaces in Leelanau where your four-legged friend is allowed to participate in the summer fun. Some of the best places to take your dog for a day is the beach. There are a handful of beaches on the Leelanau Peninsula where dogs are permitted.

Good Harbor Bay Beach, Leelanau County
Address: Good Harbor Bay Trail, Maple City, MI 49630. Drive north of Glen Arbor on M-22 to County Road 651 (Good Harbor Trail) and turn left. Drive to the end of the road, and you will be at the beach.
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 15 miles (21-minute drive)

There are many things to see at Good Harbor Beach which is located off of Good Harbor Trail in Maple City. Once you arrive, you’ll see clearly marked signs indicating what side of the beach is pet-friendly (with a leash required). Take your furry friend to see some great views of Pyramid Point.

Available amenities:

Paved parking
Drinking water
Picnic area
Bathrooms

Christmas Cove Beach
Address: E. Christmas Cove Rd., Northport, MI 49670. Please note there is no dedicated path to the beach, and there’s a steep slope from the parking area to the beach.
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 12.4 miles (18-minute drive)

Christmas Cove is located on E Christmas Cove Rd, Northport, MI 49670. With nearly 200 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, there are many amenities that you and your pets can enjoy, including the beach and picnic area. There’s plenty of parking.

Available amenities:

Public restrooms
Alternate boat access
Parking lot

Van’s Beach
Address: 205 Cedar St, Leland, MI 49654
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 11.8 miles (18-minute drive)

Van’s Beach is located at the base of a break wall and connects Fishtown to the rest of the public beach known as Van’s Beach. Next to Van’s Beach is Hall Beach. This spot is a leash-friendly space that offers great views of the sunset.

Leelanau Peninsula Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Bars

Village Cheese Shanty
Address: 199 River St, Leland, MI, US, 49654-5039
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 12.5 miles (19-minute drive)

The Village Cheese Shanty is in Fishtown on the pier where you’re more than welcome to sit with your dog outside at the picnic tables. Simply place a to-go order and wait for them to call your name. The Shanty offers sandwiches, rolls, wraps, and pretzel buns.

VI Grill
Address: 201 N St. Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI, US, 49682
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 3.7 miles (6-minute drive)

Certain parts of their outdoor seating are dog-friendly, including tables along the fence or wall of the patio. VI Grill offers classic American Cuisine with burgers, poutine fries, and popcorn perch.

The Manor on Glen Lake
Address: 7345 W Glenmere Rd., Empire, MI, US, 49630
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 30.1 miles (42-minute drive)

The front porch of The Manor at Glen Lake is open to dogs and their owners. The menu at this converted 100-year-old hotel features roast duck, baked ham, crab-stuffed shrimps, and other upscale food options.

45^th Parallel Café
Address: 102 W. Broadway, Suttons Bay, MI, US, 49682
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 3.8 miles (6-minute drive)

The 45^th Parallel Café is a casual spot in downtown Suttons Bay. Dogs are welcome at any of the outdoor seating options. The café is open for breakfast and lunch and offers food items from omelets to burgers.

Black Star Farms – Suttons Bay
Address: 10844 E Revold Rd., Suttons Bay, MI, US, 49682-9703
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 7.3 miles (12-minute drive)

There are two separate pet-friendly sections where you can enjoy your wine tasting and tapas at Black Star Farms and Vine Café. This spot offers true farm-to-table eating options and a great selection of local wines.

Western Avenue Grill
Address: 6410 Western Avenue, Glen Arbor, MI, US, 49636
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 26.7 miles (35-minute drive)

Tasty food and drinks can be found at this dog-friendly establishment. Located in Glen Arbor, Western Avenue Grill provides outdoor seating for your and your dog to enjoy.

Bluebird Restaurant and Bar
Address: 102 River St., Leland, MI, US, 49654-5039
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 12.4 miles (18-minute drive)

The Bluebird offers ten pet-friendly outdoor tables where you can sit with your dog. The iconic establishment offers views of the Leland River and a delicious dining experience.

Tandem Ciders
Address: 2055 North Setterbo Road, Suttons Bay, MI, US, 49682
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 3.3 miles (5-minute drive)

A dog-friendly cidery in Suttons Bay, Tandem Ciders offers outdoor tables to enjoy. You can sample various local ciders and enjoy the sunshine with your pooch.

The Mitten Brewing Company
Address: 112 W Nagonaba St., Northport, MI, US, 49670
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 8.6 miles (12-minute drive)

This dog-friendly brewery offers a covered outdoor patio with a huge fireplace. A welcoming bar setting is the best place to enjoy local craft beers with your best furry friend.

Other Dog-Friendly Northern Michigan Activities

The Cherry Bowl Drive-In
Address: 9812 Honor Hwy Honor, MI 49640
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 44.4 miles (54-minute drive)

Catch a movie with the family and your pet. The Cherry Bowl Drive-in in Honor is a family-friendly alcohol-free environment where you can enjoy two movies for the price of one. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a leash. There’s a little area for them to run around in the back of the theatre.

Rudbeckia Farm and Winery
Address: 3379 Lake Grove Rd. Petoskey, MI 49770
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge: 93.8 miles (1 hour and 53-minute drive)

At Rudbeckia Farm and Winery near Walloon Lake, the owners set out dog treats and water bowls for visiting fur-friends. Humans get to pick from wine, beer, and cider and can hang out outside and play bocce ball and cornhole.

Paddle Hard Brewing
Address: 227 E. Michigan Ave., Grayling, MI
Distance from Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge 70.1 miles (1 hour and 28-minute drive)

If you and your dog love to paddle, top off the day with a brew and a snack from Paddle Hard Brewing. Here you can enjoy dog-friendly outdoor dining right on the patio downtown.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Vacation Spot

As you can see there are plenty of opportunities to bring your dog along for some fun on the Leelanau Peninsula and surrounding area. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s pet-friendly, the RV parking area at Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge’s RV parking area is happy to host dogs that are on a leash when outside and picked-up-after. Trained service animals are permitted inside the casino and lodge. Inquire about your dates today.