7 Reasons Your Dog Will Love Pet-Friendly Ludington, Michigan

If your pooch is your traveling companion, no worries. Ludington is ready to welcome you and your furry friend to its many attractions and eateries. To make your trip planning a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of all of the pet-friendly places here – and we would even argue that your dog will love Ludington as much as we do!

1. Dog Park

Central Bark, a one-acre, fenced-in dog park in the northeast corner of Cartier Park, is Ludington’s ultimate dog-friendly park. As the only off-leash park in the city, it features separate large and small dog areas where Fido might make new friends.

2. Patios for Pooches

A number of Ludington-area restaurants have pet-friendly patios and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a meal with your furry pal: Blu Moon Bistro, Cafe 106, Ludington Pub, Q Smokehouse, Ludington Bay Brewing Co, Jamesport Brewery’s Portside Beer Garden, and Ludington Meat Company. You could also grab takeout from Keeper’s Fish Shack or Krave and enjoy dining in Legacy Plaza with your pup.

3. Accommodations

There are many lodging options for travelers with pets in tow: Best Western Lakewinds (includes dog walk area), Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Motel Lakewood, Parkview Cottages, Peaceful Acres Resort, Cartier Mansion and Rodeway Inn. Patterson Homes also welcomes pets and offers daily, weekly or monthly condo rentals. (Check individual websites for pet fees and restrictions.)

4. Beaches

Does your pet love to swim? Ludington has three dog-friendly beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, where you can take your dog on a leash: Buttersville Beach on Buttersville Peninsula south of Ludington, the beach south of Loomis Street Boat Launch, and a dog beach in Ludington State Park, between the Beach House and the Sable River.

5. Trails

Stretch those legs with a walk or run on Ludington’s many trails, from the paved, one-mile Cartier Park Pathway (featuring bag dispensers and waste cans), to five miles of Ludington School Forest Trails, to 20-plus miles of trails at Ludington State Park.

6. The S.S. Badger

Planning to arrive or depart Ludington via the S.S. Badger? The vintage car ferry welcomes pets at no additional charge, and your dog could enjoy a well-ventilated portable kennel on the car deck or transported in the owner’s vehicle. See information about bringing your pet on the Badger here.

7. Doggy Spas

Nothing says vacation like a bubble bath. Try out one of our local groomers:  4 Pawz Pet Salon & Doggie Daycare, Waggin Tails, or Laura’s Pet Grooming & Services. 

Regardless of where you roam with your pets in Ludington, please be prepared when bringing your pet on vacation. Our friends at Mason County Mutts remind visitors to have a plan for your dog during the day, including bringing food and water (especially in hot summer weather). Also, be sure to ask about pet rules before arriving at a hotel, restaurant or other attraction so you know what to expect and can keep your pet safe.

Share your pet adventures with us using #PureLudington on Instagram.