Hamlin Lake

We love our pets, and more of us are bringing them along when we travel. With all the wide open space here in the West Michigan area, your pet should feel right at home. But where are specific places that welcome your furry friend? Here’s a list to get you started…

A new Ludington Dog Park is scheduled for completion late summer 2010. Click here for more information.

Pet Friendly Places

Public Beaches
At the end of Ludington Avenue is the Loomis Street Boat Ramp, with a small beach area where pets are welcome to roam. They are not allowed on Stearns Beach at any time, but can still experience the fun of splashing in Lake Michigan. This area is a short walk from downtown and many local motels.
Buttersville Park allows dogs to swim in Lake Michigan at their location.
Ludington State Park has water along the Island Trail where dogs can play. There is also an area called Sargent Sand Lake along Piney Ridge Road that is not an actual beach--but it is on State Park property and dogs are allowed in the water there.

Lake Michigan Carferry (S.S. Badger) also allows pets onboard. Restrictions apply.

Cartier Park Walk Path (at the corner of Bryant and N. Rath)
This beautiful 10 ft. wide paved path winds around the perimeter of the park and meanders through the woods. A gazebo near the Lincoln Lake offers a place to rest and admire the surroundings. Your dog will love the hilly path, and it is plowed in the winter.

Ludington State Park
There are 3,000 acres here for your pet to roam, as long as he’s on a 6’ leash (or shorter), cleaned up after, and current with shots. Dogs are not allowed in park buildings or swim beaches, but are welcome in the campgrounds and hiking trails (see "Public Beaches" above). At no time should your dog be left unattended.

Historic White Pine Village
This local attraction is dedicated to preserving Mason County’s rich history, and they welcome well-behaved dogs on a leash, and of course, cleaned up after. Families and their pets will enjoy the quiet surroundings, and you can all pick up a snack at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor!

Ludington's Disc Golf Courses
Mason County Park, near the Ludington Pumped Storage Project, has three courses, Beauty, Beast, and Goliath. Right off Jebavy Drive is Leviathan, which is actually two courses. All five welcome your dog to romp and play (and maybe catch your disc!). No leash is required, but you must clean up after them.

The following hotels/motels/resorts accept pets:
Best Western Splash Park Inn
By the Lake at Parkview Cottages
Candlelite Inn Bed & Breakfast
Cattail Cottages on Upper Hamlin Lake
Channel Lane Inn-Pentwater
Comfort Inn-Hart
Holiday Inn Express
Kip's Kottages
Lighthouse Motel
Motel Lakewood
Nader's Lakeshore Lodge
Peaceful Acres Resort

Area Parks
Buttersville Park (see "Public Beaches" above)
Stearns Park
Ludington City Park
Summit Park
Memorial Tree Park
Sutton's Landing
Waterfront Park
Scottville Riverside Park (dogs may also go in the river)
Wilson Hill, South Bayou, and Victory Township Park at Hamlin Lake
Manistee National Forest (pets are welcome at campgrounds & on trails, but not beaches)

Pets are welcome on a leash at these parks, as long as you clean up after them, and keep them from disturbing other people.


Find: Kennels or Veterinarians.