Photo by Mark Steigenga
Your Pet is Welcome in the Ludington Area!
We love our pets, and more of us are bringing them along when we travel. With all the wide open space here in the Ludington area, your dog or cat should feel right at home. But where are specific places that welcome your furry friend? Here’s a list to get you started.
Walking Your Pet
Central Bark
Ludington’s only Dog Park, Central Bark, is located within Cartier Park, accessible from north Rath Avenue.
Loomis Street Boat Ramp
At the end of Ludington Avenue, the Loomis Street Boat Ramp has 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. They can be off leash here also. This area is a short walk from downtown and many local motels.
Cartier Park Walk Path
This beautiful 10 foot wide paved path, located at the corner of Bryant Road and North Rath Avenue, winds around the perimeter of the park and meanders through the woods. A gazebo near 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 at the Ludington State Park 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. There is 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. They can also go into the water at Lost Lake, north of Beechwood Campground, and the sandy shoreline on the south side and to the east of the dam. At no time should your dog be left unattended.
Ludington’s Disc Golf Courses
Mason County Park, near the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, 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.
Ludington Parks & 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.
- Beach area south of the breakwall at Stearns Beach (Dogs not allowed on main part of Stearns Beach)
- Buttersville Park (also has beach where dogs are allowed off leash)
- Ludington’s Rotary Park
- Summit Park (also has beach where dogs are allowed off leash)
- Memorial Tree Park
- Sutton’s Landing
- Waterfront Park
- Wilson Hill Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
- South Bayou on Hamlin Lake
- Victory Township Park on Upper Hamlin Lake
Pet Friendly Places Near Ludington
- Scottville Riverside Park (dogs may also go in the Pere Marquette River)
- Manistee National Forest (pets are welcome at campgrounds & on trails, but not beaches)
- Pentwater Civic Band Concerts– Pets are welcome Thursdays from 8-9pm during the summer months on the Village Green. They’ll have plenty of company, as many people bring their pets for the fresh air and great music.
These Lodging Facilities Accept Pets:
Ludington
- Best Western Lakewinds
- By the Lake at Parkview Cottages
- Comfort Inn
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- Lakeview Cottages
- Nader’s Motel & Suites
- Rodeway Inn
- Vacation Station RV Park
Around Ludington’s Hamlin Lake
- Peaceful Acres Resort
- Waterside Resort & Boat Rentals
These Restaurants in Ludington Welcome Your Pet in Their Outdoor Seating Areas:
- Blu Moon Bistro
- Cafe 106
- Ludington Bay Brewing Co.
- Ludington Meat Company
- Ludington Pub
- Table 14
- Timbers Steak & Seafood
- The Q Smokehouse
These Businesses in Ludington Also Welcome Your Pet:
- ABC Kidz
- Anime-Ziing Gift Shop
- Avenue’s End Mini Mall
- Gordy’s
- Lowe’s
- Ludington City Marina
- Purple Monkey
- Salon 22
- Sloaney’s
- Snyder’s Shoes
- Spindrift
- The Cedar Chest Consignment Shop
- The Home Depot
- The Windowsill New & Used Books
- Todd & Brad Reed Photography
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Trailhead Bike Shop
- Wags to Wiskers
Other Pet-Friendly Places
- 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!
- Lake Michigan Carferry, S.S. Badger– Allows pets on board, but animals in cargo area or in the owner’s vehicle must remain in a crate.
Local Support for Pet Owners
Mason County is lucky to have numerous organizations that are dedicated to finding homes for stray animals, caring for animals, and supporting pet owners. Learn more here.
Discover more around Ludington!
What's happening now in Ludington?
Mason County District Libraries
In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library’s Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.
Farmer’s Markets & U-Pick Farms
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light
Ludington’s North Breakwater Light is the number one lighthouse to see in Michigan! Take a trip along the breakwater path to see it up close!
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum
Step back in the past and learn about Ludington’s rich maritime history at the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Bicycle Trails
Both beginners and experienced cyclists will enjoy the variety of trails available to explore in Ludington!
Aerial View of Big Sable Point
The aerial view of Big Sable Point features Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan.