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.

Pet Friendly Places Near Ludington

These Lodging Facilities Accept Pets:

Ludington

Around Ludington’s Hamlin Lake

These Restaurants in Ludington Welcome Your Pet in Their Outdoor Seating Areas:

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
  • Ludington Yacht Sales
  • Purple Monkey
  • Salon 22
  • Sloaney’s

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.

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Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area activities and attractions.
 

Experience the Activities and Attractions of Ludington!

Ludington’s Great Outdoors

Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.

Reed Father Jacques Marquette Shrine Cross

Father Jacques Marquette Shrine

The Father Jacques Marquette Shrine marks where Father Marquette died in 1675. It’s a peaceful setting on Pere Marquette Lake in Ludington.

Hamlin Lake Dam

Read about the mighty dam that lives in Hamlin Lake, how it came to be and how it is utilized to help protect this man-made lake.