Wisconsin Archives - Dogs and Detours

If your dog loves adventure, Door County’s trails, beaches, and quaint towns will steal both your hearts. Door County, Wisconsin, is a Midwestern must-do trip for dog lovers. With five state parks, dozens of dog-friendly patios, and miles of scenic shoreline, this peninsula makes traveling with your pup a dream. Door County offers a perfect blend of small-town hospitality and outdoor fun, whether you’re into hiking lakeside trails, tasting local wines, or relaxing at one of the many pet-friendly accommodations.

This article offers a guide to exploring Door County with your dog, including a sample itinerary, some of the best pet-friendly parks and trails, great dining options with outdoor patios, and practical tips to help you plan a fun and stress-free adventure. Let’s start by exploring why this stretch of Wisconsin shoreline is a perfect fit for pet-friendly travel.

a pit bull hiking on a boardwalk trail in the dog-friendly newport state park in door county, wisconsin

Why Visit Door County, Wisconsin, for a Dog-Friendly Vacation?

With its cute lakeside towns, charming parks, and relaxed Midwestern atmosphere, Door County is a haven for travelers and their furry companions. Leashed dogs are welcome in many outdoor spaces, from the state parks to brewery patios. The peninsula’s combination of lakeshore beauty, walkable downtowns, and pet-friendly lodging makes it one of Wisconsin’s best spots for a dog-inclusive getaway.

A pit bull standing on the rocky shoreline of Lake Michigan in Door County

One of the biggest draws for dog lovers is the abundance of outdoor spaces. From towering bluffs to quiet forest paths, Door County’s parks and trails make any walk an adventure.

Dog-Friendly Parks and Hiking Trails in Door County

Outdoor adventure is where Door County shines for pets. Each of the region’s five state parks has its own character and offers a variety of dog-friendly hikes.

Potawatomi State Park – Sturgeon Bay waterfront views
Whitefish Dunes State Park – dunes along Lake Michigan
Peninsula State Park – bluff-side trail with Green Bay vistas
Newport State Park – rugged shoreline along Lake Michigan
Rock Island State Park – accessible via ferry, perfect for hiking

A pit bull standing atop a forested cliff overlooking aqua water at Rock Island in dog-friendly Door County, Wisconsin

Hungry after all of your exploring? Door County’s food scene is made for enjoying in the open air. You’ll find plenty of patios and porches where your dog can join you for a meal or a treat.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Outdoor Dining

Door County’s restaurant scene offers oodles of dog-friendly patios and outdoor dining spots. Explore casual breakfast spots, laid-back dinners under string lights, and dessert destinations your pup can enjoy without skipping the best mealtime experiences.

Bayside Tavern – a welcoming, dog-friendly patio and water bowls
Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard – walk-up access with outdoor seating along the river for a sweet treat by the park
Julie’s Café & Hotel – a scrumptious breakfast spot with a dog-friendly patio
Pelletier’s Fish Boil – a classic Door County experience with a dog-friendly patio
Bayside Coffee – walk-up access for a caffeine fix with your pup
Savor BBQ – outdoor patio and water bowls in Sister Bay
Door County Ice Cream Factory – a Sister Bay snack spot with outdoor seating

Chairs set up around a camp fire at the dog-friendly patio at Pelletier’s Fish Boil in Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Beyond the dinner table and snack stations, the peninsula offers more ways to unwind with a drink in hand and a dog at your side. Be sure to check out the local craft and market scene!

Breweries, Vineyards, and Local Markets that Welcome Dogs

Love craft drinks? Door County does not disappoint! Numerous wineries, breweries, and markets invite dogs to join in the fun. Stroll vineyards, relax on patios, and browse local produce stands while your pup soaks up the friendly atmosphere. Here are a few of our favorites:

Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery – craft brews and live music
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market – tasting and vineyard walks
Door County Brewing Co. – Baileys Harbor beer scene

a cute pit bull sitting in from of the sign for lautenbach's orchard country winery & market

Of course, an unforgettable trip means mixing in some one-of-a-kind experiences. Door County has plenty of them, and yes, your dog can come along.

Unique Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Door County

Think the fun ends at patio drinks and a hike in the park? Door County offers plenty of unique experiences you can share with your dog. Ride the ferry to Washington or Rock Island, enjoy live music at the breweries and parks, or take in a classic film at the nostalgic drive-in theater. These dog-friendly adventures show a different side of Door County’s charm.

After a day of exploring, you’ll want a comfortable spot to recharge. Fortunately, lodging here isn’t just pet-permissive—it’s often pet welcoming, with thoughtful touches for furry guests.

A woman holding a pit bull who is trying to lick a glass of beer from Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery

Pet-Friendly Lodging in Door County, Wisconsin

Finding a comfortable place to stay with your pup is fairly easy in Door County. Quite a few local hotels, lodges, and campgrounds offer amenities designed for guests traveling with pets. No matter how rustic or luxurious you prefer your accommodations to be, you’re sure to find an ideal home base for your adventures along the peninsula.

Julie’s Park Café & Motel – central location in Fish Creek
Open Hearth Lodge – a Sister Bay dog-friendly home base
State Park camping – Pottawatomi, Newport, and Peninsula State Parks

Looking down at the lawn, patio, and forest around the dog-friendly Open Hearth Lodge

Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Dog-Friendly Door County Itinerary

Door County is justifiably a popular vacation spot, especially in the summer. Consider planning a trip for Monday through Friday to skip the hustle and bustle of weekend traffic. Weekdays are still busy, but there’s a little less hustle to the bustle.

Day 1 – Fish Creek

Check into Julie’s Park Café & Motel, stroll to Bayside Tavern for dinner, and finish the evening with frozen custard from Not Licked Yet.

Julie’s Park Café & Motel – We had a room on the second floor. The porch floor is metal, and you could hear Lu’s nails clicking the whole way. FYI, in case you or your dog has sensory considerations.
Bayside Tavern – You can certainly drive to dinner, but parking can be limited. It’s a short and beautiful walk from the motel to downtown dining.
Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard – Grab a plain cup of custard for your pup and settle in to a seat along the river. Stay cozy on a cool evening beneath the table-side heaters.

Day 2 – Peninsula State Park

Enjoy breakfast at Julie’s before hiking Eagle Trail. Wrap up with Pelletier’s fish boil on their patio, and shop for souvenirs along Fish Creek’s main street.

Bayside Coffee – Located just behind Bayside Tavern, this is a wonderful destination for a morning walk. They have a walk-up counter with outdoor seating and a view of the bay.
Julie’s Park Café – Julie’s cooks up a great breakfast, and they have a dedicated gluten-free menu. Highly recommend the gluten-free pancakes! The servers all seemed to love Lu and offered her a water bowl and dog treats.
Peninsula State Park – Starting from the entrance next to Julie’s, explore the winding scenic drive around the park, stopping at the lighthouse and any (or all!) of the viewpoints. At the opposite side of the park, trek down Eagle Trail for a challenging but worthwhile adventure to the base of Eagle Bluff.
Pelletier’s Restaurant and Fish Boil – Walk to Pelletier’s for the early fish boil—make reservations! Plan for the earliest dinner to ensure you can get a spot on the patio if you’re bringing your pup. And get the ala mode with your pie!
Not many of the shops along the main drag allow dogs inside, but stop at the Hat Shop to get a cute bandana for your pup!

ferns alongside a cliff on the dog-friendly eagle trail in peninsula state park in door county, wisconsin

Day 3 – Sister Bay, Vineyards, and Craft Beer

Savor breakfast at Julie’s again, head to Lautenbach’s for tasting, then cruise north for lunch at Savor BBQ. Wind down with craft beer at Peach Barn, then check into Open Hearth Lodge for an evening by the fire pit.

Julie’s Park Café – Yup, recommending breakfast at Julie’s again (it’s that good!).
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market – This spot is totally dog-friendly, from inside the market and tasting room to walking around the vineyard. The employees loved Lu and offered her all of the snacks!
Savor BBQ and Taphouse – If you’re a BBQ fan, add this restaurant to your list—it was delicious! Be warned—there’s a pig statue at the front of the restaurant that many dogs do not like. Lu even barked at it, and she’s not prone to barking. Post-lunch, walk down the main drag for a little shopping. Lots of cute shops and other cafes, some of which offer water bowls for pups waiting outside.
Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery – Big fan of Peach Barn! This dog-friendly brewery crafts fantastic beers and has a fantastic patio. They offer live music all throughout the summer—the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
Piggly Wiggly – If you want a break from restaurant food, this is a welcome spot. We stopped by this grocery store for deli chicken and salads to bring back to our hotel.
Open Hearth Lodge – This hotel is VERY dog-friendly! They put a dog bed, blankets, a water bowl, treats, and toys in our room. There’s a small, fenced-in dog park and pet area if you want to let your pup off leash. A large yard surrounds the building, with an especially spacious backyard and patio area decked out with several firepits and plenty of comfortable chairs. Also, a short but lovely trail winds through the woods beyond the yard.

a pit bull sitting on a rock in front of a firepit and patio at the Open Hearth Lodge in Door County, Wisconsin

Day 4 – Washington Island & Rock Island

Take the ferry north to explore Washington Island, have a picnic on Rock Island, hike the Thordarson Trail, and return to Door County for ice cream in Sister Bay before a quiet evening at the lodge.

Open Hearth Lodge – They put out plenty of nice breakfast options if you want to eat before heading out for the day (pancakes, bagels, pastries, yogurt, Door County coffee, etc.).
Washington Island – Catch the Washington Island Ferry from Northport at the northern tip of the Door County peninsula. Load up your car, van, or RV for a short ride to the island. We met friends there who lived on the island and gave us a tour, but you can explore on your own as well.
Rock Island – Our friends took us on their personal boat to Rock Island (aka Rock Island State Park), but you can also catch the Rock Island Ferry (people, dogs, and gear only – no vehicles, no bikes). We had a picnic lunch at the tables by the dock, but you can explore further if you have the time. On a previous visit, Lu and I hiked the Thordarson Trail, circumnavigating the island. Dogs are not allowed in any of the historic buildings, but the scenery, overlooks, and beaches are top-notch. Definitely a hiking adventure I’d do again!
Door County Ice Cream Factory – We stopped at this ice cream shop in Sister Bay on our way back from the island adventures. They offer quite a few flavors and lots of outdoor patio seating, so you can relax with your pup.

a pit bull sitting in front of a small ferry boat for rock island, wisconsin

Day 5 – Departure

Enjoy breakfast on the lodge patio before heading home via your preferred scenic route—Highway 42 or Highway 57—both offering lovely final views of the peninsula.

From Sister Bay, you can head home via either side of the peninsula. Highway 42 runs down the western side back through Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, and Sturgeon Bay. Highway 57 heads east to cut through Baileys Harbor and Jacksonport before sweeping past Whitefish Bay and connecting with Highway 42 just north of Sturgeon Bay.

Planning to explore more of Wisconsin? Check out our guide to Camping in Wisconsin’s NHAL State Forest.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs in Door County

Before you hit the road, plan ahead to make your trip comfortable for both you and your pup. Pack extra water, waste bags, and your dog’s favorite bed or blanket. Research which beaches and trails allow pets off-leash, and always check local restaurant patio policies in advance. Most importantly, allow flexibility in your schedule so you and your dog can enjoy spontaneous moments.

Check out these guides and our favorite gear to elevate your dog-friendly adventures:

Looking down at a flight of wine samples on a table and a dog sitting next to a woman

Planning a Door County Trip with Your Dog

Door County is a destination you can visit again and again, always finding new places to explore with your furry pal. Did we miss one of your favorite pet-friendly spots in Door County? Tell us about your must-do adventures on the peninsula!

If you’re looking for that quintessential Northwoods camping experience with big trees, lakes, and wildlife, camping in the NHAL State Forest is it. The Northern Highland–American Legion (NHAL) State Forest is a beautiful space in northern Wisconsin.

Camping in the NHAL State Forest

There are many options, so this truly depends on what you’re looking to do and what type of amenities you want. Most of these campgrounds have sites you can reserve.

Modern Campgrounds

Want to be able to shower and use a regular flush toilet? These are the campgrounds you’ll need to check out. There are no electrical hookups, but you can get a free permit to run a generator if that’s your thing.

Clear Lake
Big Musky
Firefly
Crystal Lake

Rustic Campgrounds

Just the essentials—hand-pumped water, pit toilets, and no electricity. However, these campgrounds usually offer wider site spacing than the modern campgrounds. This is what we opted for. Six campgrounds in this list (East Star through West Star) were non-reservable as of Fall 2020.

Big Lake
Buffalo Lake
Carrol Lake
Cunard Lake
Indian Mounds
Plum Lake
Sandy Beach Lake
South Trout
East Star Lake
North Trout Lake
Razorback Lake
Starrett Lake
Upper Gresham Lake
West Star Lake

Two pit bulls in fleece sweaters sitting between two large pine trees on the shore of Carrol Lake while camping in the NHAL State Forest in Wisconsin

Primitive Campgrounds

Just the basics—tent clearing, fire ring, picnic table, box latrine.

Allequash Lake
Bittersweet Wild Lakes Area
Clear Lake
Day Lake
Nebish Lake

A view from a wooden dock looking out at a small, tree-filled island on Carrol Lake

Backcountry Camping in the NHAL State Forest

For those looking for even more solitude and adventure, you can request a permit for backcountry camping.

Camping with Dogs at Carrol Lake

While having a shower sounded luxurious while camping, we wanted a small campground—this meant fewer amenities, fewer people, and more seclusion (for the dogs and us). Carrol Lake won partially due to availability when we made our reservation and because it has some tremendous walk-in sites.

Two pit bulls in fleece sweaters sitting between two large pine trees on the shore of Carol Lake while camping in the NHAL State Forest in Wisconsin

Don’t worry; you’re not going to be hauling gear across a football field. It’s more like walking the length of your house (if you have a small, 1300-sq-ft house like me). Easy peasy.

Our site, 102, had a lot of room and a lovely view of the lake. If all the sites there had been open, I might have chosen 103 because it had a little more grassy space and a more open view. However, it was slightly closer to the boat ramp (not that the boaters were noisy, or at least it didn’t sound like it from 102). Site 101 was a bit uphill from us, so more seclusion, but closer to the road. Even from our site, you could occasionally hear cars (noisy ones).

Two pit bull dogs in fleece sweaters on a dock with trees in the background at Carrol Lake lake in Wisconsin

A tan, orange, and grey 6-person tent surrounded by pine trees at a campsite at Carrol Lake Campground in Wisconsin

There were also regular campsites you could pull right up to and a few other walk-ins at the other end of camp. I don’t think those walk-ins had a great view of the lake. Plus, on our side (101-103), we were closer to the docks and dog-accessible waterfront. The actual beach area farther into camp does not allow dogs.

Carrol Lake is just a few minutes from town (Woodruff) and Clear Lake Campground, which has a ranger station and access to firewood.

Note: Pets must be on a leash. A State Parks and Forest sticker is required for camping (throughout the NHAL State Forest).

Brats cooking in a pan over a campfire, a great meal while camping in the NHAL State Forest in Wisconsin

A person sitting along the Carrol Lake lakeshore framed by pine trees and deciduous trees

Hiking in NHAL State Forest

Our camp host gave us a great local newspaper guide filled with things to do, from local shops to local hikes. The Wisconsin DNR also has a great breakdown of hikes in NHAL State Forest. Try to check in with local guides whenever you can, whether it’s your camp host, a ranger, or some locals in town. They typically have a better grasp of current conditions and what’s accessible, plus they may have some “locals only” trail knowledge they can pass on.

A woman an a hiking trail surrounded by many green leafy trees in the NHAL State Forest in Wisconsin

While we spent part of our trip exploring the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness in Michigan, we did some local hiking as well. We headed up to Escanaba Lake for the first part of our day and then explored Minocqua in the second half. The Escanaba Hiking Trail offers several loops, from 2.36 to 8.48 miles. The trails are well-maintained and relatively wide. There is some logging regrowth you’ll hike through, but most of the time, it’s just beautiful forest views along with an occasional lake sighting.

Also, bring mosquito spray. There were zero bugs at our Carrol Lake campsite, but we encountered quite a few on the Escanaba hike.

Extra also: Don’t forget to bring some local(ish) brewskis!