From campgrounds to hotels, orchards to dog parks, and coffee shops to restaurants, there are so many pet-friendly and unique adventures in Kalamazoo! Check out how to plan a dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan so your dog never has to miss out on the fun!
Day 1
Morning
What better way to kick off your dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan than grabbing some morning fuel with your pup? Just a few minutes from the pet-friendly Days Inn & Suites and Residence Inn by Marriott is Water Street Coffee, where you can get your morning fix with your pup in the form of fresh house roasted coffee, full espresso bar, loose-leaf teas, shakes, smoothies, and more. There are breakfast items including a chorizo & chihuahua cheese burrito and a spicy bacon, egg & guacamole sandwich, too!
After coffee, your dog will love playing with their new friends and galloping across open fields inside the 7 acres of fenced area at Prairie View Dog Park. Although, what’s really special about this park is the acres of enclosed woods that your dog can run through while you walk alongside on a shaded trail.
Afternoon
After you and your furry friend worked up an appetite running around Prairie view park, you’ll want to grab some lunch at a dog-friendly spot. The Root Beer Stand boasts hot dogs, burgers, corn dogs and most importantly, homemade root beer. Roll all the windows down and let your furry friends enjoy the fresh air, while you both take in the nostalgia of the drive-in experience!
Since your dog already got in their playtime, why not do something for you? Husted’s Farm Market & Cider Mill has U-Pick strawberries, raspberries, peaches and tart cherries, and you can bring your dog along with you on your visit (just leash them if they can’t control fruit cravings). You can also grab a pie or one of their other delicious homemade treats.
Evening
To end your first day of your dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan, satisfy your appetite and your taste buds with dinner at HopCat! Located in downtown Kalamazoo, HopCat offers a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere with a huge offering of beers on tap, as well as unique entrees and menu items that provide a fun twist on your typical American-style brewpub grub. Their outdoor patio is completely fenced in and is dog-friendly too!
Finish up your day by walking around and exploring beautiful downtown Kalamazoo. There are so many local shops and unique experiences you won’t want to miss out on, like enjoying some delicious ice cream on the enclosed outdoor patio of The Spirit of Kalamazoo. You can also pick up a t-shirt or magnet to commemorate your dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan. After you’ve treated yourself, head on over to the south part of the Mall to Beowoof Provisions for Pets (your pet can even join you)! From tasty pet treats and food to stuffed toys and dog gear, you’re sure to find something special for your pup to enjoy!
Day 2
Morning
Day two of your dog- friendly weekend getaway in Michigan might just be better than day one! You’ll just have to see for yourself. Just a little over a mile away from the pet-friendly Kara's Kottages is the coffee shop recommended by locals: Factory Coffee. Sip on their Wild Child Espresso, refreshing non-cocktails from Corner Store Cocktails, or an iced latte in their outdoor patio with seating for you and your dog.
Once you’re finished with your morning pick-me-up, its time to head to another dog park and let all the energy out. As the name suggests, Meadow Run Dog Park has 24 acres of completely fenced-in, rolling meadows, but it’s much more than just that. There’s a pond for swimming (with a deck your dogs can leap off of!), an agility area, a small dogs’ area, and even a place to rinse your dog off after the pond. They plow areas in winter and members can even host dog birthday parties! Just be aware that dogs must demonstrate suitable temperament before being allowed in. All the different adventures your dog can experience at Meadow Run Dog Park makes it a must-do activity during your Michigan getaway with your dog!
Afternoon
NEDS on Gull Lake is a pizza, grinders and burger joint in Hickory Corners that also serves liquor and beer! They offer barbecue on Sundays, take-out beer and wine, and they even deliver to the boat launch on Gull Lake! Hope for some sunshine so that you can bring your pup along and enjoy lunch on the deck or patio! Afterall, it's not a dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan unless your dog is there to enjoy it all alongside you!
After a nice mid-day snack with your dog, head to Al Sabo Nature Preserve. It is truly a wonderful place for both you and your pet, as it holds miles and miles of nature trails through gorgeous fields, forests, and wetlands. It makes for a great, long walk with your best friends and you probably won’t want to leave. Just double check your dog is tick-protected before you go!
Evening
At its heart, The Thirsty Hound is a place for dogs and dog-owners to mingle and make friends over food and drink. So, what better place for your final meal during your dog -friendly weekend getaway than this tavern? Dogs are allowed inside the establishment that offers local craft beers on tap, along with wine, cider, canned cocktails, and more.
The Thirsty Hound declined its food license to allow dogs inside and outside, so be sure to bring your own food! You can order delivery/pick-up, buy from food trucks, or get some pre-packaged snacks!
With your new friends in tow, round out your night with some tasty ice cream and hot dogs from Treat Street. Your four-legged friend will probably stare at you the whole time you eat.
Lodging
Before you head out on your Michigan getaway with your dog, it’s a good idea to find a place to stay! Kalamazoo has a plethora of pet-friendly hotels – 36 in all. You can also explore our campgrounds which allow dogs, such as Cold Brook County Park, Oak Shore Campground, and Markin Glen County Park.
Parks & Rec
If your dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan is in need of more dog parks, we have you covered! There are plenty of pet-friendly parks in Kalamazoo and the surrounding area, along with other recreation opportunities, such as the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, Fairmont Dog Park, The Bark Park, Tails ‘n’ Trails Dog Park, and South Haven Bark Park.
We can't wait to host you on your dog-friendly weekend getaway in Michigan! Kalamazoo is the perfect place to take your furry best friend(s) for a weekend of fun. Be sure to check out this dog-filled weekend itinerary that our friends at the Traveling Newlyweds recommend while you're here!
Be sure to request one of our great guides – especially the Kalamazoo Brewery Map!