Pup-Perfect Days in The Petoskey Area of Northern Michigan
- Luie Boone
- Apr 21
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 21
This vacation destination is a part of our first series of blog posts titled Pooches Polite.
It's time to go on a vacation to Northern Michigan’s crown jewel—The Petoskey Area!
This isn’t just one town; it’s a collection of tail-wagging towns, include Petoskey, Boyne Falls, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Alanson, and Harbor Springs.
So many places to visit, so many things to do. It’s a doggone paradise.
And paws down, nothing beats the famous million dollar sunsets that you can see in the Petoskey Area. During an evening, you can watch the sky melt into an array of gorgeous colors with your furry friend right by your side.
There are so many trails to hike here. Your dog will love the smell of the fresh pine, as they journey through areas where squirrels are just out of reach. How rude, Luie Boone thinks. He'll be sure to still give those speedy squirrels a good chase! Be prepared, your dog will likely do the same.
When you and your pup are looking for a break from squirrel chasing, you can venture down to a local dog beach that has NO leash requirements. If your pup is a fan of gliding atop the water, there is even pet-friendly boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding available for you both to enjoy!
Now, let’s talk about the food. This place is seriously a foodie heaven! There are restaurants, wineries, breweries, and enough food tours to make a dog go dizzy. Please remember that wine is a no-no for pooches. Grapes and alcohol can be toxic to them! If you're searching for an alternative, look up "dog beer!"
When the weather turns rainy or chilly in the Petoskey Area, there's no need for you and your furry friend to have to stay cooped up. The area offers a variety of indoor activities that both you and your dog can enjoy, ensuring that a little rain won't dampen your spirits.
Whether you’ve got two legs or four, the Petoskey Area is the place to be!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at the Petoskey Area of Northern Michigan. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Sadies Vista
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 6 beds and 2 baths.
Photos courtesy of Dream House Retreats
It features the following amenities:
Is on the direct beachfront of Lake Michigan
Has a sauna, which you can relax in after a long day (Sorry, no dogs allowed, Luie Boone... unless you want to become a hot diggity dog!)
Features a large deck with steps that lead down to the private beach, as well as to another deck with a picnic table and beach chairs
100 feet of private shoreline to walk with your dog (Think of all the sand to sniff!)
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My humans need to take me on a vacation. I heard about this rental called "Sadie’s Vista." Who the heck is Sadie? I had to do some dog-darn research. Sadie, I learned, is in fact a dog. Her owners named this place after her. She was a yellow Lab, just like me, and she used to live there. Sadly, Sadie's not around anymore, but she built a LEGACY in the Petoskey Area. She also left a unspoken guide for pups like me to follow when visiting her former home. Sadie said we have to wake up real early, so we can watch the sun sparkle off the big water bowl that our humans call Lake Michigan. After we eat our breakfast, we have to bark at any passing squirrel, before taking 212 steps (she counted!) down to the private beach. There, she said we have to run, roll, and dig the biggest hole we can manage. Sadie says nobody will ever beat her record, but they sure can try! After failing, we must journey over to the picnic deck to drool as our humans eat their tasty human food. Maybe, just maybe, they'll spare us some. Sadie said we have to use our puppy eyes and beg real hard. I'm sure it always worked for her. Once snack time is over, it's time to head on the trail right behind the house for a quiet walk. This area is a wildlife wonderland, with black squirrels, deer, and even eagles. Sadie must've known everyone there! Even though I never met her, I know I’d feel Sadie’s pawprints everywhere—and I can’t wait to follow in them. Sadie's Vista, here we come!
Paws Venture Here
Little Traverse Bay Ferry
Pups are welcome to join their humans aboard this ferry, which offers preset adventures around the bay. Or, you can customize your trip between Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Bay Harbor.
Young State Park
The park is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Charlevoix, where your furry friend is welcome to explore with you. Luie Boone's not too sure how to pronounce the name of that lake, but that won't stop him from trying to make a big splash in it!
Bear River Valley Recreation Area
Bring your best friend with, as you walk the 1.5-mile trail found in the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. It includes paved, unpaved, and boardwalk pathways. What about bears in the river? Luie Boone's going to have to do some research!
Bayfront Park
This park features almost 8000 feet of public shoreline on scenic Little Traverse Bay. It has open space areas, where you can relax with your pooch.
Zoll Street Beach
Your buddy will love Zoll Street Beach and wont want to come out of the water. Maybe, you can coax them over to the grassy picnic area with a treat or two. Probably two.
Petoskey State Park
Your best pal will love this park, which is situated on over 300 acres that offers a trail to hike on and scenic views. I mean, look at that cute pup and that gorgeous sunset! Can you recreate the picture?
Pond Hill Farm
This is a working farm, where your pup is welcome in outdoor areas and on the trails. There is a spacious dining tent and outdoor tables that your pup can also join you at.
Harbor Ice Cream Soup & Sandwiches
Fido is welcome to join you inside or outside at this tasty restaurant. Enjoy a variety of ice cream flavors, desserts, soups, sandwiches, and salads. They even serve pup cups for Fido!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
The Petoskey Area of Northern Michigan
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Sorry humans, a trip to the Petoskey Area means no more clean coat for me! One minute, I’ll be trotting along the shoreline, minding my own sniffy business. The next? BOOM. I’ve launched myself into a glorious, slimy patch of lake weed that smells like adventure and mystery. My humans say it's a “compost pile,” but what do they know? This is a a tradition. A sacred canine mission. We don’t just roll in stink—we seek it out. And when we find it? Pure, unfiltered, dirty JOY! That is until the hose comes out. Ugh. The hose. We all know what that means. The enemy of all things fun, and my mortal enemy because it means bath time. Don't ask me why I hate it so much, when I love playing in the water. It doesn’t matter if I stink—I do not want that hose. There will be resistance. Maybe a dramatic stare-down. Bribes will be offered. And sure, eventually I’ll give in, because who can deny a tasty treat. My coat will be clean, but not for long, because that’s what makes the Petoskey Area magical for us pups. It’s messy. It’s smelly. It’s unforgettable!
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