Pet-Friendly Activities in Door County, WI

Pet-Friendly Activities in Door County, WI

Pet-Friendly Activities in Door County, WI

Do you love experiencing exciting new places with your beloved pet by your side? Door County, WI, is the perfect location for your next day trip or extended vacation. With 300 miles of shoreline to explore, this beautiful section of Wisconsin is brimming with activities that both you and your pet will enjoy.

5 Pet-Friendly Things to Do in Door County, WI

When you set out to visit Door County, WI, there is no need to leave your favorite furry friend at home. Take your four-legged travel buddy with you on all of your Door County excursions, whether it be hiking at the nearest state park or a day on the water. Get ready for your best vacation ever by discovering these top five dog-friendly activities in Door County, WI.

1. Discover Dog-Friendly Parks in Door County, WI

One of the best dog-friendly things to do in Door County is taking your four-legged friend to one of the area's many dog parks. This area boasts many new dog parks that feature wide-open spaces for your dog to run free and socialize with other dogs. At these parks, you have the option of letting your dog off the leash or participating in fun on-leash activities.

Here are some Door County dog parks you will not want to miss:

  • Harbor Hounds Dog Park
  • Sister Bay Dog Park
  • Shiloh Road Dog Park

In addition to these designated dog parks, Door County offers a variety of state parks that allow leashed dogs in most areas. Be sure to check out: 

  • Peninsula State Park: At Peninsula State Park, you can roam just about everywhere in the park with your dog. The exception is on Nicolet Beach and any other sandy beach areas. Aside from those spots, feel free to picnic in the park, hike the trails and romp around in the water along the rocky shoreline.
  • Rock Island State Park: Another fun, dog-friendly Door County park is Rock Island State Park. While it takes a couple of ferry rides to reach Rock Island State Park, the effort is well worth it. Whether you take a day trip or a full camping trip to the island, you will love taking in the park's stunning views alongside your pup. Keep in mind there are no vehicles on the island, so you will need to be able to carry all your camping supplies if you plan on staying overnight.
  • Whitefish Dunes: If you want to take a beach trip with your pup, head to Whitefish Dunes near Sturgeon Bay. Whitefish Dunes is one of the only parks in Door County that permits dogs on the beach, with a specific pet beach close to the parking lot. 

With so many options, you will have no problem finding a trail that perfectly suits both you and your dog's fitness levels.

2. Catch a Show With Fido

If you and your dog are lovers of the fine arts, Door County has plenty of creative activities for you. You can attend a live theater show together at the Northern Sky Theater, conveniently located inside of Peninsula State Park. The outdoor stage features wooden benches that are perfectly situated for you to see a great show while appreciating your natural surroundings.

The Northern Sky Theater rotates two family-friendly musicals throughout each week. You can make a day out of going to see a show by having a pre-show picnic at one of the tables outside of the theater and staying for the post-show bonfire. If you do decide to bring your dog, make sure you choose an aisle seat in one of the side sections.

Another theater that's ideal for bringing pets is the Skyway Drive-In Movie Theater. This retro drive-in is Wisconsin's second-longest continuously running drive-in theater. You can bring your dog along to enjoy the movie as long as you keep them on a leash or inside of your car. While the theater typically plays two movies per night, you only have to purchase one ticket to stay for both.

3. Attend a Pet-Friendly Door County Festival

Door County is home to a variety of fun festivals that are dog-friendly. While you should always call ahead or double-check the festival's website to make sure dogs are welcome, leashed dogs are generally accepted at any Door County festival. For example, the Sister Bay Fall Festival is a great opportunity for you to get outdoors and celebrate the changing seasons alongside your dog and fellow community members.

4. Shop at Dog-Friendly Businesses

If you love to shop local, there are numerous shops near Door County that welcome furry friends. From pet shops to home furnishings stores and everything in between, you will find plenty of places to shop with your dog. Start your shopping spree at the Door County Visitor Center in Sturgeon Bay by picking up a copy of the Visitor's Guide, which will tell you what businesses are dog-friendly and where they are located.

Some dog-friendly dining establishments include the Harbor Fish Market & Grill, where dogs get their own doggy menu and are welcome in outdoor seating areas. You can also take your companions to dinner on the patio at the Sister Bay Bowl or the Garage at Husby’s. If you feel like a treat, you can get a scoop of vanilla ice cream for your dog along with your favorite selection at the Door County Ice Cream Factory and Sandwich Shoppe

5. Hit the Water

If your dog loves the water, take them on a nautical adventure. You can find dozens of fun boat and watercraft rental specialists in the area that will provide you with a pet-friendly water experience. The range of dog-friendly water activities in Door County goes from boat tours and scenic cruises to kayaking and sailboating.

Specifically, Door County Adventure Rafting offers a tour that leaves from Fish Creek and goes by scenic views like Eagle Cave, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Horseshoe Island and more. Bella Sailing Cruises also welcomes well-behaved dogs on its tours. Just be sure to ask ahead when you make your reservation. The company has a resident dog itself, so your dog must get along well with other dogs as well.

If you and Fido are looking for something a bit more adventurous, Door County Kayak Tours allows you to take your dog on a kayaking trip. Any water-loving dog will enjoy a day kayaking through the waves. Before hitting the water, make sure you pick a calm day and put a life jacket on your four-legged kayaking partner.

Make Your Reservation at the Pet-Friendly Door County KOA Holiday

If you are ready to go on a pet-friendly trip to Door County, book your stay at Door County KOA Holiday, where pets are more than welcome. After a long day of exploring the limestone cliffs, fascinating history and sparkling waters of Door County with your four-legged pal, you will both love coming back to our unique campground amenities.

Whether you are interested in a  Deluxe Cabin, RV Site or Tent Site, you will find the pet-friendly lodging you are looking for at Door County KOA Holiday.

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