There’s no better way to spend the day on Mackinac Island than with your favorite furry friend.
Did you know that Mackinac was voted as one of the Top Ten Dog-Friendly Travel Destinations You Don’t Want to Miss by Parade Magazine?
From outdoor patios made for basking in the sun to lodging accommodations fit for the whole family — including members with four legs — here’s our comprehensive guide to dog-friendly Mackinac.
Restaurants (on patio)
Photo Credit - @mustangonmackinac
Round Island Bar and Grill
Located at the award-winning and dog-friendly Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Round Island Bar and Grill is a family-friendly restaurant offering food menus to suit your fancy from morning to night. The bar and grill’s patio captures shoreline views with plenty of room for guests and their furry friends. While the Round Island Bar and Grill offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, dining companions with paws are only allowed al-fresco on the restaurant’s spacious, shaded patio.
Round Island Bar and Grill | (906) 847-3000
Smokey Jose's
Located on Mackinac Island’s waterfront, just off Main Street, Smokey Jose’s is a one-stop shop for barbecue, Mexican-inspired grub, margaritas and good times with your four-legged friend. The island barbeque destination offers pet-friendly patio seating and an eclectic mix of smoked meats, comfort food classics and casual bites. Stop in to satisfy your craving for something smokey, and don’t forget to cool things off with a house margarita.
Smokey Jose’s | (906) 847-4066
Dog House
Looking for a quick bite and some fresh, Lake Huron air? Take a seat at one of The Doghouse’s picnic tables at Windemere point, just feet from Mackinac Island’s coast. Offering casual grub including hot dogs and soft-serve ice cream, these island treats are perfect to enjoy on the go. Take a seat or lay out a blanket and enjoy the great outdoors with your canine companion.
Dog House at Windemere Point | (906) 847-3301
Shopping
Photo Credit - @poppinsonmackinac
Poppins
Poppin’s is a small store, but they have a large selection of products. Ripe for gift giving, Poppin’s offers plenty of items from local vendors, supporting small businesses and artisans. The store is also dog-friendly, so if you are out on a walk with your pooch feel free to stop in.
Poppins | (906) 847-0344
Sew UP Style Company
Sew UP Style Company is a local apparel store that offers high quality clothes for women, and they also offer scarves, sweaters and toys for your dog. Feel free to bring your stylish pooch too, just be mindful of the store’s limited capacity. If you are looking to get away from Main Street’s hustle and bustle, or just picking up a few accessories to complete your or your pup’s look Sew UP is a must stop shop.
Sew U.P. Style Co. | (906) 630-2813
Caddywampus
Caddywampus is a gift shop located on Mackinac Island’s Main Street that offers many products that you can bring home to your family and friends and give them a piece of Mackinac Island. The store is open from May to October, so make sure to check it out during your summer visit to the island. The store is a great place to support local folks while you are in town, featuring goods crafted in the Mitten State. Caddywampus allows dogs in the store, so be sure take your pup along with you to browse this local spot.
Caddywampus | (231) 881-3972
Threads of Mackinac
Since 2019 Threads of Mackinac brings fresh designs with good, old-fashioned hospitality. At Threads you aren’t buying just another T-shirt, every design is inspired by life on Mackinac Island and won’t be found anywhere else. Spot the Threads of Mackinac signature topiary on Astor Street, between Market and Main streets — or shop online 365 days year. If you’re out for a stroll with your pup, feel free to pop in, Threads of Mackinac welcomes all.
Threads of Mackinac | (513) 668-7676
Coffee
Lucky Bean Coffeehouse
Tucked away on Market Street is cozy, coffee shop escape. Lucky Bean offers coffee and tea, and quick bites that you can take on the go. If you are looking for an off the beaten path spot during your trip to Mackinac, this is the place. The shop has outdoor seating that allows you to sit with your dog while you sip on your coffee. Be sure to check out this hidden gem while enjoying the day with your doggo.
Lucky Bean | (248) 342-2988
Good Day Café (outside)
Good Day Café is a one-stop shop for a coffee, a snack, and sweet treats. This spot is open from May to October, and offers ice cream by the cone or flight to beat the summer temps. Find a seat at one of their benches outside the café, dogs are welcome to sit with you as you enjoy your snacks and drinks. Be sure to check out this café that has a little bit of everything.
Good Day Café | (906) 847-3550
Drinkeries
The Gate House
Located at the Grand Hotel — named the best historical hotel in the United States by USA Today — The Gate House is a casual bar and restaurant offering American food classics and a full. During the summer, you can enjoy a drink on the covered outdoor patio with your canine companion, and on chillier days, gather around the fireplace. The Gate House offers specialty drinks as well as Michigan craft beers for sampling of local flavor while spending some time at one the most historic hotels in the country.
The Gate House | (906) 847-3772
Mustang Lounge (Patio)
Known as the most historic tavern in Michigan, The Mustang Lounge takes pride in their hand-tossed pizza. The restaurant does not allow dogs inside, but they are more than welcome on the outside patio, which has plenty of room for you to enjoy your food and drinks while your dog sits with you. The restaurant also has seasonal entertainment if you are in the mood for some live music while you enjoy a night out while enjoying a piece of Michigan history.
Mustang Lounge | (906) 847-9916
Ice House BBQ
If you are in the mood for some barbecue and beer while enjoying the summer sun, Ice House Barbecue is the place to be. Offering a variety of home-style barbecue dishes, Ice House brings that heat as well as plenty of local beers and other refreshing beverages to cool you off. With shaded outdoor picnic table seating, feel free to bring your canine companion along as you relax during your day on the island. The restaurant is tucked away from the downtown hustle of Mackinac Island, so this is a place to go if you are looking to relax and enjoy some drinks and local grub.
Ice House BBQ | (906) 847-7223
Lodging
Mission Point Resort
This award-winning hotel located on Mackinac Island is home to many fantastic restaurants and offers a variety of options for your stay on the island. Depending on what season you stay at the hotel, there are different packages you can take advantage of to take in everything that Mackinac Island has to offer. If you are looking to bring your canine companion along with you while you stay at the resort, there are rooms available in the Straits Lodge section of the hotel that are dog-friendly. Make sure to call before your stay to secure a dog-friendly room. There is a one-time $100 cleaning charge if you choose to bring your dog. Mission Point offers restaurants, packages, and other amenities that will help you get the full Mackinac Island experience.
Mission Point Resort | (231) 715-4900
Park Place Suites
Located in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island, Park Place Suites offers three different rooms that each have their own feel. These suites are dog-friendly, and there is plenty of room for your dog to roam during your stay. The suites include many amenities that many typical hotels do not have. The suites are in a central location, which makes it easy to make your way to many stores and restaurants on the island. If you are looking for a getaway that still feels a little bit like home, Park Place Suites on Mackinac Island is a great option.
Park Place Suites | (906) 430-7400
Sunset Condos
Located away from bustling downtown, Sunset Condos offers a more serene environment away from the excitement of downtown Mackinac Island. These condos offer outdoor grills and picnic areas, full kitchens and WiFi. While these condos are not far from the attractions on the island, they are still just a walk away. With lots of space for dogs to roam, this condo complex is accommodating to those who want to vacation with their furry friend.
Sunset Condos | (906) 847-3407