Traveling with your dog can be a fun time full of adventure. Or, it can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. Not everywhere you pass by will be dog-friendly. For a stress-free trip both you and your pup can enjoy to its fullest, take the time to plan ahead and make sure you both will be welcome with open arms no matter where you decide to go. If your travels are taking you to “The Badger State”, use this Wisconsin dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

6 Dog-Friendly Activities in Wisconsin

The trip you take with your dog should be more than restaurants, hotel rooms, and the occasional walk in the park. Check out some of these dog-friendly activities throughout Wisconsin to add a little more adventure to your trip:

1. Point Beach State Forest

Located in Two Rivers along the shore of Lake Michigan is the Point Beach State Forest. This area has a dedicated dog beach just south of the lighthouse with its own parking, bathroom, drinking water, and cleanup bags. Plus, there is a ton of space where your pooch can run and clean, clear Lake Michigan water where they can swim freely.

Outside of this area, your dog will need to be well-behaved and on a leash no longer than 8 feet. You and your leashed pooch can also enjoy several of the hiking trails, except for the Swales Nature Trail where pets are prohibited.

2. Dells Boat Tours

Should your travels bring you into Wisconsin Dells, set some time aside for one of Dells Boat Tours. There are several boat tours to choose from and all of them give you a chance to experience the beauty and history of Wisconsin Dells.

They offer river tours, group outings, sunset cruises, and trips for special events April through Mid-November. If you’re booked on one of these trips, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they remain on a leash.

3. Milwaukee Boat Line Cruises

If you want to experience a boat tour, but your travels take you closer to Milwaukee, try out Milwaukee Boat Line Cruises. This boat company offers public summer cruises that allow you to enjoy the views along the Milwaukee River and along Lake Michigan.

Well-behaved dogs that remain on a leash are welcome on these general cruises. Specialty voyages are also available, but there may be some pet restrictions on these.

4. Ridge Run County Park

Ridge Run County Park is located in West Bend. It features plenty of hiking trails that wind through forests, run along the riverside, and even includes views along the boardwalk. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you on all of them as long as they are leashed.

5. Tails & Trails

If you and your dog are itching for some off-leash time and you’re near Waupaca, set aside some time for Tails & Trails. This dog park has paid admission, which is $4 per dog for a day pass or $10 per day for a day pass for up to three dogs. This park is open sunrise to sunset every day.

Once inside, your dog is free to run and play off-leash across the enclosed 30-acre dog park. There are also several walking trails available on-site in addition to a large swimming pond. There is even a pump for drinking water, so you can make sure you and your dog stay hydrated.

6. Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard

If your travels bring you near Pepin and you enjoy a good glass of wine, consider stopping by the Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyard. This is a winery complex that is open daily for visitors and features a classic Mediterranean style.

You can relax on the piazza and in other outside spaces with your leashed dog while you enjoy a bottle of wine and a small plate. The scenery is beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxing, and there is even a fountain nearby that adds to the beauty and ambiance.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Wisconsin

After a long day of adventure and fun, you and your dog will need a place to rest. You can’t always count on every hotel you pass being dog-friendly or having a dog-friendly room available when you stop by.

Start your research with some of these dog-friendly hotels in Wisconsin and, no matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book early so you are guaranteed to have a room when you need it.

1. Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort

Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort is located in Wisconsin Dells and is a dog-friendly hotel. They allow two dogs of any size to join you during your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $15 per dog and per night of your stay. They even provide a little treat bag for your dog!

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites Madison American Center

If you plan on staying overnight in Madison, consider booking a room at La Quinta Inn & Suites Madison American Center. In addition to all of the standard hotel amenities and benefits, this hotel also has a convenient location and is close to several landmarks. Plus, it’s dog-friendly. There is no additional pet fee and up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay.

3. The Iron Horse Hotel

Should you need to stay overnight in Milwaukee, The Iron Horse Hotel could be the right place for you. Your dogs will need to be crated if you leave them unattended in your room, but up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $75 per stay. It’s a great place to stay if you want to have a historic and authentic Milwaukee experience.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Wisconsin

It can be hard to find restaurants that will allow your dog to join you for a meal. Without some extra planning, you could find yourself stopping at convenience stores and fast food chains for food.

Not only does that get boring fast, but it also means you’re missing out on the local flavor. Instead of missing out, consider some of these dog-friendly restaurants if you find yourself near them during a mealtime:

1. Bark and Brew

If you find yourself in Green Bay and thirsty, be sure to stop by Bark and Brew. Not only does this place welcome dogs at indoor and outdoor seating, but they also have a menu just for dogs. While you enjoy some good brews, your pup can enjoy some grub or run around in their fenced-in grassy play area.

This place doesn’t serve human food, but as long as you’re enjoying a drink, you can bring your own human food or even order takeout from somewhere nearby. If your travels bring you through Green Bay, this restaurant is a must-stop for you and your dog.

2. Ash in The Iron Horse Hotel

Whether you’re staying at The Iron Horse Hotel or just passing through Milwaukee when you’re hungry, it’s worth stopping at the Ash in The Iron Horse Hotel. This restaurant is dog-friendly and has plenty of outdoor seating available.

There are a ton of options featured on the menu, so you’re bound to find something you will love. Plus, there are water bowls and dog bones available for your favorite pooch.

3. David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse and Saloon

That may look like a typo or feel like deja vu at first, but David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse and Saloon is a Mukwonago staple. In addition to great drink options and delicious food, D.A.A. Smokehouse has plenty of dog-friendly outdoor seating. There is even a special doggie menu available so you and your pup can relax and grab a bite to eat together!

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you have this Wisconsin dog-friendly travel guide on your side. If you’re headed to a different state, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available to help plan your trip.

Here’s to an adventure full of wonderful memories and safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where you and your pup wander!