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10 Great Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wisconsin (2024 Update)

Jessica Kim

By Jessica Kim

standard poodle at the beach

Wisconsin is a wonderful state for outdoor enthusiasts to visit. It’s bordered by two of the Great Lakes, home to the Superior Upland, and has many other scenic natural environments that make it a fun and exciting place to explore.

Fortunately, Wisconsin is a relatively dog-friendly state. So, you can enjoy many outdoor activities with your furry friend, and you can find plenty of beaches that allow dogs. Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches that you can visit in Wisconsin.

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The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wisconsin

1. Kohler-Andrae State Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Dogs are allowed only in beach area north of the Nature Center
  • Dogs are allowed on nearby campsite
  • Leashed dogs are allowed on boardwalk
  • Located near plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails
  • Vehicle admission sticker required

2. Whitefish Dunes State Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Dogs are allowed only allowed in designated beach area
  • Vehicle admission sticker required
  • Dog beach is about a .75-mile walk from the parking lot
  • Leashes must be less than 8 feet long

3. Point Beach State Forest

🗺️ Address: 📍 9400 County Rd O, Two Rivers, WI 54241
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Designated dog beach parking is available
  • Cleanup bag station, water, and bathrooms are onsite
  • Vehicle admission sticker required
  • Waves can be a little too strong for puppies and small dogs

4. Governor Dodge State Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Two separate lakes that have designated dog-friendly areas
  • Grills onsite for picnicking
  • Vehicle admission sticker is required
  • Over 5,000 acres of explorable land
  • Be mindful of horseback riders

5. Mead Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 1201 W Whitney St, Stevens Point, WI 54481
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Fenced-in beach is located at the northern end of the park
  • Nearby spaces for sports, including disc golf, basketball, and tennis
  • KASH Playground is onsite

6. Lake Wissota State Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 18127 Co Hwy O, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Dog-friendly beach is adjacent to the main beach
  • Vehicle sticker is required for parking
  • Leashed dogs are allowed on hiking trails
  • Nearby town has several dog-friendly establishments

7. Percy Johnson County Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 640 Lakeview Rd, Washington, WI 54246
🕐 Open Times: 30 minutes before sunrise to 11:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Vehicles must be parked in designated spaces only
  • Dogs must remain leashed at all times
  • Glass containers aren’t allowed on the beach

8. Big Foot Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 1550 S Lake Shore Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No

9. Ottawa Lake

🗺️ Address: 📍 S59 W36630, County Rd ZZ, Dousman, WI 53118
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • 17-acre lake with a maximum depth of 16 feet
  • Can be a little rocky, so make sure to bring beach sandals
  • Has 100 campsites
  • Registration and vehicle stickers are required for entry and stay

10. Harrington Beach State Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Dogs are allowed only designated beach area
  • Has a designated picnic area for leashed dogs
  • Vehicle admission sticker is required on all cars
  • Best time to go is during low tide

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Conclusion

Dog-friendly beaches and swimming areas are located all throughout Wisconsin. Just keep in mind that while most beach admissions are free, beaches located in state parks require vehicle stickers, which can be purchased for daily or yearly use. Before you visit, make sure to bring your own water and pet waste bags, and you and your dog will have plenty of fun exploring these beaches together.


Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock

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