Dog-Friendly Ann Arbor, Michigan
From riverfront walks and off-leash parks to patio dining and pet-welcoming hotels, Ann Arbor makes an easy Midwest getaway with your dog.
Ann Arbor, MI
Best Off-Leash Spots
Large off-leash dog park at the corner of Platt and Ellsworth with open space for running.
Smaller neighborhood off-leash area inside Olson Park, convenient for north-side stays.
Fenced dog park near downtown and the Huron River with separate areas for large and small dogs.
Best Walks
Leashed dogs are welcome on scenic trails through one of Ann Arbor’s signature green spaces.
Popular riverfront park with paved paths, bridges, and plenty of room for a leashed stroll.
A good base for riverside walking near downtown and the Border-to-Border Trail.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Downtown brewpub with patio seating for dogs and a dedicated dog menu.
Casual wine bar and café where dogs are welcome in the yard.
Spanish restaurant with a dog-friendly patio for tapas and cocktails.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Ann Arbor
Hyatt Place Ann Arbor
Modern south-side hotel near Briarwood with a straightforward dog policy and easy highway access.
3223 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Visit WebsiteHomewood Suites by Hilton Ann Arbor
Suite-style option with kitchens, free breakfast, and a pet policy that works well for longer visits.
2457 S State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteHilton Garden Inn Ann Arbor
Reliable full-service stay near Briarwood with on-site dining and a clear pet policy.
1401 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Visit WebsiteStaybridge Suites Ann Arbor - Univ of Michigan
All-suite IHG property with kitchens and a pet policy suited to road-trippers staying multiple nights.
3850 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Visit WebsiteSonesta Simply Suites Ann Arbor University
Apartment-style suites with kitchens and a pet-friendly setup convenient to I-94.
701 Waymarket Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Visit WebsiteEVEN Hotel Ann Arbor S - University Area
Wellness-focused hotel with quick access to shopping, highways, and south Ann Arbor dining.
600 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Visit WebsiteResidence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown
Downtown location within walking distance of restaurants and campus, ideal if you want to stay central with your dog.
120 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Ann Arbor
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
A downtown favorite with patio seating for dogs and one of the best-known dog menus in town.
120 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteHOMES Brewery
Creative brewery with a dog-friendly outdoor area and a menu of bowls, burritos, and shareables.
2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Visit WebsiteWolverine State Brewing Co.
Relaxed local brewery with patio seating for dogs and a menu built around beer-friendly comfort food.
2019 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Visit WebsiteCafe Zola
Popular brunch and dinner café with a large outdoor dining area that works well for leashed dogs.
112 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteYork
Neighborhood hangout for coffee, wine, and casual bites where dogs are welcome in the yard.
1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteAventura
Stylish tapas spot downtown with a dog-friendly patio for a more elevated meal.
216 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteRoosRoast Coffee Works
Local coffee favorite with outdoor picnic tables where dogs can hang out while you grab a drink and snack.
1155 Rosewood St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities in Ann Arbor
Swift Run Dog Park
Large off-leash dog park in southeast Ann Arbor with room for energetic dogs to run.
2998 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI
Visit WebsiteOlson Park Dog Park
Convenient north-side off-leash area inside Olson Park, good for a quick play session.
1505 Dhu Varren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Visit WebsiteBroadway Dog Park
Fenced dog park just north of downtown with separate spaces for large and small dogs.
800 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Visit WebsiteNichols Arboretum
One of Ann Arbor’s signature walking spots, with hilly trails, river views, and leashed dogs welcome.
1610 Washington Hts, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Visit WebsiteGallup Park
Scenic paved-loop park along the Huron River with bridges, picnic areas, and easy leashed walks.
3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Visit WebsiteArgo Park
Popular riverside park near downtown with access to the Border-to-Border Trail and scenic walking routes.
1055 Longshore Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Ann Arbor
This two-day plan mixes off-leash play, scenic walks, and patio meals without requiring much driving once you’re in town.
Day 1: Downtown and River Walks
Check into a pet-friendly hotel, then start with a leashed walk at Nichols Arboretum for shaded trails and river views.
Head downtown for lunch on the patio at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company or Cafe Zola, then stroll through central Ann Arbor and campus-adjacent streets.
Take your dog to Broadway Dog Park if it’s open, or enjoy a calmer sunset walk at Argo Park before dinner on Aventura’s patio.
Day 2: Parks and Patios
Burn off energy early at Swift Run Dog Park or Olson Park Dog Park, depending on which side of town you’re staying on.
Grab coffee at RoosRoast Coffee Works or York, then spend time at Gallup Park for a long leashed walk along the Huron River.
Wrap up with patio drinks and dinner at HOMES Brewery or Wolverine State Brewing Co. before heading back to your hotel.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Detroit
45 milesBig-city museums, riverfront walks, and a growing number of dog-friendly patios.
Lansing
65 milesA practical weekend add-on with parks, trails, and pet-friendly stays.
Grand Rapids
130 milesA larger Michigan getaway with breweries, river trails, and dog-friendly neighborhoods.
Toledo
55 milesAn easy cross-state option for another quick dog-friendly urban stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dog-friendly is Ann Arbor overall?
Ann Arbor is one of the more dog-friendly small cities in the Midwest thanks to multiple off-leash dog parks, leashed walking areas along the Huron River, and a strong patio dining scene.
Are there off-leash dog parks in Ann Arbor?
Yes. The City of Ann Arbor lists Broadway Dog Park, Olson Park Dog Park, and Swift Run Dog Park, and it also notes a pop-up dog park at Veterans Memorial Park. City off-leash areas require a dog park permit.
Can dogs go to restaurants in Ann Arbor?
Yes, many Ann Arbor restaurants allow dogs in outdoor seating areas. Michigan law allows dogs in restaurant outdoor dining areas when operators follow state requirements, but dogs are not allowed inside standard dining rooms unless they are service animals.
Are dogs allowed on Ann Arbor trails and nature walks?
Yes, but usually on leash. Nichols Arboretum allows leashed dogs, and Ann Arbor city parks generally require dogs to remain on leash except in designated off-leash dog play areas.
What should I know before booking a dog-friendly hotel in Ann Arbor?
Pet fees commonly fall around $75 to $100 per stay, though some hotels charge more for longer visits. Always confirm the current fee, number of pets allowed, and any weight limits before booking.
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