Dog-Friendly Door County, Wisconsin

From waterfront patios to leashed beach walks and off-leash dog parks, Door County is one of the Midwest’s easiest escapes to enjoy with your dog.

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Door County, WI

8.8 Pet-Friendly Score
Avg Pet Fee: $10-20/night
Dog Parks: 4
Off-Leash Beach: No
Outdoor Dining Law: Yes

Best for Off-Leash Play

Captain Bailey's Dog Park

Large and small dog areas in Baileys Harbor with plenty of room to run.

Harbor Hounds Dog Park

Fenced Egg Harbor dog park with separate spaces, shade trees, and waste stations.

Sister Bay Dog Park

Free fenced dog park near the sports complex, open year-round.

Best Scenic Walks

Cave Point County Park

Leashed dogs can join you on cliffside trails with dramatic Lake Michigan views.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

One of the county’s best dog beach options, with leashed access via the Red Trail.

Peninsula State Park

A classic Door County stop with select dog-friendly trails, rocky shoreline, and picnic areas.

Best Dog-Friendly Dining

Waterfront Mary's Bar and Grill

Waterfront patio dining in Sturgeon Bay where dogs are welcome outside.

LOFT

Fish Creek favorite with a shaded downstairs patio that welcomes dogs.

Old Post Office Restaurant

Ephraim staple known for fish boils and seasonal dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Door County

Best Western Maritime Inn

3.5/5
Hotel

Reliable Sturgeon Bay base with grassy relief areas and easy access to the southern end of Door County.

$$ Pet fee: $20 per pet, per night Welcomes 2 dogs up to 80 lbs in rooms with two queen beds. Dogs may not be left unattended. Cats are not accepted.

1001 N 14th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Super 8 by Wyndham Sturgeon Bay

3.5/5
Hotel

Budget-friendly option with free breakfast and an indoor pool, convenient for road-trippers entering Door County.

$ Pet fee: $20 per pet, per night Allows 2 dogs of any size. No cats.

409 Green Bay Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Quality Inn & Suites

2.9/5
Hotel

Simple Sturgeon Bay stay with breakfast included and a lower pet fee than many area properties.

$ Pet fee: $15 per pet, per night Allows pets up to 30 lbs. Both dogs and cats are welcome, and larger dogs may be allowed by request.

923 Green Bay Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Holiday Music Motel

4/5
Motel

A quirky downtown Sturgeon Bay motel with a low nightly pet fee and walkable access to shops and restaurants.

$ Pet fee: $10 per pet, per night Welcomes 2 dogs of any size in one of eight pet-friendly rooms. Dogs may not be left unattended. No cats.

30 N 1st Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Beach Harbor Resort

4/5
Resort

Waterfront Sturgeon Bay resort with dog-friendly designated rooms and an on-site restaurant patio that welcomes dogs.

$$ Pet fee: $15 per pet, per night Allows 2 dogs of any size in designated rooms. Dogs cannot be left unattended and must stay leashed outside. No cats.

3662 N. Duluth Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Open Hearth Lodge

4.5/5
Lodge

Popular Sister Bay stay with thoughtful dog amenities and a convenient location for exploring the north end of the peninsula.

$$ Pet fee: $15 per pet, per night Welcomes 2 dogs of any size in designated rooms. Dogs must be crated if left unattended. Provides bowls, beds, and toys. No cats.

2669 S Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI 54234

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Settlement Inn & Lavender Spa

4.5/5
Inn

Quiet Fish Creek property with limited dog-friendly lodging in its family house, ideal for travelers wanting a more relaxed stay.

$$$ Pet fee: $20 per pet, per night Allows 2 dogs of any size in the family house only, plus a $150 refundable deposit. No cats.

9126 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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Julie's Park Cafe & Motel

4/5
Motel

Casual Fish Creek motel near Peninsula State Park with affordable pet fees and designated pet-friendly rooms.

$$ Pet fee: $15 per pet, per night Welcomes pets of any size in designated rooms. Both dogs and cats are allowed.

4020 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Door County

Waterfront Mary's Bar and Grill

4.6/5
Waterfront American

A classic Sturgeon Bay stop for burgers, wraps, seafood, and bay views with dogs welcome on the patio.

$$ Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.

3662 N Duluth Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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LOFT

5/5
Contemporary American

Stylish Fish Creek restaurant serving cocktails, sandwiches, salads, and fresh fish on a shaded patio.

$$ Dogs are permitted on the covered downstairs patio. Pets are not allowed on the upstairs loft area.

4170 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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White Gull Inn

3/5
Breakfast & Lunch

Historic Fish Creek favorite known for cherry stuffed French toast and outdoor tables for guests with dogs.

$$ Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables for breakfast or lunch. Call ahead for outdoor seating availability.

4225 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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Bayside Coffee

5/5
Cafe

Easygoing waterfront cafe in Fish Creek for coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, salads, and sandwiches.

$ Dogs are welcome at umbrella-covered patio tables.

4151 Maple St, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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Barringer's Restaurant

4/5
Steakhouse

Fish Creek steakhouse-style restaurant with seafood, sandwiches, and a patio fireplace for cooler evenings.

$$$ Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.

1 Spruce St, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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LURE Restaurant

5/5
Seafood

Upscale Sister Bay dining with seafood and cocktails served at pet-friendly outdoor tables.

$$$ Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.

10627 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234

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Bluefront Cafe

5/5
Cafe

Downtown Sturgeon Bay lunch spot with a dog-friendly patio and creative casual fare.

$$ Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.

86 W Maple St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Old Post Office Restaurant

4.7/5
Fish Boil & Breakfast

Ephraim institution for traditional Door County fish boils and breakfast with seasonal outdoor seating for dogs.

$$ Pet-friendly outdoor seating is available seasonally and weather permitting.

10040 Water St, Ephraim, WI 54211

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Dog-Friendly Parks, Beaches & Activities in Door County

Cave Point County Park

5/5
Park

One of Door County’s signature natural attractions, with limestone cliffs, scenic overlooks, and leashed dog-friendly trails.

Leashed dogs are welcome.

5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Whitefish Dunes State Park

4.8/5
Park

Best known for its designated dog beach access and long sandy shoreline reached by a short hike from the parking area.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the pet beach access area via the Red Trail. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than eight feet.

3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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Peninsula State Park

4.1/5
Park

A must-visit Door County park with select dog-friendly trails, rocky shoreline access, and iconic views near Fish Creek.

Leashed dogs are allowed in select areas including White Cedar Nature Trail, Pine Picnic Area, and rocky shores. Dogs are prohibited on sandy beach areas and many other trails.

9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212-0218

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Captain Bailey's Dog Park

4.3/5
Dog Park

Baileys Harbor off-leash park with separate large and small dog areas and plenty of open space.

Open from dawn until dusk with separate areas for large and small dogs. Off-Leash

2567 Summit Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202

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Harbor Hounds Dog Park

4/5
Dog Park

Egg Harbor off-leash park with fenced play areas, shade trees, and a convenient location near downtown.

Fenced off-leash recreation area with separate spaces for small and large dogs. Off-Leash

7780 Church St, Egg Harbor, WI 54209

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Sister Bay Dog Park

4.5/5
Dog Park

Free fenced dog park near the Sister Bay Sports Complex with picnic tables and mutt mitts.

Open year-round from dawn until dusk and free to the public. Off-Leash

2124 Autumn Ct, Sister Bay, WI 54234

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Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market

5/5
Winery

Leashed dogs can join you while you stroll the orchard and winery grounds in Fish Creek.

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the farm and orchard grounds.

9197 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212

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Cave Point Paddle and Pedal

4.5/5
Activity

Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes near Cave Point and bring your dog along for a paddling adventure.

Dogs can join on the water; reservations are recommended and owners should bring a dog life jacket.

6329 WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

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A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Door County

This two-day plan mixes scenic walks, patio meals, and enough downtime for both humans and dogs.

Day 1: Fish Creek & Peninsula State Park

Morning

Check into your hotel, then head to Peninsula State Park for a leashed walk on the White Cedar Nature Trail or along the rocky shoreline areas where dogs are allowed.

Afternoon

Grab lunch on the dog-friendly patio at LOFT or Bayside Coffee in Fish Creek, then browse around town or stop at Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market.

Evening

Wind down with dinner at White Gull Inn or Barringer's Restaurant if patio seating is available, then return to your lodging for a quiet night.

Day 2: Sturgeon Bay, Cave Point & the Dog Beach

Morning

Start with coffee or brunch, then explore Cave Point County Park for cliffside views and a leashed walk.

Afternoon

Continue to Whitefish Dunes State Park and take the Red Trail to the designated dog beach area for a sandy shoreline break. If your pup still has energy, stop at Harbor Hounds Dog Park or Captain Bailey's Dog Park.

Evening

Finish with dinner on the patio at Waterfront Mary's Bar and Grill or Bluefront Cafe before heading back.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Sturgeon Bay

Within Door County

The southern gateway to Door County with pet-friendly hotels, patios, and easy access to Cave Point and Whitefish Dunes.

Green Bay

About 1.5 hours

A larger city option with more hotel inventory, riverfront walks, and urban dog-friendly amenities.

Appleton

About 2 hours

A convenient Fox Cities stop for travelers pairing Door County with a broader Wisconsin road trip.

Milwaukee

About 3.5 hours

A bigger-city add-on with lakefront parks, brewery patios, and more year-round dog-friendly options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Door County good for a trip with a dog?

Yes. Door County has multiple dog parks, many pet-friendly patios, several hotels that allow dogs, and scenic outdoor areas where leashed dogs are welcome.

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Door County?

Dogs are restricted on many sandy beach areas, but Whitefish Dunes State Park has a designated dog beach access area reached by the Red Trail. Dogs must remain leashed.

Can dogs go inside restaurants in Door County?

Generally no. Wisconsin rules do not allow pet dogs inside dining establishments, so most dog-friendly dining in Door County is limited to approved outdoor patio seating.

How many dog parks are in Door County?

Door County has four officially designated dog parks: Shiloh Road Bark Park in Sturgeon Bay, Captain Bailey's Dog Park in Baileys Harbor, Sister Bay Dog Park, and Harbor Hounds Dog Park in Egg Harbor.

What do hotels in Door County usually charge for dogs?

Many pet-friendly hotels in Door County charge around $10 to $20 per pet, per night, though some properties have deposits, room restrictions, or size limits.

What is the best area to stay in Door County with a dog?

Sturgeon Bay is a practical choice for budget-friendly pet-friendly hotels and easy driving access, while Fish Creek and Sister Bay are better if you want to be closer to popular parks, patios, and central peninsula attractions.

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