For Wisconsinites with dogs, traveling pup-less can seem incomplete. Our furry companions are part of the family, so what's a family vacation without them? Luckily, Wisconsin has many pet-friendly destinations. From lodging and restaurants to outdoor activities, we've dug up some trips that are fun for the whole family.
Apostle Islands
Stay in the historic 1872 Isaac Wing House in Bayfield. Located across from the Bayfield Harbor, the house has five suites and beautiful views of Lake Superior and Madeline Island and offers guests (dogs included) modern amenities. Venture down the road for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - a dog-friendly beach - and then catch the Madeline Island Ferry to an island full of more puppy adventures.
Door County
Get cozy at Country House Resort in Sister Bay, where pets are more than welcome and breathtaking views surround you. Take your pup along on a nautical adventure with The Shoreline Scenic Cruises, as captains show passengers Door County's most amazing view of cliffs, caves, lighthouses, shipwreck locations and waterfront estates. Treat yourself and your furry friend to a gift at Pet Expressions in Sturgeon Bay and finish your day enjoying a meal and live music at Gibraltar Grill, "the best patio bar and outdoor music venue in Door County."
Sparta
Stay at Grapevine Log Cabins where outdoor activities, no matter the season, are at your doorstep. Walk your pup around the grounds of the cabins and enjoy the beautiful flowers, or head 5 miles into Sparta, the Bicycle Capital of America. Also just over a mile away is the La Crosse River trail, while the Kickapoo, Black and La Crosse Rivers are easily accessible for canoeing and kayaking. Visit during Sparta's Butterfest in June or Warrens' Cranberry Fest in September.
Wisconsin Dells
Set up camp at Bakers Sunset Bay Resort next to Lake Delton and just 5 minutes from Wisconsin Dells attractions. It welcomes pets and has its own private beach as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Dog-friendly attractions in the Dells include Lost Canyon Horse Carriage Tours, which explore the longest and deepest land canyon in Wisconsin, the Dells Army Ducks and Boat Tours, and a hiking or beach adventure at Devil's Lake State Park.
Your furry friend is sure to love these four destinations where animals are more than welcome. What are some of your favorite places to take your pets? Let us know on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
Apostle Islands
Stay in the historic 1872 Isaac Wing House in Bayfield. Located across from the Bayfield Harbor, the house has five suites and beautiful views of Lake Superior and Madeline Island and offers guests (dogs included) modern amenities. Venture down the road for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - a dog-friendly beach - and then catch the Madeline Island Ferry to an island full of more puppy adventures.
Door County
Get cozy at Country House Resort in Sister Bay, where pets are more than welcome and breathtaking views surround you. Take your pup along on a nautical adventure with The Shoreline Scenic Cruises, as captains show passengers Door County's most amazing view of cliffs, caves, lighthouses, shipwreck locations and waterfront estates. Treat yourself and your furry friend to a gift at Pet Expressions in Sturgeon Bay and finish your day enjoying a meal and live music at Gibraltar Grill, "the best patio bar and outdoor music venue in Door County."
Sparta
Stay at Grapevine Log Cabins where outdoor activities, no matter the season, are at your doorstep. Walk your pup around the grounds of the cabins and enjoy the beautiful flowers, or head 5 miles into Sparta, the Bicycle Capital of America. Also just over a mile away is the La Crosse River trail, while the Kickapoo, Black and La Crosse Rivers are easily accessible for canoeing and kayaking. Visit during Sparta's Butterfest in June or Warrens' Cranberry Fest in September.
Wisconsin Dells
Set up camp at Bakers Sunset Bay Resort next to Lake Delton and just 5 minutes from Wisconsin Dells attractions. It welcomes pets and has its own private beach as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Dog-friendly attractions in the Dells include Lost Canyon Horse Carriage Tours, which explore the longest and deepest land canyon in Wisconsin, the Dells Army Ducks and Boat Tours, and a hiking or beach adventure at Devil's Lake State Park.
Your furry friend is sure to love these four destinations where animals are more than welcome. What are some of your favorite places to take your pets? Let us know on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.