Visiting Greater Lansing with Your Dog: Where to Stay, Play, Eat & Explore

Bringing your dog along for the adventure? Greater Lansing makes it easy to travel with your four-legged friend. You'll find plenty of things to do with dogs, including pet-friendly hotels, miles of trails, dog-friendly patios, and attractions where your pup can join in the fun.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, visiting Michigan State University, or passing through Michigan's capital city, there are plenty of places for your pup to run, explore, and enjoy the trip right alongside you.

Where to Stay

Finding a pet-friendly place to stay is the first step to a successful getaway. Luckily, Greater Lansing offers several lodging options that make traveling with your dog easy.

If you're looking to stay close to nature, Candlewood Suites is located near Fenner Nature Center, where you'll find miles of natural and paved trails winding through forests and wetlands, plus plenty of new sights and smells for your pup to enjoy.

Sleepy Hollow State Park offers pet-friendly mini cabins surrounded by outdoor recreation. Dogs, cats and horses are welcome for an additional fee, making it a great option for travelers looking to spend a few days exploring Michigan's natural beauty. During the summer months, dogs can also cool off at the park's designated dog beach, making it one of the few places in the region where your pup can splash, swim, and play in the water.

Visiting Michigan State University? Graduate East Lansing and SpringHill Suites by Marriott are both located across from campus, making it easy to explore one of the most walkable areas in the region. Nearby, Hyatt House offers easy access to walking paths that connect to Michigan State University and the Lansing River Trail system.

If you prefer neighborhood strolls, Quality Suites and Residence Inn offer convenient access to sidewalks and residential areas right outside the hotel.

Where Can We Burn Off Some Energy?

After all that traveling your dog will be ready to stretch their legs. Greater Lansing has plenty of parks, trails, and open spaces where they can run, sniff, and explore.

Free Places to Explore

Looking for off-leash fun? Northern Tail Dog Park in East Lansing features separate areas for large and small dogs, shade trees, and plenty of room to run.

One of the area's most popular outdoor attractions is the Lansing River Trail, a scenic pathway that winds through parks, neighborhoods, downtown Lansing, and beyond. It's an easy way to experience the city while getting some exercise together.

For a more natural setting, head to Lake Lansing Park North, where more than 400 acres of woods and trails provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. Or try one of Greater Lansing's nature centers. Fenner Nature Center features miles of natural and paved trails through forests, wetlands, and prairie landscapes. Harris Nature Center offers scenic wooded and paved trails along the Red Cedar River, while Woldumar Nature Center includes more than five miles of trails winding through forests, meadows, and riverfront habitats.

Membership Dog Parks

Dogs with lots of energy will love Soldan Dog Park, a 15-acre off-leash park complete with wooded trails, open fields, and a pond for adventurous pups. Access requires a key-fob membership.

Meridian Township also offers two membership-based dog parks. Nancy Moore Park welcomes dogs under 30 pounds, while Central Park South is designed for larger dogs.

Where Can We Eat Together?

Exploring works up an appetite, and several Greater Lansing restaurants and patios welcome canine companions.

EagleMonk Pub & Brewery offers not only a cold glass of beer but also a fenced-in grassy patio, plenty of seating, and lawn games. For those who prefer wine, try Graham Vineyard & Winery with its spacious fenced-in, grassy outdoor area, where visitors can enjoy local wine and lawn games.

Located along the Lansing River Trail, Lansing Shuffle is a great stop during a day of exploring. Its large outdoor patio sits near Rotary Park and the Grand River, making it easy to continue your adventure after a meal.

For dessert, visit Capital City Sweets. On Sundays, your pup can enjoy a free pup cup while you relax on the patio.

What Can We Do Together?

During the summer, the Lansing Lugnuts host Dog-Friendly Wednesdays at Jackson Field. Bring your pup to the ballpark, cheer on the home team, and don't forget to stop by guest services for a complimentary dog treat.

Looking for outdoor adventure? River Town Adventures welcomes dogs for kayaking and canoeing. It's a unique way to experience the Grand River while spending time together on the water.

One of the most scenic places to explore is Michigan State University. The sprawling campus is one of the greenest in the nation and offers miles of pathways, beautiful gardens, and iconic photo opportunities. Snap a picture in front of Beaumont Tower, the Sparty Statue, or Library Bridge with Spartan Stadium in the background. Before wandering around campus, be sure to check where dogs are permitted, as some gardens and buildings are off limits to pets. Be sure to stop by the MSU Dairy Store for natural dog treats and a scoop of ice cream for yourself.

If you're visiting during the summer or fall, Uncle John's Cider Mill is worth the short drive. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor areas, where you can stroll through sunflower fields, pumpkin patches, and scenic orchard grounds, depending on the season.

Forgot something?

Forgot your dog's favorite toy, need an extra leash, or ran out of treats? Preuss Pets has you covered. Dogs are welcome inside, making it a fun stop for both pets and their owners. From food and toys to flea and tick prevention, collars, tie-outs, and travel essentials, you'll find just about everything your pup might need during your stay in Greater Lansing.

Any Events We Can Go To?

Greater Lansing is full of events that welcome your four-legged friend (on a leash, of course). Enjoy outdoor festivals, parades, and pup-friendly holiday activities throughout the year. Just be sure to check individual event guidelines and pet policies before you go. Look out for themed walks at Harris Nature Center that invite you and your leashed dog out for a stroll, or Howloween at Preuss Pets for dog-friendly trick-or-treating.

Many of Greater Lansing's outdoor farmers markets are also great places to explore with your dog. Stroll through vendor booths, pick up local produce and treats, and enjoy a morning outdoors together. Be sure to check individual market rules before visiting, as pet policies may vary.

Visit our Farmers Markets page and Events Calendar for the latest pet-friendly events and happenings in Greater Lansing.

Watch and Discover Why Pets Love Lansing, Michigan

Photography: Choose Lansing ® (header image at Lansing Lugnuts) and our #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts.