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August 26, 2023 Hiking, North America, Wisconsin Post a Comment

Devil’s Lake State Park Guide

Devil’s Lake is one of the most popular and scenic Wisconsin state parks. The picturesque bluffs and rocks that line this lake make Devil’s Lake a great place for many activities. Whether you want to go for a picturesque hike, have a beach day or rock climb, Devil’s Lake has a lot to offer. Located in central southern Wisconsin, about 45 miles northwest from Madison, Devil’s Lake State Park is an easy day trip or overnight camping trip from not only Madison but Milwaukee, La Crosse and Wausau as well. After visiting this park many times, here is our guide to visiting Devil’s Lake State Park.

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Devils Lake State Park Guide: Hike Around the Lake

If visiting Devil’s Lake State Park, make sure to go for at least one hike. We recommend that if you’re only doing one hike, that you hike around the entire lake, connecting the East Bluff and West Bluff trails. This loop hike is approximately 5 miles long with 1000 feet of elevation gain (highlighted in yellow on map below).

We recommend parking at the south shore parking lot at Devil’s Lake and then hiking counterclockwise starting on the East Bluff Trail. The beginning of the East Bluff trail from the south shore is the most difficult/technically challenging area of the hike. There are many steep and exposed rock ‘steps’ in this section whereas other up/down sections of this hike are a bit less steep and without such big rock drop offs. It is best to do this part of the hike going up as well with fresh legs. On this section of the East Bluff trail you will also go past the interesting balanced rock formation. We have hiked this loop around Devil’s Lake many times in different directions and think this is the best route to hike it. It will likely take you 2-3 hours to hike depending on your pace and how many breaks you take.

Looking to hike Devil’s Lake State Park with your baby? See our How to Hike with a Baby guide.

Other Recommended Devil’s Lake State Park Hikes

East Bluff Woods Trail

1.3 miles one way, flat but about 500 feet of elevation gain involved to reach the trail

Hike in the woods parallel to the East Bluff Trail. You will not get any bluff views on this trail. However, you will have this wooded trail mainly to yourself as this trail is much less busy than East Bluff Trail. You can make a loop out of the East Bluff Trail and the East Bluff Wooded Trail, starting and ending at the south shore parking lot or the north shore parking lot. We like this trail because there are very few people on it and it’s very peaceful. If you are visiting on a busy weekend, this might be a nice escape from the people. Additionally, if you are staying for more than one day, this loop serves as a great way to break up the elevation by doing the East and West Bluff trails on separate days.

Tumbled Rocks Trail

1 mile one way, flat

Hike along the lakeshore where you parallel yet remain below the West Bluff Trail. This is an easy flat hike and is a great option for anyone who does not want to hike very much elevation. This trail is almost completely in the sun though, so try to do it very early or make sure that you have good sun protection. You can also hike this trail in a loop with the West Bluff Trail or combine it with hiking around the lake on the East Bluff Trail or East Bluff Woods Trail.

Devil’s Doorway

2 miles, loop, 500 feet of elevation gain

This hike will take you past the impressive Devil’s Doorway rock formation. You can easily add reaching this spot onto hiking the Devil’s Lake loop too (see map, just off the East Bluff Trail). This hike requires some scrambling though and we would NOT recommend hiking it if baby wearing (which of late has been the only way we are hiking) or if you are afraid of heights/a rock scramble. This is a unique spot but can get very crowded on weekends. Last time we hiked this (without kids), it was so crowded it felt unsafe with little room to move. Try to hike this trail on a weekday or early in the day if possible.

Grottos Trail

0.7 miles, one way, 100 feet of elevation gain

This trail takes you through the woods and along some pretty rock formations. This is a bonus hike if you are looking for an easy walk through the woods. The other trails are more unique and we would recommend those over this one any day.

Looking for great hiking boots? Here are links to the ones we’ve used for 8+ years and highly recommend: Men’s Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots & Women’s Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots

Visiting Devils Lake Guide: Devils Lake Beach

Devils Lake not only offers great hiking but also has several nice sandy beaches. You can spend some time at either the south shore beach or the north shore beach. The north shore beach is a bit busier and with a bit more infrastructure (larger concessions and more beach rentals). The south shore does not have as much infrastructure but is also a bit less busy. On the west side of the south shore beach, there is a beach area for dogs as well. Otherwise, dogs are not allowed in the main beach areas. Therefore, if you are bringing your dog, be sure to stick to the south shore on the west side where it is clearly marked that it is the pet beach. A boardwalk parallels this area as well, making it easy to differentiate from the rest of the beach.

We prefer the south shore beach over the north shore beach as we usually have our dog with us but both are very pretty and family friendly. If you are hiking around the whole lake, you will see both of these beaches. If you hike in the lake loop path in the direction we recommend, you will end up at the Devil’s Lake south shore beach, making it a natural relaxation spot after your hike. However, you can drive to either beach, making it easy to check out both.

Visiting Devil’s Lake State Park Guide: Go Camping

Pitch a tent or bring your camper to spend some more time at this park camping. There are plenty of camping spots. If you want to visit over particular dates, be sure to make your reservations early (can be made as early as 11 months in advance) to get the dates you want as this park is a very popular camping destination. Use this link to reserve a campsite.

Another option for overnight accommodations would be to stay in the Wisconsin Dells as that area is less than 30 minutes from the park and with many accommodations options.

Devil’s Lake State Park Guide: Go Rock Climbing

With all the pretty rock formations throughout Devils Lake State Park, there are plenty of places where you can go rock climbing. Natalie has gone rock climbing at Devil’s Lake with a friend who has a lot of experience rock climbing and all the gear. If you are new to rock climbing, or do not have any of the gear, you can hire someone to take you rock climbing. On our most recent trip, we saw several people rock climbing with guides they hired.

Here is a list of several outfitters/guides:

Devils Lake State Park Guide: Dog Friendly

As previously mentioned above, Devils Lake is dog friendly. There is a dog beach and dogs are allowed on the trails on a leash. They are also allowed at the campgrounds on a leash.

It is important to note though that some small dogs might not be able to climb up the rocks on parts of the trail very easily, particularly on the southside leading from the south shore parking lot up to the West Bluff Trail. Our 30 lb cavapoo is able to get up most of these rocks but some parts are a bit steep. We only had to carry him up one rock this last visit. If you have a smaller dog than that, you may have to carry them more. Be mindful of this, as it may be hard to keep your balance if you are carrying a dog. If this situation worries you, it might be best to leave your dog at home or avoid this trail.

Devils Lake State Park Guide: Bring Food

There is a concession stand at both the south and north entrance of the park but both have very limited options. We recommend you pack a picnic to enjoy at either the south or north shore beach where you have numerous picnic areas/tables to choose from. There are also some restaurants in the surrounding area but options are very limited as well.

Devils Lake State Park Guide: Use Wisconsin State Parks Pass

There is an entrance fee to every Wisconsin State Park ($8 per day). If you plan on visiting three or more state parks or one state park more than three times in the same calendar year, be sure to buy a Wisconsin State parks pass ahead of time. This pass is $28 (for WI resident, $35 non resident) and here is a link to buy the pass. We recommend buying this in advance. Depending on what time of day you arrive at any of the state parks, the entrance office may not be staffed and you will be left having to buy a day pass ($8, bring cash).

Looking to explore other Wisconsin State Parks? See our Dog Friendly Door County, Wisconsin Guide that details hiking in 3 different state parks in Door County. You may also enjoy reading our What to do Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for more information on Wisconsin travel.

We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Devils Lake. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!

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And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!

September 17, 2022 Hiking, National Parks, North America, Wisconsin Post a Comment

Dog Friendly Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Being avid travelers to the US National Park sites in addition to being loving dog owners, we were excited when we found out that unlike most US National Park System designations, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is actually rather dog friendly. Everything’s better with your dog, including vacation. Being able to bring your dog on vacation with you is vital to helping you unwind and relax while visiting a new place. We spent an extended weekend in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with our pup Gordie and were so happy to find so many dog friendly activities to do with him while there. Here is our guide on Dog Friendly Activities in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore area.

Looking for another dog friendly vacation? See our Dog Friendly Door County, Wisconsin Guide and our A Day at Starved Rock State Park guides.

FYI This post is written based on a trip taken in Mid-August.

Hike the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Trail with your Dog

Our top dog friendly recommendation for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is to hike the Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail. We loved hiking this trail with our pup! Unlike most trails at other National Lakeshores, such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you can hike here with your dog. Our dog loves a good hike so he was in heaven.

The Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail leads you to Lake Superior’s waterfront cliffs where you can see some of the Apostle Islands sea caves and Lake Superior from above. This trail goes through the woods and is mainly shaded (we love a shaded trail) until you reach the sea caves at 1.8 miles.

At 1.8 miles, you reach the Crevasse, an impressive 100-yard-long fracture in the rocks. We actually got to Kayak into this sea cave on our kayak tour of the lakeshore (see all the detailed about sea kayaking Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in our What to do Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Unfortunately, sea kayaking is not dog friendly, hence why it did not make it into this guide).

You can continue on the trail for more sea cave views until the 2.2 mile point but after that, the trail only leads to some remote campsite through the woods and there are no further views of the sea caves.

Not too hard of a hike for your or your pup

We did this hike with Natalie’s parents and our dog. It was a really nice hike as it was not overly strenuous and had some great views of the sea caves without kayaking. Natalie’s parents, who do not do much hiking at all, felt it to be very manageable for beginners. They also were not disappointed with the views. On the hike back from the sea caves, Natalie’s Dad was sure to tell each hiker we passed about the cool views. It was adorable.

Caution: Be careful as the edges along the trail may be undercut/slippery. You don’t want you or your pup to fall into the water from the trail. It’s not a short fall!

4.6 miles round trip, 269 feet of elevation gain, out & back

Cost: $5 fee to park (cannot use America the Beautiful Pass)

Hike Lost Creek Falls with your Dog

Our next top dog friendly activity for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore area is to hike Lost Creek Falls. Our pup loved, and we mean LOVED, hiking this trail. This trail brings you through a peaceful wooded setting to a more impressive than we expected waterfall and small pool area. Our dog LOVED running through the pools of water around the waterfall at the ‘summit’ of this hike. He was really living his best life zooming back and forth.

The trail is well-maintained with some boardwalks. We did this hike in the morning and had the waterfall/pool area all to ourselves. It was so pretty and serene!

2.2 Miles, 216 feet of elevation gain, out & back

Cost: Free to park

Tip: Bring good bug spray and tick wipes for your dog.

The bugs were actually not bad at all during our trip (we all got less than 3 mosquito bites on our 5 day trip) and found no ticks on our dog while there. However, this very wooded trail with water at the end is typically notorious for both. We think our bug spray and tick wipes helped prevent us having an issue here. These are the tick wipes we use with our dog. This is the non-chemical bug spray we use with our daughter. This is the deet bug spray we use on ourselves.

Take the Madeline Island Ferry with your Dog

Our third dog friendly activity recommendation for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore area is visiting Madeline Island/taking the ferry to Madeline Island. Again, our dog was living his best life on the ferry to the island and on the island itself. The pictures speak for themselves.

Fun Fact: Madeline Island is the largest and most developed of the 22 Apostle Islands. It is well known for its beaches and hiking trails/biking trails. It also has some eclectic shops and restaurants.

Dog Friendly Madeline Island Ferry

The journey to Madeline Island with your dog is half the fun. To access this island, you take the Madeline Island Ferry from Downtown Bayfield. This ferry ride offers scenic views of Lake Superior, Bayfield, Madeline Island and some other of the Apostle Islands in the distance. And you can soak in all these views with your pup as the ferry is dog friendly.

Cost: $17 per person round-trip, $30 per car round-tip. Dogs ride for free. The ferry is a bit pricey but again, part of the experience. See the Madeline Island Ferry Rates for the most up-to-date prices. If you are interested in more ferry ride experiences, see our, coming soon ***, Two-Week Fjords of Norway Road Trip.

Also, unless it is an extraordinarily busy weekend, you typically do not need to book this ferry in advance. Just arrive about 15-20 before the time you would like to depart and you should have no problem getting on the ferry you want. See the Madeline Island Ferry Schedule for the most up-to-date times.

Dog Friendly Madeline Island

On Madeline Island, explore the downtown area with your pup. A particularly good spot to visit is the Pub Restaurant & Wine Bar at the Inn on Madeline Island as they will serve dog treats while you dine on the patio. You also can go hiking on some of the trails in the area. However, note that, unfortunately, not all the trails in the parks on Madeline Island are dog friendly. The casper trail (1.2 miles one-way) near downtown is dog friendly though so be sure to check that one out! See the map below for all the Madeline Island trails.

Explore Cornucopia with your Pup

Our next dog friendly Apostle Islands area recommendation is visiting the small artsy and eclectic town of Cornucopia. Cornucopia is located not far from Meyers Beach and the sea caves hike. There are several small boutique and resale shops in this town as well as a few restaurants on the main street, many being dog friendly. The harbor area is very picturesque here too.

For a dog friendly dining experience in Cornucopia, try eating at the Fat Radish Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its tasty farm-to-table dishes and is of course dog friendly. Note: this restaurant has limited evening hours (Wed-Sun) and brunch hours (Sun only).

We actually visited Cornucopia during Cornucopia days (mid August) and there was also a flea market and fundraiser food sale going on. Our pup was welcome here too.

Explore Downtown Bayfield with your Dog

Bayfield is a charming small-town on the largest Great Lake. This town is very walkable with many cute small shops and restaurants, many that are also dog friendly. Bayfield reminded us of the shops and restaurants in the small towns in Door County. Plan to spend a morning or an afternoon here. Here is a list of dog friendly spots to eat and shop in Bayfield:

Big Water Coffee Roasters
Big Water’s Bakery (get ther Rhubarb Ginger Scone!)
Greunke’s First Street Inn & Dining
Portside Bar & Restaurant
Pier Plaza Restaurant & Lounge

Where to Stay near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with your Dog

We highly recommend staying at Mission Springs Resort while visiting the Apostle Islands area with your dog. We stayed here and had a great extended weekend with our pup and family. This resort, located right on Lake Superior, offers you superb lake views while also offering plenty of outdoor areas for your pup to explore. We loved walking down to the lake in the morning with our pup at our side and a hot beverage in our hands. Mission Springs Resort truly offers you a serene place to unwind and have a great time with your family, including your dog, around the campfire. For more details on staying here, see our Where to Stay Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore post.

Call or text Katie at 715-209-8321 for availability or visit the Mission Springs Resort website for the best price and most up to date availability. Katie is a great resource while visiting the area and during your stay as well. She is a fantastic host, allowing you your space yet is available for any questions!

If Mission Springs Resort is fully booked, some other places to stay with your dog in Apostles Islands include the Inn on Madeline Island and this Bayfield Condo. There are also campsites on the mainland/islands that allow dogs.

Looking for another dog friendly vacation? See our Dog Friendly Door County, Wisconsin Guide and our A Day at Starved Rock State Park guides.

We hope this guide helps you plan your dog friendly trip to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!

And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!

September 17, 2022 National Parks, North America, Wisconsin Post a Comment

What to do Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

With stunning sea caves, dramatic sandstone cliffs and pristine beaches, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is truly a northern Wisconsin gem. Centuries of freezing, thawing and wave activity has sculpted a very unique shoreline here, making the scenery at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore unforgettable. In addition to beautiful shoreline views (visible through hiking and sea kayaking), there are also several cute small towns to explore and inland hikes to take in the area. After planning a trip to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for several years, we are excited to share our ‘What to Do in Apostle Islands’ guide with you so can start planning a trip to the area of your own.

FYI: This post is written based on a trip taken in mid-August.

Go Sea Kayaking along Apostles Islands National Lakeshore

Our top recommendation on what to do on Apostles Islands National Lakeshore is to go sea kayaking. We have been dreaming of kayaking these sea caves for years and the experience really lived up to our expectations. Pictures really do not do these picturesque sea caves justice. Seeing the sea caves up-close and on the water is breathtaking. Further, sea kayaking allows you to not only see these sea caves but to actually go in them! We had so much fun kayaking into sea caves of all different sizes. We really got a kick out of ducking down to get into some of the smaller sea caves. These tight caves stand in sharp contrast to the expansive nature of some of the bigger sea caves.

Tip: Go Sea Kayaking from Meyers Beach

There are several options on where you can start your sea kayaking tour. Despite the options, we highly recommend picking a tour that leaves from Meyers Beach. Logistically, this is the easiest trip to coordinate, as you do not have to take a ferry, and per the park ranger we spoke with, the prettiest sea caves of different tours offered. You can also take sea caves tours from Sand Island and Madeline Island.

Book a Sea Kayaking Tour with Lost Creek Adventures

Although you could kayak from Meyers Beach without a guide, we highly recommend using one. The outfitters can ensure the water conditions are safe, guide you through the stable sea caves (some are not stable and are at risk of collapse) and supply you with the right gear (sea kayak, wet suit (we needed even with air temps in the low 60s) and wet bag).

Here is a list of the certified Sea Kayaking Outfitters on Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. We took a half day tour with Lost Creek Adventures Kayaking and would highly recommend using this company. Our guides (shout out to Nat and Otis) were great and the group we went kayaking with was small (4 other double kayaks), making the outing more intimate and customized. We got to explore so many sea caves on this half day trip and were able to go further on the shoreline than most groups due to having a group of relatively strong kayakers. Our guides were also kind enough to snap and share some pictures of us kayaking from their phones too. This half-day trip cost $83 per person and was worth every penny.

Tip: Go as early in the morning as possible for calmer waters

Per our research and the Apostle Island National Lakeshore park ranger we spoke with, the water at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is usually much more calm early in the morning. Therefore, kayaking as early as possible in the morning will make your trip more enjoyable and less likely to be canceled.

Caution: Use a sea kayak while kayaking Apostles Island National Lakeshore

Due to the unpredictable and powerful nature of Lake Superior, use a sea kayak rather than a smaller kayak when kayaking here. People have drowned kayaking the Apostle Islands so be sure to use the proper equipment to keep yourself safe. Also, as recommended above, go kayaking with a guide so they can ensure the water conditions are safe for your trip. They monitor the waters and will reschedule your trip if it is not safe to go. The outfitter will also advise you when a wetsuit is needed for your trip (often needed due to cold Lake Superior temps). Our use of wet suits was included in our rental price at Lost Creek. Most of the outfitters include wetsuit in their base rental costs but be sure to check with the outfitter you use.

Hike from Meyers Beach above the Sea Caves

What to do Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Our next recommendation on what to do while visiting Apostle Islands is to hike from Meyers Beach above the sea caves. We loved hiking this trail! It takes you to a spot where you can see some of the Apostle Islands Sea Caves and Lake Superior from above for about 0.5 miles. This trail goes through the woods and is mainly shaded (we love a shaded trail) until you reach the sea caves at 1.8 miles. At 1.8 miles, you reach the Crevasse, an impressive 100-yard-long fracture in the rocks. We actually got to kayak into this sea cave on our kayak tour (see above). You can continue on the trail until the 2.2 mile point for more sea cave views. However, after that, the trail only leads to some remote campsite through the woods and there are no further views of the sea caves.

4.6 miles round trip, 269 feet of elevation gain, out & back

Cost: $5 fee to park (cannot use America the Beautiful Pass)

Note: You can bring your dog hiking at Meyers Beach!

Unlike most trails at other National Lakeshores, such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you can hike here with your dog. Our pup loved exploring this trail! See our Dog Friendly Apostle Islands Guide for more Dog Friendly recommendations in the area.

Looking for another dog friendly vacation? See our Dog Friendly Door County, Wisconsin Guide and our A Day at Starved Rock State Park guides.

We did this hike with Natalie’s parents and our dog. It was a nice hike, not overly strenuous and had some great views of the sea caves without kayaking. Natalie’s parents, who do not do much hiking, felt it to be very manageable for beginners. They also were not disappointed with the views. On the hike back from the sea caves, Natalie’s Dad was sure to tell each hiker we passed about the cool views. It was adorable.

Caution: Be careful as the edges along the trail may be undercut/slippery. You don’t want to fall into the water from the trail. It’s not a short fall!

Hike Lost Creek Falls in Apostle Islands

Lost Creek Falls Apostle Islands What to Do

Our third top recommendation on what to do in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is to hike Lost Creek Falls. This trail brings you through a peaceful wooded setting to a, more impressive than we expected, waterfall and small pool area. The trail is well-maintained with some boardwalks. We did this hike in the morning and had the waterfall/pool area all to ourselves. It was so pretty and serene!

2.2 Miles, 216 feet of elevation gain, out & back

Cost: Free to park

Note: Dogs are allowed to hike here too!

Our dog LOVED running through the pools of water around the waterfall at the ‘summit’ of this hike. He was really living his best life zooming back and forth. See our Dog Friendly Apostle Islands Guide for further dog friendly activities in the area.

Tip: Bring good bug spray.

The bugs were actually not bad at all during our trip (we all got less than 3 bites on our 5 day trip) but most other people we know who have been here recommended good bug spray for this very wooded trail. This is the non-chemical bug spray we use with our daughter. This is the deet bug spray we use on ourselves.

Visit Madeline Island in Apostle Islands

Our next what to do in Apostle Islands recommendation is to visit Madeline Island. Madeline Island is the largest and most developed of the 22 Apostle Islands. It is well known for its beaches and hiking trails/biking trails. It also has some eclectic shops and restaurants.

Fun fact: Although Madeline Island is one of the 22 Apostle Islands, it is the only one not part of the National Lakeshore.

Madeline Island Ferry

The journey to Madeline Island itself is half the fun. To access this island, you take the Madeline Island Ferry from Downtown Bayfield. This ferry ride offers scenic views of Lake Superior, Bayfield, Madeline Island and some of the other Apostle Islands in the distance. You can soak in all these views with your pup as the ferry is dog friendly.

Also, unless it is an extraordinarily busy weekend, you typically do not need to book this ferry in advance. Just arrive about 15-20 minutes before the time you would like to depart and you should have no problem getting on the ferry you want. See the Madeline Island Ferry Schedule for the most up-to-date times.

Tip: Get ice cream in La Pointe on Madeline Island before heading back to Bayfield to enjoy on the ferry ride back

Visit Town Park and Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island

While on Madeline Island, be sure to visit the parks here–Town Park and Big Bay State Park. Town Park and Big Bay State Park both offer some nice trails to explore the beaches and woods on Madeline Island. The boardwalk between Town Park and Big Bay State Park was our favorite trail here. The trail is about 2 miles long. It is mostly shaded, the breeze from the lake is perfect and the boardwalks are very well-maintained. You can also hike around the lake here. See map below from this trail as well as others on the island.

Visit La Pointe, Downtown, Madeline Island

The downtown area here is eclectic and artsy with some cute shops, galleries and restaurants. Note, hours are very limited and variable at the shops here. If you are looking for a dog-friendly spot, visit the Inn on Madeline Island (stay overnight with your pup or eat at the Pub Restaurant on the patio).

Explore Cornucopia in Apostle Islands

Cornucopia is another artsy and eclectic small town located near Meyers Beach/Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. There are several small boutique and resale shops here as well as a few restaurants on the main street. The harbor area is very picturesque along Lake Superior.

For a more high-end meal in a casual environment, try eating at the Fat Radish Restaurant in Cornucopia. This restaurant is known for its tasty farm-to-table dishes. Note that this restaurant has limited evening hours (Wed-Sun) and brunch hours (Sun only).

We actually visited during Cornucopia days (mid-August) so there was also a flea market and fundraiser food sale going on at the time. We felt like a local exploring this town celebration.

Apostle Islands Cruise

If you want to see the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore beyond Madeline Island and without kayaking, taking an island cruise is the best way to do it. The National Park Service offers narrated scenic cruises and shuttles to different islands. In addition to the cruises offered by the National Park Service, you can also take a private water taxi or boat.

Apostle Island Cruises & Charters

Visit an Orchard & Apple or Berry Pick

While we were in the Bayfield area, blueberries were in season for picking and we went to Blue Vista Farms. We picked the most delicious blueberries we have ever tasted here. The price was reasonable and the little farm store on site was adorable too (if you are looking for some prepared local products). Be sure to check the farm website for hours prior to visiting though as they are limited.

There are tons of farms in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Bayfield area. Many of them are located close to each other. Each has unique offerings and different hours to help fit your schedule/interests. Some other options include:

Explore Bayfield

Bayfield is a charming small-town on the largest Great Lake. This town is very walkable with many cute small shops and restaurants. It reminded us of the shops and restaurants in the small towns in Door County. Plan to spend a morning or an afternoon here. Be sure to get a rhubarb scone at Big Water’s Bakery!

Visit Friendly Valley Beach

This beach located South of Bayfield is a little hidden gem that our accommodations host told us about. If you are looking to spend some time at the beach but do not want to spend the money it costs to go to Madeline Island, this is the way to do it! You can walk along the beach and out onto some sand bars that go into the lake. Parking here is free.

Friendly Valley Beach Location

Visit Delta Diner

This restaurant is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Delta Diner is a throwback to 1940’s east coast diners and looks like something straight out of the 1940s. Although we did not get to try this place during our visit due to limited Thu-Sun hours (see website), we hope you get a chance to get a meal here during your visit.

This restaurant is another activity our accommodations host told us about! Katie at Mission Springs Resort is really a great resource for activities and any questions you may have about your visit to the area.

Where to Stay Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

We highly recommend staying at Mission Springs Resort in Ashland, about 20 minutes south of Bayfield and 30 minutes southeast of Meyers Beach. This resort is close enough to all of the activities in the area yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle. It is truly the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. This resort has been family owned and operated for over 75 years. It is family friendly and all the accommodations are dog friendly. And with charming cottages and a large modern lake house, there is something to fit everyone’s accommodations needs. Located right along the Lake Superior shoreline, you’ll be hard pressed to find another spot with better views to drink your morning coffee. For more on staying at this place, please see our Where to Stay Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore post.

FAQs about Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

When to Visit Apostles Islands?

Visit in the summer, ideally June-early September. Outside of that window, sea kayaking outings are limited/not offered due to the unpredictable and cooler weather. You can also visit the sea caves in winter by walking on the ice (when it is safe) but you will not be able to go sea kayaking and will likely have limited hiking options due to ice/snow as well.

Where to Stay near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?

We recommend staying at Mission Springs Resort. For more on staying at this place, please see our Where to Stay Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore post for more details.

Is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Dog Friendly?

Yes! Unlike Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and many of the other National Parks, you can hike here in many spots with your dog. See our Dog Friendly Apostle Islands Guide post for more information.

Looking for another dog friendly vacation? See our Dog Friendly Door County, Wisconsin Guide and our A Day at Starved Rock State Park guides.

We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!

And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!

January 24, 2021 Wisconsin 5 Comments

Dog Friendly Door County, Wisconsin

Peninsula State Park, Dog Friendly Door County

Door County is one of the most dog-friendly getaways in the Midwest. This northern Wisconsin escape, located along the shores of Lake Michigan, is well known for its scenic views, cute small shops and unique restaurants. With a large number of dog-accommodating hotels, restaurants and parks, it’s really the perfect place to escape with your four-legged best friend for the weekend. Located less than 4 hours from Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago, you don’t have to travel too far with your dog to get there either. Are you wondering where to stay in Door County with your Dog? What to do with your dog in Door County? Or where to dine with your dog in Door County? We’ve got you covered. Use our guide below to plan your own perfect dog-friendly Door County trip.

FYI: This post was written based on several trips taken anywhere from late May through late August

Looking for another midwest adventure? Check our our guides on Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and our Pictured Rocks/Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well.

Dog Friendly Door County Activities

Hike at Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park, Dog Friendly, Door County Wisconsin

Peninsula State Park is our favorite state park that we have visited in Wisconsin. The mix of bluffs, shoreline and hiking/biking trails makes it the perfect place to spend the day with your dog.

Our favorite hiking trail here is the Eagle Trail (2.0 loop) with its beautiful shoreline and impressive bluff views. However, be mindful that this trail has many uneven rocks. It is somewhat technically challenging and steep in many spots but very pretty. The picture at the beginning of this post is from the Eagle Trail.

Our second favorite hike, that we do almost every visit to Door County, is a combination of the Nicolet Bay Trail, the Skyline Trail and the Hemlock Trail. This loop is about 5.0 miles in total by starting and ending at the amphitheater parking lot. See this Peninsula State Park Map to map it out. When we do this hike early in the morning, around 7am, we typically do not see anyone else. We love the seclusion of this trail through the woods of Peninsula State Park. And our pup loves it too!

Tip: Peninsula State Park is the most popular park in Door County and can get very busy at times. We recommend visiting in the early morning or later afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you want to camp here, make your reservations 6+ months in advance.

Peninsula State Park

Looking for great hiking boots? Here are links to the ones we’ve used for 7+ years and highly recommend: Men’s Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots & Women’s Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots

Dog Friendly Beach/Hike at Whitefish Dunes State Park

This park provides contrast to Peninsula State Park with its impressive sand dunes. For dogs that love sand, this Wisconsin State Park is heaven. They have a dog friendly beach here where your dog can run around and swim in the clear northern Lake Michigan water. Our dog truly lives his best life here.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Bonus: Visit Cave Point County Park. From Whitefish Dunes State Park, you can hike or drive to the very close, picturesque Cave Point County Park.

Hike Potawatomi State Park

Potawatomi State Park is located on the southern side of Door County on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. This park feels like a hidden gem in comparison to Peninsula State Park as it has the beauty without the crowds. Our favorite trail here is the Tower Trail as it offers a good amount of variety with shoreline, limestone cliff and forest views.

Potawatomi State Park

Hike at Newport State Park

Newport State Park Dog Friendly Beach Door County

This park is located on the northern tip of Door County. It is the most rugged park of all the Door County State Parks. The trails here are peaceful and feel untouched. The dog beach was our pup’s favorite spot at this park.

Tip: Beware of the mosquitoes here! They were viscous during our late June visit.

Newport State Park

Skyway Drive-in Movie Theater

A drive-in movie is a fun and nostalgic experience for the whole family, including your dog. The theater typically plays two featured films, back to back, for one price.

Skyway Drive-In

Watch Sunset in Ephraim, Fish Creek or Sister Bay

The sunsets in Door County are breathtaking over Lake Michigan. Make sure to take in the views from the bayside of the Door County Peninsula. Our picture above is from a sunset in Ephraim.

Dog Friendly Door County Restaurants

Harbor Fish Market & Grille

This place takes dog friendly to the next level–they have their own dog menu! We loved our brunch here and our dog did too. We have also gone to a lobster boil here which was a bit pricey but certainly a fun and unique experience.

Harbor Fish Market & Grille

Wild Tomato Pizza

This place is home to some of our favorite pizza. We make sure to get it every time we are in Door County and have eaten at both locations (Fish Creek and Sister Bay). The Veggie Pizza and Cherry Walnut Salad are our favorite menu items.

Wild Tomato Pizza

Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard

You can get a free puppy cone here for your dog with any purchase. There are tons of unique custard Sundae options making this a fun experience not only your pup but you as well.

Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard

Waterfront Mary’s Bar & Grill

This is located very close to Potawatomi State Park and is located right on the shores of Sturgeon Bay. The food is simple bar food but the atmosphere is really why you go here. We enjoyed eating lunch outside on the water after hiking at Potawatomi State Park.

Waterfront Mary’s Bar & Grill

Dog Friendly Door County Accommodations

Country House Resort in Sister Bay

This resort is located on a private shoreline in Sister Bay. Here, your pup will be greeted with a dog welcome basket. There are also plenty of amenities here for your use as well . With your stay, complimentary use of kayaks, rowboats and bikes is included. There is also a nice nature trail located on the property of this private resort. We have never stayed here but Natalie’s parents have and loved it.

Tip: Book this resort as far in advance as possible. Since this resort offers more of an experience with all of its amenities, this accommodation books much further out than our other recommendations. We have never stayed here because we never plan our trips to Door County far enough in advance.

Country House Resort

Beachfront Inn in Baileys Harbor

This motel is located right on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. This location is within walking distance of the Harbor Fish Market & Grille as well as several other restaurants in downtown Bailey’s Harbor. We have not had the chance to stay here yer but we have had several friends and their pups enjoy stays here.

Beachfront Inn

O’Malley’s Inn in Ephraim

We have stayed at this simple motel-style inn several times. The location of this inn is perfect, right off of Hwy 42 and less than 5 minutes from the north entrance to Peninsula State Park. The rooms here have very pretty views overlooking a wooded area. These woods behind the inn also have about 2.0 miles worth of hiking trails which we enjoyed walking with our pup.

O’Malley’s Inn

Update: Since our last stay here, O’Malley’s has changed ownership and is now called Chatham Hills. You no longer can individually rent rooms here but instead rent out the ENTIRE place (13 bedrooms, sleeps 30) and it would be a great spot for a large family gathering or reunion. The place is more pet friendly than ever too with the property supplying crates, dog beds, bowls, leashes and more. However, this is now only a reasonably priced option if you have a very large group and are splitting the cost.

Run Away Lodge at Valmy

This motel is simple but a great place to stay if you are passing through. It has a full efficiency kitchen (with an oven/stovetop and full size fridge). There is also a firepit and all sorts of yard games you can use in the backyard area. We found this to be the perfect place to cook a meal and have a low key evening filled with yard games and a fire.

Run Away Lodge at Valmy

Use the Door County Website to find other dog friendly accommodations!

Looking for another midwest adventure? Check our our guides on Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and our Pictured Rocks/Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well.

We hope this guide helps you plan your Dog-Friendly Trip to Door County. Anything you’d add to our guide? We’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Please leave us a comment!

And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!