Do you long for beach days without the crowds? Have a dog who is reactive and wants quiet? Wish you had more places to go with your dog between winter and summer? Look no further than Harbor Country, Michigan. 

One of the least traveled times of year is the shoulder season, especially in beach towns like New Buffalo. The shoulder season can actually be one of the best times of year to travel to these destinations as they have the added benefits of less crowds, more quiet, and more affordable pet-friendly vacation rentals in New Buffalo MI. This is particularly true if you have dogs that prefer less crowds and less dogs around. Thankfully, Harbor Country offers a ton of dog-friendly activities year round with here are some dog-friendly things to do in New Buffalo MI and the surrounding area.

Dog-Friendly Hiking in Harbor Country Michigan

Although the shoulder season means a mixture of weather conditions, as most dog-owners know our dogs cannot go without their walks. These are some of the best local trails that are enjoyable and fairly easy to manage whether the weather is cooperating or not.

White Ditch Greenway Trail (Dog-Friendly Walk in Michiana)

A trail within the Michiana neighborhood that follows the White Ditch creek and runs until Leeds Park in Indiana. It is a beautiful place to walk within the neighborhood that allows you to get off the streets and enjoy some peaceful scenery along the creek. It is a straight in and out path so you will need to create your own loop throughout the neighborhood. Dogs are allowed on leash on this trail and you should be considerate of the nearby property owners by keeping noise to a minimum. The trail also offers multiple poop cans to dispose of your dog's poop throughout the trail and they even have poop bags in case you forget your own or run out.  

Warren Woods State Park

This is a 331-acre nature preserve spanning from West Warren Woods Road to the entrance of the park off of Elm Valley Road. During the off-season, you need to park along the West Warren Road and enter the trail from there, as the park entrance is closed seasonally. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way, but the trail offers a loop which will allow you to turn back around to where your car is parked. There is also a bridge that crosses over the water on the trail with multiple stairs to continue the trail (this can be particularly tricky with snow and ice, so note ice spikes may be needed). You can also find benches along the trail to give yourself a break to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Dogs are allowed, must be leashed in the park and must be picked up after. However, note you will need to pack out any poop or trash as there are no trash cans in the off season.  

Turtle Creek Preserve

The preserve offers multiple loops of trails which allow you to choose your own adventure with how long or short you want to make your hike. The trail is located right next to a New Buffalo school and you may park in the parking lot at the school to use the trail, just please be courteous of the school. Dogs are allowed on trail, must be leashed, and must be picked up after. However, note you will need to pack out any poop or trash as there are no trash cans.  

Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Harbor Country

Although shoulder season can be restricted based on the weather, there are plenty of activities to do no matter the weather.

Playing on the shores of Lake Michigan

Playing on the shores of Lake Michigan: The lovely shores of Lake Michigan are a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors with your dogs, including at sunset. In Harbor Country there are a few places that allow dogs. This first is Warren Dunes State Park which has 2.5 miles of shoreline that allow your dogs on leash. Additionally, the Michiana neighborhood has their own beach access, however make sure you follow the rules for what times of day dogs are allowed. Please note that for all beaches unless noted otherwise your dogs must be on leash and you must clean up after them and pack it out.

Shopping at Good Catch Pet Boutique Michigan

An amazing small business in the downtown of Three Oaks, Michigan. Good Catch Pet Boutique is a small shop that is dog friendly and allows you to find some amazing treats, toys, foods, and essentials for dogs. The owner Zoe is amazing, she will love on your pups, give them some amazing treats, and will give you recommendations if you want. It is a fun spot to grab some goodies for your dogs to enjoy their vacation with you. 

Walking Dog-Friendly Downtowns (New Buffalo & Beyond)

There are so many amazing little downtowns in the area to walk around and explore. Depending on the weather you will find bowls of dog water on the sidewalks of many of the local stores. If your dog likes to be loved on there will be many passerbys or locals who will love on them and give them attention. Although during the shoulder season there are less patios to enjoy due to the weather, once it warms up there are tons of places to be with your dogs including benches along the sidewalks. We particularly loved downtown New Buffalo as it was beautiful and had some fun amazing food and shops.

Dog-Friendly Cafés in New Buffalo: David’s Delicatessen

Located in the downtown of New Buffalo, David’s has some amazing breakfast, lunch, and drink options for the humans to enjoy. However, one of the added benefits is they will make pup cups for your dogs and your dogs will make their day with their smiles. They also have outdoor seating when it is nicer out where dogs can sit with you.