Top 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wisconsin (2026 Guide)
Wisconsin has many dog-friendly beaches for you and your pup to explore. Several of the beaches on our list are in state parks, so the fun doesn’t have to end after you dry off! Stay for hiking, fishing, camping, or a picnic. We’ve also scouted out some of the top pet-friendly urban beaches.
Here are eight Wisconsin beaches to consider the next time you and your dog want to go for a waterfront walk.
The 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wisconsin
1. Brunet Island State Park
| ️ Address: | 23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. all year |
| Cost: | Free, but you’ll need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
| Off-Leash: | Only in designated pet swim areas |
- On-site canoe and kayak rentals
- Wheelchair-accessible campsite and fishing pier
- Abundance of quiet fishing spots at the confluence of the Chippewa and Fisher rivers
- 50-minute drive from Eau Claire
- Numerous riverside hiking trails
2. Warner Park
| ️ Address: | 2930 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704 |
| Open Times: | 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. all year |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas |
- Quiet park tucked away in a residential area
- Off-leash, fenced dog park
- Beach and boat launch on Lake Mendota
- Over 200 acres of trails and open areas to explore
- Picnic shelters
3. Governor Dodge State Park
| ️ Address: | 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. all year |
| Cost: | Free, but you’ll need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
| Off-Leash: | Only to go swimming |
- Two lakes with two different beaches to hang out on
- Dogs are only permitted in designated swim and picnic areas
- 5,000 acres of park to explore with your dog
- Grills are available so you can have a picnic during the day
4. Newport State Park Beach
| ️ Address: | 407-381 Newport Park Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. all year |
| Cost: | Free, but you’ll need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
| Off-Leash: | Contact the State Park directly, as pet regulations are currently being updated |
- A quiet oasis in busy northern Door County
- Over 10 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline for your dog to explore
- Some of the best stargazing in the Upper Midwest; one of only 18 Dark Sky Parks in the country
- Be mindful of strong wind conditions on the beach
- Stay for a picnic, hiking, or fishing
5. Whitefish Dunes State Park
| ️ Address: | 3275 Clarks Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free, but you’ll need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Access to the pet area is a 0.75 walk from the parking lot
- The Nature Center has a bookstore and archaeological site
- The site of one of Wisconsin’s few sand dunes
- Trails open for skiing in the winter
- Watch for rip currents
6. Point Beach State Forest
| ️ Address: | 9400 County Highway O, Two Rivers, WI 54241 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free, but you’ll need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Several hiking trails along the beach
- Camping cabins and tent sites
- On-site concessions available at the northern end of the beach
- Rawley Point Lighthouse is a popular attraction
- Expect strong winds
7. North Beach
| ️ Address: | 100 Kewaunee St, Racine, WI 53403 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Has a reputation for being clean, family-friendly, and relaxed
- Approximately 1 mile of sandy beach
- Unobstructed views of Lake Michigan
- Quiet urban beach; no on-site concessions
- Popular spot for nature photographers
8. Kohler-Andrae State Park
| ️ Address: | 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, WI 53081 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free, but you’ll need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Surrounded by sand dunes and wetlands
- Beach extends 1.5 miles along Lake Michigan
- Accessible camping cabin for rent
- Tent camping all year
- Fishing pond off Old Park Road
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s abundance of lakes and Lake Michigan’s shoreline offer plenty of recreational opportunities for you and your dog. You’ll see from our list that off-leash beach areas are the exception, not the rule in Wisconsin.
When in doubt, keep your dog on a leash when out for a walk on the beaches.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Ivonne Wierink, Shutterstock
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Cassandra is a professional writer living in the Upper Midwest of the U.S. Much of her writing centers around animals and family life, but she's been known to dabble in fiction. Her favorite topics to write about are cats, dogs, parenting, and food. Cassandra shares her home with two rescue pets: Harley, a Beagle, and Liam, a Siamese mix.
