10 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Wisconsin 2024

Wisconsin is a beautiful state in the upper Midwestern region of the United States. The state is popularly called “America’s Dairyland” and is renowned for cheese and beer. This place is known to be the most pet-friendly state. Thus, there are many dog friendly beaches in Wisconsin. 

The state lays down simple rules for dogs and owners. Visitors must at all times abide by the policies and laws here. Harboring a dog above 5 months requires a license. As per Wisconsin State law, annual renewal of dog registration is mandatory. It allows pets to have fun on sand and water.

1. Wisconsin State Parks – Madison, WI

Wisconsin State Park features the best scenery in the Midwest. Here, visitors discover beaches, waterfalls, dunes, and more. There are miles of picturesque trails for hiking and bike riding. Visitors grab a canoe or kayak and explore the place’s beauty. Campgrounds offer overnight camping facilities. 

The park has many dog-friendly beaches. Trails & recreation areas here witness a footfall of over 20 million people annually. State Park is popular among camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing lovers. Many places require admission stickers for vehicles to enter. The most enjoyable activities are in-line skating and horseback riding. 

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am till 11:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Cedarburg Covered Bridge and Olbrich Botanical Gardens
• Contact: +1608-266-2181
• Parking: Liberty Grove Town Park and Wisconsin Bay Park
• Address: 101 S. Webster Street, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921

2. Harrington Beach State Park – Belgium, Wisconsin

Harrington Beach is a popular 715-acre state park in Wisconsin. It’s on the shore of Michigan Lake, Belgium. The park features a long beach, a 26-acre lake, and white cedar swamp. There is a famous observatory called “Jim and Gwen Plunkett Observatory.” This opens monthly for visitors to enjoy astronomy. 

There’s a mile-long waterfront for visitors to enjoy with furry friends. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan are glimpsed from the shore. Visitors enjoy sunbathing, bird watching, hiking, camping, etc. An admission sticker for vehicles is required. Licenses for fishing and hunting must be purchased beforehand. 

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Nearby Attractions: Cedarburg Covered Bridge and Port Washington Public Stairway
• Contact: +1262-285-3015
• Parking: Port Washington Park & Ride and Oostburg Park & Ride
• Address: 531 Co Rd D, Belgium, WI 53004, United States

3. Viking Dog Beach Park – Stoughton, WI

Viking County Park is among Stoughton’s popular dog beaches. There are multiple locations for shore fishing. Species such as largemouth bass, panfish, and northern pike are found. The park has a small picnic shelter with outdoor grill and restroom facilities. There is a 14.9-acre off-leash park for dogs to enjoy freely. 

The park also includes two dog-friendly beaches for enjoying family outings. Additionally, Viking has a dog exercising area extending towards Yahara River. This beach has multiple trails for bicycling, hiking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. It’s also well-connected to Stoughton.

• Nearby Attractions: Madison Children’s Museum and Olbrich Botanical Gardens
• Parking: 4th and Main Municipal Parking and Badfish Creek Parking East
• Address: 1582 County Hwy N, Stoughton, WI 53589, United States

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4. Big Foot Beach State Park – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Big Foot State Park houses a popular dog beach in Wisconsin. This 271-acre park is on the shore of Lake Geneva. It houses wooden campsites, beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and a sandy beach. Boating and kayaking are the most popular activities enjoyed here. The beach park has over 100 feet of swimming area.

The beach & park were named “Big Foot” after an ancient Potawatomi leader. This place is primarily used for camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Big Foot Beach has over 100 campsites. Among these, 34 sites have an electric pedestal. They also feature a fire ring, gravel pad, picnic tables, a dump station, showers, and toilets. 

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am to11:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Flat Iron Park and Geneva Lake Museum
• Contact: +1 262-248-2528
• Parking: 738-748 Geneva St Parking and Lake Geneva Parking Lot
• Address: 1550 S Lake Shore Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

5. Newport State Park Beach – Ellison Bay, WI

Newport State Park has 26 miles of calm & beautiful trails. It also features 16 campsites filled with wilderness. Visitors avail amenities like a steel storage box, fire ring with adjustable grills, toilet pits, bathrooms, etc. The state park allows dogs to be on designated campsites and trails. 

This park beach has over 2300 acres of lush greenery. Thus, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy backpack camping. The far end towards Door Peninsula is called “Dark Sky Park”. It’s popular for stargazing and attracts thousands of visitors. Purchasing admission stickers for vehicles is mandatory. A license for fishing must be available beforehand.

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Newport State Park and Coastal Byway
• Contact: +1 920-854-2500
• Parking: Liberty Grove Town Park and Wisconsin Bay Park
• Address: 407-381 Newport Park Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, United States

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6. Lake Kegonsa State Park Dog Beach – Stoughton, WI

Lake Kegonsa State Park Dog Beach is a popular hotspot in Wisconsin. The park is set along a beautiful 3200-acre lake. It houses beautiful picnic areas and boat launching places. A beautiful hiking trail here weaves among prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Visitors also enjoy great fishing opportunities. 

There is a beautiful swimming beach offering various recreational activities. This park features a designated dog beach on the southern end. It provides a controlled & safe environment for pets. There is a separate fenced area for small dogs. Water & waste stations are available for pets to drink from. 

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Chazen Museum of Art and Vilas (Henry) Park
• Contact: +1 608-873-9695
• Parking: 4th and Main Municipal Parking and White Oak Trail Parking
• Address: XQCC+JQ, Stoughton, WI 53589, United States

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7. Sunset Beach Park – Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Sunset Park is a renowned dog beach in Wisconsin. It is a place to relax and watch a mesmerizing sunset. Visitors call it the “Best Place” to be in Door County. There is a beautiful wooden path leading to a lawn area. Stone fences here serve as sitting places for visitors. The beach park has multiple camping sites and hiking trails. 

The beach at Sunset Park is spread across 200 yards, with soft golden sand and clear blue water. This park is accessible from the western end of the main street. The artistic city has various shops and seafood restaurants. Eateries in downtown Fish Creek serve mouth-watering dishes. Many events and concerts are organized to attract visitors. 

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Alexander Noble House Museum and Eagle Tower
• Contact: +1 800-577-1880
• Parking: Fish Creek Lot and Northern Sky Theater – Parking
• Address: Fish Creek, WI 54212, United States

8. Port Washington South Beach Park, Washington

Port Washington South Beach offers beautiful glimpses of Lake Michigan. The long Sandy Beach has crystal blue water. It’s a popular location for launching kiteboards and kayaks. However, the beach attracts many visitors and remains crowded. There’s enough space for lazing around and enjoying nature. 

Gentle winds here make South Beach perfect for strolling around. The beach allows pets to enter on a leash. The parking area here is big enough to accommodate 20 vehicles. It’s within walking distance of Coal Dock Park and an avian sanctuary. During summer, amenities like restrooms, potty, and porta are available. 

• Beach Hours: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Coal Dock Park and Sauk Creek Nature Preserve
• Parking: Port Washington Park & Ride and Sauk Creek Nature Preserve Parking
• Address: S Wisconsin St, Port Washington, WI 53074, United States

9. Arrowhead Beach – Arrowhead, WI

Arrowhead is a beautiful lake spread across 300 acres. During Summer, it becomes a popular spot for water skiing. The place houses a lovely beach, boat launch sites, and a picnic area. This beach is best known for its award-winning golf courses. Other amenities like outhouses, playgrounds, picnic shelters, tables, etc are available. 

The county park here is called “Arrowhead County Park”. The lake is accessible from a public boat landing. This 30-foot-deep water body is perfect for fishing. Catches like Northern Pike, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye are available. Arrowhead Beach allows dogs on a leash of 6 feet. There are many pet-friendly lodging and eating options nearby. 

• Nearby Attractions: Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo and Historic Point Basse Inc
• Contact: +1715-325-2929
• Parking: 4th and Main Municipal Parking and Northern Sky Theater – Parking
• Address: Arrowhead Beach Rd, Union, WI 54217, USA

10. Crescent Beach – Algoma, Wisconsin

Crescent is a beautiful beach in the heart of Algoma. The place shows gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It’s a renowned dog beach in Wisconsin. Dogs are allowed from 01st October to 31st March. There’s a beautiful boardwalk with seating arrangements for visitors. Find a natural area housing butterflies and birds here. 

The beach was initially used as a resting & camping place for Pottawatomie settlers. Today, it has become a popular city park for locals & tourists. Kite flying and volleyball are the most enjoyed activities here. There’s a grassy buff with picnic tables. Visitors relax in the shady spot and glimpse a beautiful lighthouse (towards the North). 

• Beach Hours: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm 
• Nearby Attractions: Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse and Blahnik Heritage Park
• Contact: +1920-487-2041
• Parking: Heritage Park and Petersen Park
• Address: 1025 Lake St, Algoma, WI 54201, United States

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Dog Friendly Beaches Near You

Conclusion 

Dog friendly beaches in Wisconsin are popular among locals & tourists. Laws here allow our furry friends to enjoy on a leash. However, many beaches even allow pets to be leash-free. The state has an array of options for dog-friendly hotels & restaurants. Visitors even find good dog boarders & groomers here.