Where can you walk your dog in Detroit? Are there places to let your pup off-leash? And is Detroit, MI, dog-friendly? We've got these answers and more. Check out this list of the best dog parks and dog-friendly parks in and around the Motor City.
The greater Detroit area is a dog-friendly place to live with plenty of parks to choose from. Not only are there tons of off-leash areas, but there are also more than enough places to walk your pup too. Between Detroit proper and the surrounding towns, you will surely find a place for you and your fur baby to enjoy the outdoors together.
If you are ready for some exercise, sunshine, and to see a smile on your pup's face, check out the list of best dog parks in Detroit to visit below. And if you're looking for more dog-friendly activities, we've got a list for that too. Click here to learn about the best dog-friendly restaurants in Detroit, MI. These places have great patios and will welcome your pampered pooch with open arms. They may even spoil your dog with some doggy treats or a doggy menu.
And if you need some great pet care professionals in Detroit, click here to type in your zip code. We'll show you all the best local pet care professionals in your area, like dog walkers and pet sitters who will treat your dog like their own.
Now, if you're ready to get moving, or your dog is starting to get stir crazy, visit one of the wonderful dog parks or dog-friendly parks on this list.
The 9 Best Parks, Dog Parks, and Off-Leash Areas in Detroit, MI:
Grand Circus Park & Dog Park
Orion Oaks Dog Park
Canton Dog Park
WOOFhaven Dog Park
Brownstown Dog Park
Midtown Dog Park
Novi Dog Park
Bicentennial Dog Park
Dearborn Dog Park
Grand Circus Park & Dog Park — 2-98 E. Adams Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Grand Circus Park & Dog Park is an urban park that serves the growing residential neighborhoods of downtown residents. The park is a centerpiece of downtown life and is surrounded by some of the Motor City's most iconic places. In addition to the fun downtown atmosphere, you'll find special free events throughout the year.
This park has two beautiful and historic fountains, is dog-friendly throughout, and even has a small off-leash dog park area.
Orion Oaks Dog Park — 1200 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI, 48360
With 24 acres for your pampered pooch to romp around, you better check out Orion Oaks Dog Park. This is just what your high-energy pup needs in a dog park. It has lots of space to run, plus there is access to a lake. If you have a dog that loves the water, this could be a match made in heaven.
There are restrooms for the pet parents, access to water for your dog, pet waste areas, and small and large dog areas. If you are trying to train your pup on a leash, there are two different walking trails too.
Canton Dog Park — N Denton Rd, Canton, MI 48188
This is a 6-acre off-leash dog park in Canton, Michigan. The Canton Dog Park is more like a hub for pet parents and their fur babies. Several events are held throughout the year, encouraging dog owners to hang out with one another while their pups wear themselves out playing. One of the popular events here is "Yappy Hour" at this community-oriented dog park.
There is a membership fee for this dog park, but it seems to be worth it for the well-cared-for space. It also has an area for smaller dogs—under 20 pounds—to run separately from those bigger pups. The park hours are 6 AM to 10 PM.
WOOFhaven Dog Park — 23101 Hall Rd, Woodhaven, MI, 48183
WOOFhaven Dog Park is another membership park located at the south end of Civic Center Park. There are two sides for your pups; one is for the larger breeds, and the other is for smaller dogs, young puppies, or older dogs. This is an excellent option for those of us with older, timid dogs who need time off-leash but don't have the energy they once had. Or even for those dogs who are a little frailer these days.
They are open year-round from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Another thing to note is there is a limit to two dogs per person. There are picnic tables, benches, and pet waste stations scattered throughout.
Brownstown Dog Park — 23700 Lillian St, Woodhaven, MI 48183
Staying in Woodhaven, we have another dog park. Brownstown Dog Park is next to the Brownstown Animal Shelter. It is another membership park—which is popular in the greater Detroit area. The registration fee is good for up to three dogs and is renewable. To get the membership, you must register your pup with the Brownstown Water Department and pay the fee of $35 for non-residents and $25 for residents.
The general consensus is that this is a great dog park! The people who frequent this park are particularly friendly and genuinely love all dogs. It is well-maintained and has plenty of benches, water facilities, and shade in the summer.
Midtown Dog Park — 401 W. Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201
You will find this nice turf dog park on the corner of Canfield and Cass Avenue. With the turf, this means no mud and no mess. The Midtown Dog Park is nicely located and offers plenty of space for your pampered pup to get out some energy in this off-leash dog park. There are water fountains, pet waste stations, and separate areas for small and large dogs.
In addition to being an excellent place for your pups to run, a food truck is often stationed nearby. Maybe grab a friend or two and make an evening of it!
Novi Dog Park — 42390 Nick Lidstrom Drive, Novi, MI 48375
Novi Dog Park is located directly behind the Novi Ice Arena. It is three acres of room to run. The land is wide open without obstructions, making it great for dogs to run in packs. There is a section set aside for the smaller and more timid pups that is ¾ of an acre. The membership for this off-leash dog park is available on the City of Novi's website.
Like many dog parks in the greater Detroit area, a key fob is used for members to enter. There is a double gate entry, benches, water fountains for pups and their humans, and plenty of dog waste stations.
Bicentennial Dog Park — 35400 7 Mile Rd. Livonia, MI 48152
Inside Livonia's largest park complex is the Bicentennial Dog Park. This dog park is only available seasonally—per their website—and features pet waste stations and drinking fountains for your pup. The park has small and large dog areas and plenty of space for your dog to run and play.
There is a maximum of three dogs per household and an annual membership fee. One of the unique aspects of this park is the canine agility course you can use with your dog. It is an excellent option for pups needing extra mental and physical stimulation.
Dearborn Dog Park — 16901 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126
Dearborn Dog Park is a year-round community dog park. This is a perfect spot for the Dearborn residents and their four-legged friends. It has canine agility equipment like walking ramps and platforms. Plus hurdles, teeter totters, and barrels for your dog.
Dearborn Dog Park even has separate areas for large dogs and small dogs. In addition to that, it provides pet waste stations, and your pup will have access to water too. Please note that this dog park is for Dearborn residents only.
The Best Dog Parks in Detroit, MI
With all of these parks to choose from, which are you going to go to first? Will you start training your pup on the canine agility courses, teach them to love the water, or just let them romp around with their friends? No matter what you choose, being a pet parent in Detroit isn't going to disappoint.
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.