Every year, millions of Americans leave their favorite four-legged friends at doggy daycare during a well-deserved vacation, which is a shame because pets possess heart-melting and stress-relieving “powers.” There are only a handful of pet-friendly lodges along Minnesota’s North Shore, but don’t fret because your furry guy or gal will be in doggy heaven here at Superior Shores Resort! Our four-season lakefront destination is the perfect place to spend an extended weekend with your pooch (and family or friends), far away from busy stresses, hectic schedules, and stressful workplaces. We have rows of designated dog-friendly cabins in our Main Lodge and Lakehomes, all of which provide jaw-dropping vistas of pristine Lake Superior.
Finding the Best Pet-Friendly Places “near Me”
Recently, we’ve been piecing together meticulously-detailed travel itineraries for our future guests, but today we’re going to outline all of our favorite places to bring your loyal companions. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy an early-morning cup of joe, mid-afternoon hike, or late-night craft beer, it’s important to find locations that allow dogs amidst a pet-friendly weekend getaway. While we don’t expect you to “check” every box in one weekend, we urge you to visit as many of these locales as possible when you’re not relaxing in one of our pet-friendly lodges.
Dog-Friendly Coffee Shops on the North Shore
More often than not, dog owners (and walkers) prefer to sit down for a cup of coffee, pint of beer, or to-go lunch rather than dining with their pooch in tow. But nothing quite tops a steaming mug of fresh-brewed coffee with the natural fragrances of morning dew still in the air! Travelers can sip on a local roast, read a book, and chat about the day’s upcoming adventures while their four-legged buddy laps up a bowl of water at these five dog-friendly coffee shops:
- Vanilla Bean Restaurant – Two Harbors and Duluth
- Cedar Coffee Company – Two Harbors (patio only)
- Perk Place Coffeehouse & Bakery – Duluth
- World’s Best Donuts – Grand Marais
- Sydney’s Frozen Custard – Grand Marais
Finding a Dog-Friendly Brewery “near Me”
If you’ve ever visited a craft beer mecca before (such as the Twin Cities, Denver, or Milwaukee), you know that beer aficionados love their furry, four-legged friends just as much as a hazy IPA. Most breweries allow doggies in their taprooms as long as it’s separated from the brewery equipment. It’s a smart business tactic because dog owners are often turned off by dog-less taprooms. And, as we’ve recently documented, Minnesota’s North Shore not only has several pet-friendly lodges but some of the state’s best breweries!
- Canal Park Brewing Company – Duluth
- Castle Danger Brewery – Two Harbors (patio only)
- Fitger’s Brewhouse – Duluth
- Ursa Minor Brewing – Duluth (patio only)
- Voyageur Brewing Company – Grand Marais
Pets Welcome: Dine with Your Pup
You’d be surprised at how many restaurants near our pet-friendly lodges don’t allow dogs. A lot of that has to do with local laws (pets are banned from food preparation areas). But luckily for you and your hungry pooch, there are five dog-friendly restaurants along the North Shore that allow pets—oh, and they just happen to sling some of the tastiest eats in the region.
- Black Woods Grill & Bar – Two Harbors
- Canal Park Brewing Company – Duluth
- Sir Benedict’s – Duluth
- Grandma’s Saloon & Grill – Duluth
- My Sister’s Place – Grand Marais
Top 10 Things to Do with Your Dog
But, of course, there’s so much more to a North Shore getaway than dog-friendly coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries. Unlike many other pet-friendly lodges in Minnesota, we’re minutes away from two of the most popular attractions in the Midwest (Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls). There’s never a dull moment for you and your pup when you visit Two Harbors, MN! Here’s a handy checklist of our ten favorite dog-friendly activities, according to customer feedback and personal experience.
- Walk around Ellingson Island
- Splash at Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Hike to the top of Oberg Mountain
- Savor a picnic at the Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook
- Stroll along the Two Harbors Lighthouse jetty
- Share a slice of pie from Betty’s
- Trudge up the Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park
- Play fetch at Flood Bay (steps from Kamloops Restaurant)
- Take photos of Duluth near Enger Tower
- Lap ice cream at The PortLand Malt Shoppe
The Perfect Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Superior Shores Resort remains one of the only pet-friendly lodges on the North Shore that offers a “pooch package.” This year-round package not only includes a comfortable stay in a lake-view room, but your furball will get a complimentary chew toy, doggy treats, a collapsible water dish, and, of course, a fee-free stay! Reminder: dogs shouldn’t be left unattended in rooms, and no more than two dogs per room are allowed. To learn more about our pet-friendly cabin rentals, please give us a call today at 800-242-1988 (or check availability online).