The 5 Best Dog Parks in Detroit

Located in the popular Corktown neighborhood, the Detroit Dog Park sits next to the historic Central Michigan Station. Right near Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Park, this is one of the most popular metro Detroit dog parks for both residents and visitors. The former Macomb Playlot was given a pet-friendly facelift courtesy of Petsmart and a devoted group of volunteers. They turned the area into a medium-sized, fully-fenced dog park with lots of room to play. The entrance gate is double-fenced for safety. Once inside, you and your dogs will enjoy a peaceful respite from the surrounding city. With benches and shady spots, Detroit Dog Park is people-friendly, too! Volunteers maintain this free dog park, and its visitors are welcoming. You’ll feel relaxed and at home here during your Detroit stay. Bring plenty of water for your pup since there isn’t a tap and they’ll be thirsty after their playtime! All the dogs mingle at the Detroit Dog Park, so be sure your small dog is comfortable with larger friends.

You’ll find another one of the best dog parks in Detroit, MI, on East Adams Avenue. Grand Circus Dog Park is in the middle of all the action. Sitting just steps from Comerica stadium, the Grand Circus Dog Park is part of the larger Grand Circus Park. This historic five-acre park connects the city’s theater and financial districts and has been around since 1850. The park is home to monuments and fountains, and in its northeast corner, the fully-fenced Grand Circus Dog Park! This great little park has tables and chairs around the perimeter with trees for shade and a nice open area for your dog to run and play. Bowls and water are available in the summer, but the park is open year-round. The highlight of Grand Circus Dog Park is its special events. Seasonal amenities like hay bales mix up the doggie décor. And if you happen to be visiting at the right time, you may be able to join the fun of a Halloween party, pool party, or a prom for pups! There is no entrance fee for this fun play-place for your furry friends. All the dogs mingle in a single space. Be careful if your furry friend is very tiny, they might be able to slip through the attractive decorative fencing.

Head north a few miles from downtown Detroit and you’ll come to the community of Royal Oak where you’ll find Wagner Park. This park has nearly 14 acres of natural area with open and wooded sections, lots of trails, and picnic areas. Wagner Park is also home to the Wagner Park Dog Run. A designated area where dogs are allowed to be off-leash, this is the place to bring your well-trained pooch. The dog park is not fenced and is free of charge for all visitors. The park asks that your furry friends be well-behaved and come when called so they don’t wander outside of the dedicated off-leash space. Bring yourself a chair, plenty of water, and lots of toys to enjoy a day in this wide-open natural space. When your dog is ready to leash up, head out and enjoy the rest of the park. Take a hike, have a picnic, and maybe stop in the dog park for one last off-leash romp before you head back into the city.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of a road trip, head north of the city to Oakland County and Orion Oaks Park. This enormous, 1000-acre park is home to woods, meadows, hills, and a lake. Nestled within this beautiful natural area is Orion Oaks Dog Park. 24 acres of fenced-in park gives your pup plenty of room to exercise and play. The dog park has a secure entrance and your small dogs can hang out in their own space. There are four separate areas in this huge dog park. Your dog can explore the grassy meadows or venture into the woods all within the fenced park. Don’t miss the biggest attraction of all: the lake! Your doggie dippers won’t have any human competition during their swim—this part of the lake is for dogs only. You don’t have to sit out the fun completely, there’s a long dock with ramps into the water. You can watch your dog swim and help them in and out of the water. Don’t forget to bring a towel! This clean, well-maintained park has water available for your thirsty dogs, and for giving them a quick bath after playtime. You can purchase a day pass for Orion Oaks Park on-site for only $5. While you’re there, leash up and explore some of the other parts of this beautiful park. You won’t regret the trip north to visit Orion Oaks Park!

We’re headed back into the city for our final metro Detroit dog park. Located in Midtown near the Detroit Medical Center, this park goes by many names. It’s officially the Midtown Dog Park, and unofficially the Shinola Clock Dog Park or the Cass-Canfield Dog Park. What used to be an empty lot is now, thanks to Shinola and a non-profit community group, a dog-lover-approved fenced dog park. This is a turfed park with a double-fenced entry to keep your pup safe. Once inside, you’ll find a separate area for small dogs to play with their small friends. In the large dog area, this park has a tunnel! There are picnic tables, big trees, and even a free parking lot nearby. In warm weather, water is available to fill bowls (bring your own) and hoses are handy for cleaning up after a day of play. Midtown Dog Park is notable for its pup-friendly nearby bars and restaurants.

Detroit is devoted to its dogs and their humans. You can choose a busy downtown location for lots of canine company or take a drive for more space and some beautiful scenery. Wherever you go, there are a variety of dog parks and other pet-friendly establishments near our Red Roof hotels.

Traveling to Detroit? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.