Dog-Friendly Wisconsin Dells: Where to Go With Your Dog

October 17, 2026

A golden retriever sitting on the rocks of the East Bluff trail at Devil's Lake State Park

Our dog comes on most of our Dells trips, and both of my homes take dogs. The Dells is easier with a dog than you'd think, as long as you know where they're welcome and where they aren't. Dogs can't go into the waterparks, but there's plenty of trail, river and patio time to fill the rest of the trip.

Pet policies change, so call ahead before you go anywhere with your dog, especially the tours.

A golden retriever on the East Bluff trail at Devil's Lake — Our pup on the East Bluff at Devil's Lake.

Hikes and outdoor time

Devil's Lake State Park is the best day out with a dog. We hiked the East Bluff to Devil's Doorway with ours, and the view was worth every rocky step. The rules:

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet, everywhere in Wisconsin state parks.
No dogs on the main beaches or in picnic areas, but Devil's Lake has a leashed pet swim area near the north shore boat launch and an off-leash pet swim area near the south shore boat launch, plus a pet picnic area on the north shore near the East Bluff trailhead.
Dogs are not allowed at Parfrey's Glen, the gorge trail that's part of the park.
You'll need a vehicle pass: $13 a day for Wisconsin plates and $16 for out-of-state plates in 2026.

The view of Devil's Lake from the East Bluff — The payoff at the top of the East Bluff.

Mirror Lake State Park is closer to town. Dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash (except snow-covered ski trails in winter), and there are pet areas at the boat landing and near the upper beach parking lot. There's no pet beach.

Rocky Arbor State Park, just north of town, has an easy one-mile loop through a sandstone gorge. The same state park rules apply.

Pewit's Nest, a small gorge near Baraboo, allows leashed dogs too. It needs a state park pass.

Downtown with your dog

The River Walk along the Wisconsin River, off the 100 block of Broadway, is a paved quarter-mile path that's listed as pet friendly. It's the best short walk downtown, and from late November to mid-January it's lit up for the Tree of Light.

The paved River Walk along the Wisconsin River downtown — The River Walk, an easy stroll with a dog.

One thing to know: Lake Delton bans pets from its village parks, public beach, playgrounds and park grass areas, with a $50 fine. The city of Wisconsin Dells is more relaxed, but keep your dog leashed and pick up after them.

Tours that may take dogs

None of the tour companies publish a pet policy, so treat this as a starting point and call first:

Dells Boat Tours: leashed, well-behaved dogs have been welcome when there's room on the boat, according to travelers and BringFido. Ask whether your dog can join the walks at Witches Gulch and Stand Rock. Fun bonus: the Upper Dells tour includes the famous show where a dog leaps the gap to Stand Rock.
The Ducks (Original Wisconsin Ducks and Dells Army Ducks): small, leashed dogs, call ahead so they can save a seat.
Lost Canyon: small dogs, as long as they don't bark at the horses.

Sandstone cliffs on the Upper Dells boat tour — The Upper Dells by boat. Call ahead about bringing your dog.

Dog-friendly patios

These are listed as dog friendly by BringFido and the Wisconsin Dells visitor bureau. Patio seasons are mostly late spring through fall:

Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co. on the Parkway, the Dells' only brewpub, with a seasonal patio
River Walk Pub downtown, with a patio section for dogs
Grateful Shed, dogs welcome inside and out
The District, leashed dogs welcome
Bella Goose Coffee on the Parkway, a good breakfast stop on the way to Mirror Lake
Ravina Bay Bar & Grill on Lake Delton, with lakeside tables

Vets, boarding and emergencies

Dells Animal Hospital, 4135 Hwy 13, (608) 253-7361
Coldwater Canyon Veterinary, 4107 State Hwy 13, (608) 253-2275
Pet Retreat for boarding, daycare and grooming, (608) 253-6000. Handy for a waterpark day.
Nearest 24/7 emergency vet: VEG ER for Pets, 7456 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, (608) 716-3255, about an hour away.

There's no big pet store in Wisconsin Dells itself, so pack enough food. The nearest pet shops are in Baraboo and Portage.

Staying with your dog

Both of my homes welcome up to 3 dogs:

Hot Tub + Sauna + Game Room sits on a private wooded acre, with room to roam on a leash. $75 per dog per stay.
Private Arcade Room has a backyard overlooking a creek and wetland, plus waste bags and a water bowl. $50 per dog per stay.

Our dog sitting by the pines at the Hot Tub + Sauna home — Our dog checking out the pines at the 12-guest home.

Our dog running across a grassy backyard — Zoomies are part of every trip.

FAQ

Is Wisconsin Dells dog friendly?

Mostly, yes. Dogs can't go into waterparks, but state park trails, the River Walk, many patios and some tours welcome leashed dogs. Lake Delton's village parks and beach don't allow pets.

Can dogs go on the Wisconsin Dells boat tours?

Leashed, well-behaved dogs have been allowed on Dells Boat Tours when there's room, but there's no published policy. Call ahead at (608) 254-8555.

Are dogs allowed at Devil's Lake State Park?

Yes, on a leash no longer than 8 feet. They're not allowed on the main beaches, in picnic areas or at Parfrey's Glen, but there are on-leash and off-leash pet swim areas near the north and south shore boat launches.

Is there a dog park in Wisconsin Dells?

Not a public one that we've found. The closest is Liston Dog Park in Baraboo, which requires a permit. Private fields can be rented through Sniffspot.

Where is the nearest emergency vet to Wisconsin Dells?

VEG ER for Pets in Madison is open 24 hours, about an hour's drive. During the day, Dells Animal Hospital is in town.