🐾 How to Handle Aggressive Dogs at the Dog Park – Real Advice from Dog Owners
Visiting the dog park can be a joyful activity for both you and your furry friend—but aggressive encounters can quickly […]
Jack Blesma Pavilion in Elk Rapids, MI offers a beautiful, pet-friendly setting along the scenic shores of Grand Traverse Bay. This dog-friendly park is wheelchair accessible and features a welcoming atmosphere for families, including amenities such as public restrooms, a playground, tennis courts, basketball hoops, and lush grassy areas perfect for both kids and their canine companions. The panoramic bay views and spacious grounds make it a top destination for anyone searching for a dog park in Elk Rapids or planning a lakeside outing with their pets.
The park’s location next to Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor means easy access to water activities and peaceful strolls by the bay. While it is not a dedicated fenced dog park, leashed dogs are allowed throughout the grounds, making it an excellent spot for those seeking dog-friendly parks or pet-friendly trails in northern Michigan. With shaded picnic spots, playgrounds for children, and restrooms on site, Jack Blesma Pavilion is a great choice for a relaxing family or pet outing near Lake Michigan.
Very scenic harbor, beach very nice, town much less “touristy” than other towns on Lake Michigan.
Architectural a very pleasing to the eye. Million dollar setting. Panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and Old Mission peninsula.
Absolutely beautiful park right on the bay. There are bathrooms, tennis courts, basketball hoops, play structures for kids and of course the water to play in. This is a great place to spend an afternoon playing and picnicing with your kids. I can’t wait to return.
If you are planning on renting the pavilion for an event, BEWARE that it is a complete D.I.Y. situation with no customer service. The Jack Blesma Pavilion at the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor is in a stunning location with panoramic views of East Bay facing west. However, unless the staffing is amended in 2025, you will need to bring in ALL of your supplies, able-bodied strong people to set up and break down the tables and chairs, all cleaning materials, and lights and sound equipment, if needed, with personnel to run them.
I live in Nashville, but a couple flew me to Michigan to photograph their wedding here at the Marina. And it was incredible. It was a perfect August day and the setting provided a beautiful, intimate feeling for such a holy gathering. And I had plenty to work with for our bridal party portraits after the wedding. I’d love to work here again!