Dog walking in Hancock

East Hancock

East Hancock is full of beautiful historic homes, including many in the Victorian style. You can enjoy a range of architecture as you meander along the neighborhood's tree-lined sidewalks. The area is hilly, so you and your pup will get some good exercise! You might want to bring a camera to capture the historic sights and the fun moments you'll have with your dog at the 1.3-acre Terrace Park on the eastern side of the neighborhood. Terrace Park includes sports facilities, playground equipment, and many grassy areas for you and your dog to explore. Your dog will need to be on a leash and you will need to bring your own waste bags and water.

West Hancock

West Hancock is where you will find the Hancock Recreation Area and the city's veterinary clinic. In this neighborhood, Laurn-Grove Park and McAfee Field feature sports facilities and large grassy areas where you can take your dog for a leashed walk. McAfee Field also includes a nature trail. You will need to bring your own waste bags and water. The 13-mile paved Hancock-Calumet trail, also known as the Jack Stevens trail, connects both parks. It continues north to Boston Lake and the town of Calumet or south toward Hancock's waterfront neighborhood. The walk along the trail from Laurn-Grove Park south to Porvoo Park on the shore of Portage Lake is 1.3 miles long.

Downtown Hancock

Along Quincy Street in Downtown Hancock, you can enjoy a more urban experience. Take in historic buildings like the red sandstone Town Hall and Fire Hall, which was built in 1899 and has been beautifully preserved. Window shop as you pass by local coffee, flower, and bicycle shops, as well as several art studios. For an outdoor shopping experience, the Hancock Tori Farmer's Market takes place every summer on Quincy Green on the campus of the historic Finlandia University, which was founded in 1896. You can also enjoy the one-acre Montezuma Park, which features tree-lined walking paths, a flower garden, and a playground. You will need to keep your dog on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water.

Waterfront Hancock

Hancock has a beautiful waterfront area along Portage Lake. You can simply stand at shore's edge and gaze at Houghton and the Lift Bridge across the water to enjoy a quiet moment with your pup. If this isn't nice, what is? You can then set out on a leisurely stroll along the Porvoo Park boardwalk. The park, which is named for Hancock's sister city, Porvoo, Finland, has benches where you can rest and piers where you can fish. It also has grassy areas for your dog's convenience. You will need to keep your pup on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water.

Northern Hancock

Northern Hancock is where you will find UP Health System Portage, the city's hospital. It also contains an amazing natural area to check out with your pup. The Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids Nordic Ski Area features over fifteen miles of year-round trails. You can hike, snowshoe, or ski, depending on the season. The trails wind through varied landscapes that include marshes, streams, forests, and meadows. A great place to start is the Public Works Garage Trailhead off of Tomasi Drive, where there is ample parking. As you explore this expansive area, you will need to keep your dog on a leash and bring your own waste bags and water.