- Exploring the hidden gems of Western Wisconsin—curating unforgettable stays and sharing the places locals love most.
Picture this. It’s Friday, a little after four. You punch in your door code, nudge the door open with your hip, and drop your bag on the floor. The fireplace is glowing. There’s a little surprise waiting for you on the bed, and when you open the fridge, the bottled water is already cold.
Your dog does a slow lap of the room, nose down, checking every corner. Then he finds the bed you brought from home, turns around twice, and flops down like he’s lived here his whole life. You both exhale.
An hour later, you clip on the leash and walk out the front door. The river is less than a block away, the boats are coming in for the night, and three people stop to ask your pup’s name before you reach the water.
That’s a pet-friendly stay in Prescott. Here’s where to have one.
The Port and Port After Dark face each other across the street in the heart of downtown Prescott. The Port is our boutique hotel, the one guests can’t stop talking about and keep coming back to. Port After Dark is the encore. The Port’s suites were so sought after, and sold out so often, that we crossed the street and gave the story a second act: three suites that are a little moodier, a little more romantic, and made for couples. Same downtown, same easy walks, same warm welcome for your dog.
Every suite at The Port is named for a river that runs through this corner of Wisconsin and Minnesota: the Vermillion, the Trimbelle, the Rush, the Croix, the Kinni, and the Mississippi. Each one has a king bed, an electric fireplace, a coffee and tea bar stocked with coffee, decaf, tea, and creamers, plus a mini fridge with a freezer and a microwave for the leftovers you’ll definitely bring back from dinner.
Choosing one with a dog in tow? Here’s how I’d think about it:
Across the street, Port After Dark’s three suites tell a story from beginning to end.
Each suite has a king bed, color-drenched walls from floor to ceiling, black tile, warm low lighting, and a private bath with a walk-in shower. They’re made for couples, and yes, the dog is invited to the romance too. Just know you’re in the heart of downtown, so you’ll hear a little of the town’s evening life.
At both The Port and Port After Dark, up to 2 well-traveled dogs are welcome with prior approval. A one-time $28 cleaning fee covers both pets. Not per pet, not per night. Public overnight parking is within a block, so park the car once and forget about it until you leave.
Some trips are bigger than two people and a dog. A girls’ weekend. A family reunion. A birthday where somebody always asks, “Can I bring the dog?” The Cove is a private guest house in downtown Prescott with eight bedrooms, four full kitchens, and space for everyone, two-legged and four-legged.
Mornings start with coffee on the rooftop around the fire tables while the dogs stretch out in the sun. Ruby has its own private balcony with a fireplace. Diamond has a glam room made for getting ready together. Sapphire’s living room looks out toward the river. When everyone needs a break, the clubhouse off the rooftop has arcade games, ping pong, and darts.
The practical stuff matters with dogs, too. There’s in-unit laundry for the towel that wiped muddy paws, and free on-site parking right outside. Plenty of our Cove guests bring their pets, and with downtown at your doorstep, the evening walk to the water is easy.
For road trips, work trips, and longer stays, the Harbor is the most dog-practical stay we have. You park right outside your room, so there are no elevators or long hallways between your dog and a quick potty break at midnight.
Every room has its own state theme, and guests love trying a different one each visit. The Arizona has a roomy walk-in shower, the Georgia has an in-room porch swing, and the Tennessee is all country music and Elvis. Each room has a comfy bed, a mini fridge, a microwave, and a coffee bar, and you’ll find three snacks waiting on your bed: something sweet, something salty, and fruit snacks.
Staying a while? Our studios with kitchens are made for stays of a week or more. And for dinner, Philander’s is right next door with a covered, dog-friendly patio.
From downtown, the St. Croix is less than a block away, and there are three marinas within walking distance. Walk down to where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi, watch the boats come in, and let your dog meet half the town along the way.
Prescott has a surprising number of dog-friendly patios for a town this size. The Prescott Roadhouse has a dog-friendly area on its deck overlooking the confluence, and Valley Bar & Grill and Enrique’s Mexican Grill both seat dogs at their outdoor tables. For the full list, including breweries that welcome dogs inside, see our Dog-Friendly Patios & Pints guide. One heads-up: the Muddy Waters patio allows service animals only.
Kinnickinnic State Park and Willow River State Park both have trails you can explore with your leashed dog. Pets aren’t allowed everywhere in Wisconsin state parks, such as beaches and picnic areas, so check the pet rules before you go. Our Outdoor Adventures guide has more ideas.
Your dog is part of the family, so they should be part of the trip too. We can’t wait to meet them. đź’™
Make downtown Prescott your home base and book direct with us: The Port of Prescott for boutique king suites steps from the river, Port After Dark for romantic suites made for couples, The Harbor Hotel for themed rooms and extended stays, and The Cove Guest House for downtown condos and group getaways.
