Dog Friendly Vacations In The Midwest – Better. But the Midwest isn’t just Chicago and our great pubs, thick-cut pizzas, or lake views. Adventure is out there and we need to smell it in our cities and neighboring cities! Pack your bags, get ready with the girls, and take a break for one of these great dog-friendly weekend getaways from Chicago.
Chicago is known for improvisation and the “Yes, and” rule. But Indiana Dunes is where you’ll say, “Yes, SAND!” Just 35 miles from the city, it’s the perfect dog-friendly day trip from Chicago. You and your dune dog will love exploring the trails in the park, lake and beaches.
Dog Friendly Vacations In The Midwest
There are plenty of pet-friendly accommodations, shops, and restaurants in town. Taltree Arboretum and European Market are also worth a visit. Check out the official Indiana Dunes friendly spots guide here.
Dog Friendly Rv Destinations In The Midwest
Don’t chase waterfalls. Stick to the Rovers and buffets you’re used to. Just kidding – follow the waterfalls (after heavy rains) in this beautiful (and free) state park! Less than 100 miles from Chicago, Starved Rock boasts 18 canyons, picturesque sandstone cliffs, local wineries and fun breweries with dog-friendly patios, and a rich cultural history. Fall is the best time to hike the trails for drool-worthy views.
There are many things to do in Amish Country in Northern Indiana, from local shops to beautiful parks and trails. Try Shipshewana Trading Place, where little ones can visit the largest flea market in the Midwest, right next door. Just a warning: after a weekend of learning about the Amish way of life, you may find it hard to get back into the hustle and bustle of the city.
Wisconsin is the perfect place for lots of “cute” vacation photos with your dog! Most restaurants allow dogs on their patios, and many charming bed and breakfasts also welcome them. This resort town pampers pups as much as humans, so they can relax and rejuvenate together. If you’re feeling less R&R and more nature, take a hike to Big Foot Beach State Park near Lake Geneva.
Pupper is here for the beer and there’s no better place than Milwaukee. Extremely pet-friendly, you might have a hard time convincing Fido to come back to Chicago with you. Stay awhile at one of their many pet-friendly hotels, but the boutique Kimpton Journeyman sounds fantastic: great river views, no extra pet fees, and credit for your amenities.
Dog Friendly Provincetown, Ma
Stroll the dog-friendly Riverwalk to learn about Milwaukee’s history and see rotating art. And of course you have to drink beer. Check out Black Husky Brewing Company, which is a B.Y.O.F. bring Fido (or whatever food you need).
About a 3-hour drive from Chicago, Indianapolis is home to many dog-friendly breweries, shops, and restaurant patios. Sidewalk Dog Favorite, Metazoa Brewing Co. owns a dog park and donates 5% of its profits to animal and wildlife organizations. Grab a Puppy Slumber Party or Ruh Roh Ale, then head to Three Dog Bakery on Mass Ave. to choose some puppy-approved treats.
The dog will walk the cultural trail that connects Mass Ave. with the other five Indy Cultural Districts. When you arrive in Broad Ripple, sniff its dog park before dining on the patio of the Broad Ripple Brewpub, an English-style pub with a giant patio and delicious vegan food.
Round off your visit with a stay at the Bottleworks Hotel, a luxury hotel inside a former Coca-Cola bottling plant steeped in history.
Dog Friendly Carmel, Indiana
What are your dog’s favorite weekends? Discuss in the comments below! And don’t forget to #tag us about you and your kid’s weekends!
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help parents spend more time with their little ones by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go together.
The most dog-friendly site on the web. Sidewalk Dog is your source for all things dog. More than 250,000 people worldwide rely on dogs. When you and your family have a dog, vacations become a big deal. You want to bring your best pooch wherever you go, but unfortunately, many vacation spots don’t cater to our furry friends. Instead, we often have to board them or stick them with a dog sitter. Recently, establishments are finally noticing the growing need to incorporate dog-friendly environments, and we couldn’t be happier. Here are some Midwest dog vacations that your furry friend will thank you for. WOW
Chicago is becoming a dog hub. With top hotels such as the Hotel Monaco, where your dog is greeted by name, or the Hotel James, which serves your dog filet mignon on a plate, your dog will be pampered to the max. If you’re looking for something to do, spend the afternoon watching a baseball game. Some games allow dogs to have an exciting day out for the whole family. Hungry after the game? There are many dog-friendly restaurants that allow your dog to hang out with you. Some even gift it to their child!
Pet Friendly Vacation Spots?
Door County, WI is a beautiful collection of small towns scattered along Lake Michigan, with several pet-friendly accommodations, including charming cottages with a view. Around the lake, there are tons of dog-friendly hiking trails and wonderful sit-down restaurants for you and your pal. Door County is the gateway to a relaxing and energetic weekend in a charming small town and is the perfect Midwestern dog vacation.
There is no more perfect place for man’s best friend than the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais, Minnesota. For every season there is a “Dog Lover’s Weekend” where dogs and their owners enjoy two days filled with dog cookie cooking classes, dog Olympics, dog sledding and socializing with other dog lovers and their friends. It’s the perfect mix of puppy cuddles and human pleasure.
If you’re looking for raw wilderness with your dog, look no further. Grayling, Michigan is the ultimate country destination. Much of the district is protected by the government, so acres of land are free for dogs (on a leash, of course). Hartwick Pines Park alone has over 9,000 acres of wild space to explore. In the winter, you’ll find many dog owners bringing their dogs for snow-filled activities and fun.
The arch is an amazing sight and an iconic landmark in St. Louis. And lucky for us, one of Missouri’s most popular parks is also pet-friendly. Spend an afternoon strolling through Gateway Arch Park, which borders downtown, eat at several pet-friendly restaurants, and take photos with your little ones in front of the arch. Are you adventurous? There are even river cruises that allow your dog on board!
Pet Friendly Cabins In Illinois
Want to take your dog to the museum? In Staton, North Dakota, the museum is brought outside. Sacajawea lived in this part of the country and helped guide Lewis and Clark. Native American villages have been restored and you and your dog can walk through them and enjoy the surrounding information and scenery. The best part? There is a statue of a dog named Seaman to welcome you on this dog learning tour.
Are you going on vacation with your dog soon? Don’t forget to provide them with a comfortable carrier and toys to keep them entertained. For Doggos he has some great carriers to take your dog on holiday with. Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, I will always report my experiences to my readers in an unbiased and honest manner. Your trust is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted. ~ Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter
Dexter the Dog’s Epic Journey 2019 has officially begun! January and February were full of local dog walks, but Cambridge, Ohio was our first weekend getaway with pets. Traveling with dogs is always more fun with friends, so I invited Dexter’s best friend Levi and his mom Chris to join us.
Cambridge, Ohio lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southeastern Ohio in Guernsey County. With a population of around 13,000, this small town would be the perfect destination to explore.
Embark On A Memorable Midwest Road Trip Journey
Our first stop was lunch at McKenna’s Market in downtown Cambridge. This dog-friendly restaurant offered outdoor seating and we stayed warm and dry in the sunshine, even in March! This family-owned market is owned by the McKenna family, who have been in the food and market business since the 1970s, restoring a century-old historic building that quickly became a gourmet destination. McKenna’s Market is known for its delicious homemade snacks and salads, so we knew we were in for an amazing experience.
The menu was extensive and offered a variety of food to satisfy every taste. Chris ordered the Shrimp Basket and I ordered the Fiesta Chicken Salad. Hot coffee for us and the dogs was greeted with fresh water and dog treats.
MEANWHILE
