Vacations With Dogs Midwest – Best friends make the best travel companions, especially when they let you handle all the decisions and pick out the snacks. We’ve rounded up 15 of the best Fido-friendly travel destinations in the Midwest, just in case you can’t contain your dog’s desire any longer. Read on to learn about these dog trips, including what to bring, where to stay, and more!
Make sure you’re ready to PAW! Here are just a few tips to help make your trip a success.
Vacations With Dogs Midwest
First, make sure your puppy has all the necessary vaccinations and is physically fit to travel. Also, make sure Frehn’s flea and tick treatment is up to par! If your puppy is nervous, ask your vet about medication or other solutions to help him feel more comfortable.
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Don’t know what to take with you for your puppy? Here is a list of must-haves to add to your luggage.
For more information on how to prepare your pup for an exciting trip, read Dog Travel Basics: 5 Tips for Your Trip Before You Hit the Road!
From Minnesota to Ohio to the Dakotas, the Midwest is a region like no other! If you’re ready to see what you’ve been missing or revisit some amazing places, check out these dog-friendly vacation spots.
Bemidji has a lot to offer pups and travelers—it’s more than just fun. We recommend visiting Lake Bemidji State Park for sunsets over the water and pup-friendly hiking trails.
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Then head over to the Bemidji Brewery patio for delicious beer and food, as well as free treats and water for your pup.
Our pick of dog friendly accommodations is: Candlewood Suites Bemidji. This location accepts two puppies up to 80 pounds for $25 the first night and $15 each night after that.
Duluth is a quintessential Minnesota vacation spot and one of the most dog-friendly. Duluth is home to many fantastic dog-friendly restaurants and breweries: we love the patios at At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe or Ursa Minor Brewery in Rounders.
For outdoor activities, visit Ely Peak for a scenic hike. If you like adventure, Duluth offers a unique experience for you and your dog; Lake Country Air & Beaver Air Tours is an air tour company that shows airplane flights on the North Shore! Adults can fly for just $119 per person and dogs fly free!
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Our pick for dog-friendly accommodations: Sheraton Duluth Hotel. Dogs up to 80 pounds are welcome. Guests must sign a waiver upon check-in.
Dells is a Midwest must-see for you and your pup. Start your vacation with a river cruise from Dells Boat Tours, and if you and Fido are still rambling, head to Devils Lake State Park for terrier-specific views.
Hungry for fresh air? Keg & the Patio and Brat House Grill have dog-friendly patios, and the latter has a special pup-only menu. If you’re looking for beer, check out Port Huron Brewing Company, a dog-friendly beer garden.
Our pick for dog-friendly accommodations: While there’s no shortage of pet-friendly accommodations in the Dells, we recommend Baker’s Sunset Bay Resort, where you can take up to two pets each day for $15 per floor.
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Door County, a beautifully stunning piece of land surrounded by Lake Michigan, is home to incredible hiking opportunities at Whitefish Dunes State Park, which even has access to a dog-friendly Lake Michigan beach area.
After walking, swimming and socializing, consider stopping at the Gibraltar Grill for delicious food and fantastic music. The puppy may even have a feature on the Dog Pals page on their website!
Our pick of dog-friendly accommodations: Ephraim’s Hillside Inn. Puppies are allowed with approval, so call ahead. You can find other great accommodation options here.
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Take a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Soak up the sun with a ferry ride from Shepler’s Ferry to Mackinac Island (Fido rides for free). We know your history buff is eager to see the restored 18th century fort and fur trading village and fill you in on colonial Michilimackinac.
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Looking for something to cure your sweet tooth this holiday season? Go to the famous Fish Fudge shop and try delicious treats for puppies and people. It’s the best of both worlds.
Our pick of dog-friendly accommodations: Stay right on the island at Mission Point Resort or Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, just off the Michigan mainland ($30 one-time pet fee).
Are you ready to pamper yourself? Cleveland is home to many dog-friendly activities, including the Ohio and Erie Canal Trail, which offers some of the best views of the canal and wildlife. If your pup is more of an urban person, pick up tickets to the Cleveland Scavenger Hunt: Ball Around the Mall, where you and Fido can scour the city for landmarks, art and more!
Bring your sub to the patio at Nano Brew Cleveland and Luxe Kitchen, which have the highest ratings in the city for both food and dogs.
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Our Dog Friendly Pick: Downtown Indigo Cleveland is a great place to stay and is dog friendly too! Their pet policy allows 2 dogs up to 50 pounds for a $35 deposit and a $35 per night dog fee.
Let’s set up our road GPS for Indy! The first stop is Broad Ripple Park, which offers a beautiful view of the White River and lots of dogs. From there, visit the Cultural Trail that connects Indy’s six cultural neighborhoods. Along the way you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly breweries, cafes and shops (Mass Avenue is a must for mutts!).
You’ll probably be hungry after a day of gaming, so head to Patachou Cafe for a great breakfast and lunch! After your meal, stop by Tango Distillery for a few cocktails with a friend.
Our pick for dog-friendly accommodations: Ironworks Hotel Indy LOVES dogs, and if you call ahead, they’ll even set up your room with dog bowls, a custom rug, and treats!
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There is no better destination for your dog trip than the Windy City! If your pup gets stuck on a long drive, head to Puptown Dog Park in Margate Park! Chicago has some of the best parks and outdoor shopping in the Midwest; take Fido to the Farmers Market Garden Center for some retail therapy.
Pizza is a staple in Chicago, and the 6 Mutts Chicago food truck has pizza for you and your pup. What goes well with pizza? Beer.Lake Bluff Brewing invites you and your dog to their patio to enjoy the view and the beer!
Our dog-friendly pick: Staypineapple is an iconic spot in Chicago’s Loop! Not only are they pet friendly, but according to their website, they are “Pet Obsessed!”
Treat your pup to a trip to Des Moines. We recommend checking out the dog-friendly Crudenier Scenic Trail, a relatively short hike that skirts beautiful Gray Lake and connects with other local trails.
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Then consider a stop at the dog-friendly Gazali’s Patio, a Mediterranean spot serving up gyros, wraps, salads and sandwiches.
Our pick of dog-friendly accommodations: La Quinta Inn & Suites Des Moines West Clive. Like almost all places in La Quinta, this place allows puppies – with some restrictions. Go deeper here.
Another great place to travel with pets is St. Louis! Get outside and head to the Ellen Clark Sculpture Park and Dog Park to see the Saint Louis University campus. You should also visit the famous Gateway Arch National Park for fun and super cute photos!
Head to the Boathouse in Forest Park for American-style dining on their dog-friendly patio. If you’re looking for more variety in your menu, try Tamm Avenue Grill with the largest dog patio.
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Put Kansas City on your Midwest vacation checklist. You and your dog can catch a movie at the Boulevard Drive-In or take a walk at Shawnee Mission’s off-leash dog park.
You can’t leave Kansas without trying KC BBQ. Woodyard Bar-B-Que has tons of awesome KC-style food, and the dog-friendly patio is perfect for you and your pup to enjoy a meal together.
Our dog-friendly pick: TheResidence Inn Kansas City at the Legend is a comfortable stay that allows up to 2 pets (up to 50 pounds) per room for an additional $150.
If you’re looking for a bit of history on your canine adventure, Omaha is a great place to stop. The memorial park features trails and memorials honoring fallen soldiers from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Then head to the Omaha Dog Bar where your dog will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of other dogs while enjoying a dog treat “bar.”
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J. Cocos is a great place to take a break from a busy day and have a nice lunch or dinner on the terrace with a friend. They serve great organic food and tell your pup how beautiful it is (even if they already know).
Our dog-friendly pick: TheElement Omaha Midtown Crossing is an affordable hotel with great amenities, including pet-friendly accommodations.
Rapid City is one of the great gems of the Midwest and is often overlooked. While you’re in town, stop by the under-construction Crazy Horse Memorial, which is ten times the size of Mount Rushmore and will be one of the tallest monuments in the world when completed. You’ll enjoy a short walk, breathtaking views, and a glimpse of the Native American heritage of the Midwest.
Consider stopping by the expansive and beautiful patio at Murphy’s Pub & Grill for delicious dishes like
