Ericka Liam
Dog Friendly Vacations Near Chicago – Chicago is a mighty mighty city! If you’re ready to enjoy a quiet, peaceful, dog-friendly walk, try these options.
As much as I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, I long to escape to the woods for a long, beautiful walk to clear my mind. Fortunately, many forest preserves and trails around Chicago are dog-friendly. Over the years we have found some of the best dog walkers in the Chicago area.
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Located about 90 miles from the city of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is a series of sand canyons and waterfalls along the Illinois River. This is an
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Day trips from Chicago are popular, so if you can go on a weekday, I recommend avoiding the crowds.
Starved Rock is a great place in every season! Winter brings snow and river flooding. In spring the boats flow and fall and the forests bloom. And fall offers a great display of fall colors in the trees.
There are many trails to choose from and many are ’round trips’ from the living room so you can turn around at your convenience. The Sandstone Point & Overlook Trail takes you to several cones via a series of trails, boardwalks and stairs. And there are often plenty of places for your pup to wade through streams and ponds.
In the Northwest, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is one of my favorite dog-friendly places to hike near Chicago. When you’re in the woods, you won’t believe how close you are to the nearest mall!
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Located on Dundee Road in Palatine, this trail is easily accessible from several parking lots and has a well-marked, connected route.
If you’re looking for a long hike in the Chicago area, check out Waterfall Glen, southwest of Darien. At 9.5 kilometers, this is the longest trail I know of in the area, and many people come here for long walks. Along the broken rock trail, you’ll pass a few streams and yes, a few waterfalls.
You might be wondering why a dog park is on the list of good dog walks, but Lakewood Dog Park in the northwest suburb of Wauconda is a great off-leash walk!
Once you leave the large fields where most dogs and their people meet, you can walk the forest trails. The park spans 66 acres, so there’s plenty of space to explore!
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For a dog-friendly “hike” in the city of Chicago, the Lakefront Trail is the best option. There are 18 miles of trails for walking, jogging, biking or skating along the shores of Lake Michigan. I love the stretch from Oak Street Beach (pictured below) south to the museum campus, which offers a panoramic view of the city skyline.
There are parks and cafes along the way, so you can turn this urban trip into an all-day adventure. Just steps from the boardwalk, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park and Grant Park each offer a unique view of Chicago.
These are our favorite dog-friendly places to walk in and around Chicago. Do you have something to share?
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Sorry, we could not find any pet friendly listings in our database. Please make sure your search is entered correctly or try entering fewer characters. Luckily, with Lake Michigan close to home, you can hit the beach and stay cool with the whole family. Dog-friendly beaches help you bring your furry friends along for the fun. Not sure where to start? Happy Pup Manor’s guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in the Chicagoland area will help you plan the day trip of a lifetime without leaving your pup at home.
When taking your dog to the beach, it’s important to prepare by checking beach laws and making sure your dog is ready to have fun. Most beaches list their rules online so you can check whether or not your pup is allowed and if there are any other restrictions. For example, some beaches require your dog to be on a leash (even in the water).
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You also want to make sure your dog is comfortable with all the activities you have planned and is well behaved with people and other dogs. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the water, you should know that not all dogs can or will swim – although many adopters can! The AKC also recommends that you bring plenty of water and consider applying sunscreen to your child’s nose and ears.
If you’re not sure if your dog will behave on the beach, consulting a professional dog trainer is a great way to help prepare them not only for the beach, but for any other outing you have planned. Training classes at Happy Pup Manor teach your dog not only basic commands, but allow them to meet other friendly dogs and develop the social skills they need.
If you live in Chicago, you know that Lake Michigan is never far away, but finding a good spot to view the shore is another story. Fortunately, there are many great beaches that allow dogs.
Montrose Beach: Part of the Chicago Parks District, Montrose Beach is a popular destination with plenty to do for the whole family. The park offers concessions, kayak rentals and more. In addition to being human-friendly, there is a designated section of the beach that is dog-friendly, making it a great place to swim and meet other dog lovers.
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Evanston Dog Beach: At Evanston Dog Beach, you can let your pup swim or play Frisbee. The beach was closed due to high tide but is now open this year, pet owners are happy. One community interviewed by the Chicago Tribune called it “a beach dedicated to dogs.” This area requires you to purchase a permit, but is a great place to relax or exercise while walking your dog.
Indiana Dunes National Park: Looking for a weekend trip? Dunes National Park is just an hour from Chicago. Camping here is a great way to get outside and decompress. The Dunes is a dog-friendly place, but there are a few rules you should check before you go.
If you’re getting ready to hit the beach here in Chicago, you don’t have to leave your dog at home. There are many local places where you can take your dog for a walk, run or swim with the whole family. Make sure you check the sea rules before you start.
However, if you’re going on vacation, you may want to factor in travel time. While it can be stressful to leave your pooch behind, boarding is a safe way to protect your dog from the stress of travel and avoid the risk of getting lost in an unfamiliar place. At Mufaro Pup Manor, our luxury boarding and training services will make your dog’s vacation the best it can be. With over 5 acres of outdoor play space, Happy Pup Manor lets you start knowing your furry friends will have more fun while you’re gone.
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The information on this site is for informational purposes only; said to be accurate but not guaranteed. This is not professional advice. Testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty or prediction of what will happen to you or us. By providing contact information, users accept and give their express consent to be contacted by the means of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. The number of messages may vary. Answer STOP to quit. When you travel, of course you want to take your friend with you so you can experience new places together. Dog parents are always drawn to the idea of traveling with their beloved pets, and dog-friendly vacations are easier than most people think.
I am a freelance photographer and writer, and since adopting my rescue dog, Quigley, almost 6 years ago, we have traveled the world together, including 34 states and 6 countries! Our dog-friendly vacations range from wilderness camping to a slumber party at the Waldorf Astoria and pretty much everything in between.
Walking with Quigley is one of my greatest joys, and I hope these tips help you find the same joy with your pet. From the Northeast to the Midwest, wherever you want to go in the United States, there are plenty of dog vacations you can enjoy with your four-legged friend.
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