It isn’t always easy to take your dog along for the ride on summer excursions. There are so many places to go and things to do — but dogs may not be allowed. However, Illinois is filled with dog-friendly businesses that happily welcome four-legged family members. If you are eager for your pup to ride along on your next excursion, here are some tips to know beforehand.
Hiking is an easy option, because dogs are welcome on the trails of all state parks, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. Make sure to bring water to keep your hound hydrated, and don’t walk them more than their legs can handle.
While the trails are available to dogs, they are typically not allowed inside buildings, so be prepared to keep them outside. Also, be mindful of other hikers — not everyone likes dogs. Check the park’s website ahead of time to verify trail closures, flooding and other hazards.
If you are looking for a place for them to run freely, head to a dog park. According to BringFido.com, there are 174 dog parks in Illinois. These parks are enclosed by a fence, making it safe for dogs to run loose. Some even have agility courses and obstacles. Note that some parks require a fee or membership. Read the rules of the park before going.
If it’s chow time, sometimes restaurants allow dogs in outdoor seating areas. While pets can’t be inside a restaurant with a kitchen for health reasons, some establishments love dogs so much, they have water bowls and treats ready for canine customers. Check with the restaurant before arriving to make sure it’s OK to bring your dog.
Then there’s dessert. Many ice cream shops offer a form of “pup cup.” These sweet treats can include ice cream, whipped cream and more. As with all treats, pup cups are best enjoyed in moderation. Use the walk-up window or drive-thru to keep other patrons’ ice cream fur-free.
At any destination, make sure to clean up after your pet, keep them under control and know their limits. Going out should be a good experience for everyone involved.
We have scoured the state for places to take your pooch this summer. From hiking to restaurants to dog parks and more, we have broken the stops down by region with a focus in rural areas.
Northern Illinois
Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park
Dog Park
966 W Rudy Rd, Freeport, IL 61032
https://friendsforeverhs.org/dog-park
Daily: sunrise to sunset
This 10-acre park offers large and small dog areas, an agility course and a large pond. The park is completely fenced, allowing dogs to safely play, socialize and swim. What better way to cool off after chasing around new canine friends than to jump in a pond? Membership fees apply to use the park, but guest passes are also available for purchase. Please note that the pond is closed during winter.
Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
Pup-pourri
4746 N Ford Rd, Galena, IL 61036
https://galenacellars.com
Open seasonally: May-November
Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Not only are dogs welcome, but the vineyard also has “wine dogs” on staff to greet guests and keep them company. Th ere are water bowls around to keep dogs hydrated, and treats are available. Fur babies are allowed in the tasting room, and there are two pet-friendly lodging options available onsite: the Master Suite and Country Farmhouse.
Goofee G’s
Dessert
2225 Plainfield Rd, Crest Hill, IL 60403
https://facebook.com/GoofeeGs
Open seasonally: April to September
Mon-Fri: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat-Sun: noon to 10 p.m
Goofee G’s is serving up peace, love and ice cream. Dogs can order their own ice cream pup cups topped with a dog treat. Order at the drive-thru or walk-up window. Ample outdoor seating allows people and pets to enjoy their treats together.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant
436 S Illinois Rte 59, Naperville, IL 60540
https://lazydogrestaurants.com
Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-midnight
Sat-Sun: 10 a.m.-midnight
Lazy Dog Restaurant offers a special menu just for doggie diners. Beef and chicken bowls with rice and veggies provide healthy options for your dog to eat while you enjoy American fare and spirits. Make sure that your dog is comfortable around other dogs and does not have a problem with barking, because there will most likely be several other pups in attendance.
Louie’s Tap House
Restaurant
5689 Elevator Rd, Roscoe, IL 61073
https://louiestap.com
Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of brews and bar foods on a tucked-away patio at Louie’s. Dogs are given bowls of water to wet their whistle while they visit with their owners. Sand volleyball and pinball machines add to the experience.
Starved Rock State Park
Hiking
2678 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock
Daily: 7 a.m. to sunset
Leashed dogs can enjoy 13 miles of marked trails through the bluffs, canyons and waterfalls. Each trail leads to a unique point of interest, including the park’s namesake, a 125-foot sandstone butte that offers breathtaking views. The park is nestled along the Illinois River, and Kayak Starved Rock Campground allows pups to camp with you right on the waterfront. Rent a kayak and take your furry friend out on the river.
Central Illinois
Bunny’s Tavern
Restaurant
119 W Water St, Urbana, IL 61801
https://bunnystavern.com
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night with your pooch on the patio at Bunny’s Tavern. This downtown Urbana restaurant has been a staple since it opened in 1936.
Gene’s Dairy Delight
Dessert
1019 S Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701
https://facebook.com/p/Genes-Dairy-Delight-100046497795023/
Mon-Sun: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Gene’s Dairy Delight, voted Best Ice Cream Shop and Best Dessert in the Bloomington area by The Pantagraph, is a sweet place to enjoy a treat with your pup. Gene’s offers two types of pup cups, plus treats.
Harvest Moon Drive-in Theatre
Pup-pourri
1175 S Sangamon Ave, Gibson City, IL 60936
https://harvestmoondrivein.com
Open seasonally: Memorial Day to mid-August
Enjoy a movie under the stars with man’s best friend at Harvest Moon Drive-in Theatre. The theater’s website states that it is ranked one of the most pet-friendly theaters in the U.S. Three dog walk areas are located around the theater to stretch everyone’s legs and “potty” before seeing the show. Dog treats are available at the box office or from parking attendants. Special merchandise for furry friends is also available for purchase. Watch the calendar for special pet nights with pup cups, donations to local animal shelters and contests. Check the website for showtimes.
Jacksonville PetSafe Bark Park
Dog Park
894 E. Vandalia, Jacksonville, IL 62650
https://jacksonvilleil.org/business-directory/bark-park
Daily: sunrise–sunset
The fenced area of this 7-acre dog park offers climbing obstacles, shade structures, benches and waste stations. Human and dog water fountains keep all visitors hydrated during their play. Check the Facebook page for upcoming events at the park.
Pere Marquette State Park
Hiking
13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037
https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.peremarquette
Daily: sunrise–sunset
Dogs are welcome to hike the 12 miles of trails at Pere Marquette with their owners. The woods and bluffs provide a scenic backdrop to your hike. Guests can also camp with their canines at the campgrounds.
Southern Illinois
Black Dog Kayak Rentals
Pup-pourri
1175 S Sangamon Ave, Gibson City, IL 60936
https://blackdogstorageatrendlake.com
Tues-Sun: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
For water adventurers, book a half- or whole-day kayak rental with your hound around Rend Lake with Black Dog Kayak Rentals. The lake features six trails specifically for kayaks, some offering places to stop and walk or picnic. Human life jackets are available with the rental, but you must bring life jackets for dogs. The store has groceries and other items you might need for a day on the lake, including dog toys, signs, leashes and bowls. Upon arrival, make sure to greet Black Dog’s resident pooch, Otis.
Coles Creek Dog-Friendly Beach
Pup-pourri
County Rd 1620 N, Carlyle, IL, 62231
https://carlylelake.com/dog-days-of-summer
Open seasonally: May to September
Daily: sunrise to sunset
Nothing beats the heat like a swim. What better place to swim than the beach? Coles Creek Dog Beach on Carlyle Lake is a sandy spot for dogs to splash around. After a day of hiking the trails or camping at one of the various campgrounds, dogs and owners can enjoy some time together in the sand. Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times, even in the water. Other amenities near the beach include restroom s, water fountains for dogs and humans, and two shelters.
Eckert’s Country Store and Farm
Pup-pourri
951 S Green Mount Rd, Belleville, IL 62220
https://eckerts.com
Hours vary seasonally by location.
Take your dog down to the farm. Most Eckert’s locations in southern Illinois welcome leashed dogs. They can even ride on wagons out to the orchards and fields. Keep in mind, dogs are not allowed everywhere, including inside buildings and in the strawberry and blackberry patches and vegetable fields.
Firefly Grill
Restaurant
1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL, 62401
https://ffgrill.com
Mon: 4-9 p.m.
Tues-Thurs: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Firefly Grill is a farm-fresh restaurant in Effingham. Most of the food is grown on the Firefly Farm, while the rest is locally sourced. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables on the covered patio, where you can relax with fans and views of the water. Online reviewers remark that the staff is exceptionally pet-friendly. Water bowls are provided.
Mutts on Main
Dog Park
509 W Main St, Collinsville, IL 62234
https://collinsvilleil.org/departments/parks-recreation/mutts-on-main
Daily: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Mutts on Main is owned and maintained by the city of Collinsville. The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring that every dog can play safely. Starting this year, membership is no longer required to use the dog park.
Shawnee National Forest
Hiking
50 Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946
https://fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee
Daily: sunrise–sunset
Shawnee National Forest encompasses 289,000 acres in southern Illinois. Because it is so vast, there are several specific recreation areas within, including Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Bell Smith Springs and more. In addition to hiking, visitors can also swim, rock climb, kayak and camp. If you would rather stay in a room than rough it at the campground, Egyptian Hills Resort offers lakeside rooms with all the amenities. It is both pet- and family-friendly.
Whisker Bones Supply Co.
Dessert
138 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
https://whiskerbones.com
Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This shop in downtown Edwardsville has everything a dog needs for a day out. Handmade dog treats, cookies and cakes from their bakery are sure to be appreciated. Join Club Whisker Bones to have your dog receive a monthly box of goodies. In addition, Whisker Bones offers training, grooming and a variety of items for sale, all made by local vendors.
