When you and your family have a dog, vacations become a huge hassle. You want to bring your best bud wherever you go, but sadly a lot of vacation spots don’t cater to our furry friends. Instead, we often have to put them in a boarding facility or stick them with a dog sitter. Lately, establishments are finally taking notice of the growing need to include a dog-friendly atmosphere, and we couldn’t be happier. Here are some dog friendly vacations in the Midwest that your furry friend will thank you for. Woof.
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Urban Playground in Chicago
Chicago is becoming dog-friendly central. With high class hotels like Hotel Monaco where they greet your dog by name, or the James Hotel that serves filet mignon on a platter for your pooch, 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 let dogs in for an exciting day for the whole family. Hungry after the game? There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants that let your dog lounge with you. Some even provide your pup with a treat themselves!
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Small Town Getaway in Door County, Wisconsin
With several pet-friendly lodgings available, including adorable cottages with views, Door County, WI is a beautiful collection of small towns scattered among Lake Michigan. There are a ton of doggy friendly walking trails around the lake, and lovely restaurants fit for outside seating for you and your pal. Door County is a gateway to a relaxing and energizing weekend of quaint small town life and makes a perfect dog friendly vacation in the midwest.
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Gunflint Lodge Doggie Retreat, in Grand Marais, Minnesota
There isn’t a place more perfect for man’s best friend than at Gunflint Lodge, in Grand Marais, Minnesota. For every season there is a “Doggie Lover’s Weekend” where dogs and their owners enjoy two jam-packed days of dog biscuit cooking classes, dog olympics, dog sledding, and socializing with other canine-lovers and their friends. It’s an ideal mixture of puppy pampering and human enjoyment.
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Go Wild in Grayling, Michigan
If you’re looking for rugged wilderness with your pooch, look no further. Grayling, Michigan is the ultimate rural destination. Most of the county is protected by the government, and so that means acres of land are free for dogs to roam (on a leash, of course). Hartwick Pines Park alone has over 9,000 acres of wilderness to go explore. In the winter, you’ll find many dog owners bring their dogs for some snow-filled activities and fun.
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Afternoon of Arches at St. Louis, Missouri
The Gateway Arch is a striking scene and iconic landmark in St. Louis. And lucky for us, one of the most popular parks in Missouri is also pet-friendly. Spend the afternoon strolling through the the Gateway Arch Park that borders downtown, eat at a number of pet-friendly restaurants, and take pictures with your pups in front of the arch. Feeling adventurous? There are also river cruises that allow your dog aboard!
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Historical Tour at Knife River Indian Villages, North Dakota
Wish you could take your dog into a museum? In Staton, North Dakota, they bring the museum outside. Sacajawea lived in this part of the country and helped as a guide for Lewis and Clark. The Native-American villages have been restored and you and your dog are allowed to walk among them and enjoy the information and the surrounding scenery. The best part? There is a statue of a dog named Seaman, welcoming you to this dog-friendly learning tour.
Heading on a vacation with your pupper soon? Don’t forget to make sure they have a comfy carrier and toys to keep them entertained. For Doggos has some great carriers for taking your dog on vacation.