Dog-Friendly Activities in Dune Acres, IN

Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Cowles Bog Trail is a hiking path rich in plant diversity near Dune Acres. This 4.7-mile trail is located in Indiana Dunes National Park and is a popular destination for viewing Fall colors in the cooler months. Fido is welcome to explore the swamps, marshes, beaches and views of Lake Michigan along the hike, but dogs must be kept on a leash.

Indiana Dunes National Park is a dog-friendly attraction in Porter, IN. Explore this beautiful nature center and dunes area with your leashed pet. Dogs are permitted on all beaches in the park except the West Beach swimming area. Before leaving, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to have Fido certified as an official National Park B.A.R.K. Ranger!

Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape in Chesterton, IN. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than 3 miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. The national lakeshore beaches to the east of the park are pet friendly - Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach and Lake View Beach. Dogs must be leashed at all times, even when swimming in the lake. Handlers allowing pets to chase birds or otherwise harass wildlife are subject to a citation. Pet handlers are responsible for carrying waste off the beach.

Connect with nature and Fido on the dog-friendly trails at Gabis Arboretum & Gardens in Valparaiso, IN. The Arboretum is part of the Purdue Northwest University and serves as a place for education, conservation and engagement. Please leash and clean up after your pets on the trails.

Woodland Dog Park in Portage, IN has two separate fenced sections for large and small dogs. Visitors will find shade trees, bench seating and fun agility equipment and obstacles to entertain athletic pups.

Bark Park at Creek Ridge County Park is a leash-free dog exercise area in Michigan City, IN. This 3-acre fenced park is an ideal spot to let Fido run and burn off his energy. Registration and the purchase of an annual or daily permit is required. Fees are paid on site. Owners must present their No-Leash Dog Permit upon request.

Unleash your adventurous side and take on the Diana of the Dunes Dare. This pet-friendly hiking challenge follows the path of Chicago native Alice Mabel Gray, who left behind a career at the U.S. Naval Observatory to live in what is now Indiana Dunes National Park. This unusual lifestyle earned Alice the nickname Diana of the Dunes. Fido can tag along as you follow in Diana's footsteps, but dogs must be kept on a leash.

Brincka Cross Gardens is pet-friendly. Developed by an artist, this beautiful garden in Michigan City welcomes dogs to join their owners on a walking tour. You and your pooch are welcome to explore four acres of landscaped gardens and 21 acres of pristine woodlands. The gardens boast hundreds of hostas, daffodils, crabapple trees, ornamental grasses, and more, all surrounding a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. Brincka Cross Gardens are open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Coffee Creek Preserve is a pet-friendly destination in Chesterton, IN. Your leashed four-legged family member can tag along as you explore the area. The preserve has over 5 miles of trails that wind through the woods along the creek, beginning with a boardwalk and then meandering through the forest, crossing seven charming bridges along the way.

DICK'S Sporting Goods at Porters Vale Shopping Center in Valparaiso, IN, is pet friendly. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to browse the store alongside their owners. This chain sports store features a range of products from camping equipment and apparel to weights and accessories.

Bark Park at Bluhm County Park is a leash-free dog exercise area in Westville, IN. This 3-acre fenced park is an ideal spot to let Fido run and burn off his energy. Registration and the purchase of an annual or daily permit is required. Fees are paid on site. Owners must present their No-Leash Dog Permit upon request.

Come and experience the Gardens’ abundant nature and wildlife along the walking and hiking trails. We have multiple dog walking trails of varying length through the valley of Trail Creek. You can choose a short dog friendly trail if you are pressed for time, or go down multiple paths while enjoying the wonderful features the Gardens have to offer. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Please come prepared to clean up after your pet. Let’s keep the garden trails serene and clean for all visitors.

Deep River County Park is pet-friendly. Bring your pooch to this Hobart park for a walk on paved trails that lead to historic buildings like a grist mill, lakes, woodland and more. Dogs must be kept on a leash during their visit. Deep River County Park is open every day of the week from 7am until sunset.

Take Fido for a scenic hike along the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail in Portage, IN. The area features multiple, pet-friendly hiking trails that allows visitors to experience the natural beauty of the dunes. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail is also a great spot for bird watching. Parts of the trail system provide access to Lake Michigan.

Crown Brewing in Crown Point, IN is dog friendly. Leashed pets are welcome to join their beer-loving owners on the large outdoor patio. Crown Brewing's menu includes year-round beers such as Beauregard Blueberry Ale, Java Porter, and Special Forces IPA, and seasonal brews which include Never Matter Summer Stout and Intergalactic Juice Fist NEIPA. Craft soda is also available.

The Oak Savannah Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Hobart! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Oak Savannah Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserve features a .78-mile, dog-friendly trail through the rare, black-soil prairie in Hobart, IN. Please note that portions of the trail can have standing water during seasonally wet periods of the year. Late summer through fall is the best time to visit. Please keep Fido leashed.

Sunset Hill Farm County Park is a pet-friendly recreational area in Valparaiso, IN. Situated on 238 acres, this natural area on a former farm is home to wonderful wooded trails to explore with your leashed pooch. Dog owners are reminded to clean up after pups.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to visit Best Buy in Valparaiso, IN. This pet-friendly chain electronics store offers a range of products, from computers and appliances to video games and security systems.

Kemil Beach within the Indiana Dunes State Park in Portner, IN is pet friendly. Your leashed furry friend is welcome to swim and roll around in the sand as long as you clean up after him. Please note the parking lot can fill up quickly on summer weekends, and a state park fee is involved to enter. A trail is also available at the lot.