Dog-Friendly Activities in Madrid, IA

Dogs are allowed to join their owners at Ledges State Park in Madrid, IA. Pea's Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River, carves through a craggy sandstone gorge which can be viewed from the arch stone bridge at this pet-friendly park. There are a number of picnic spots which offer great views and tranquil surroundings. Adventurous dogs can tackle the four miles of hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks of the canyon below, as long as they are on a leash under six feet in length.

Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, IA features beautiful, dog-friendly woodland and prairie walking trails. It's a great place to connect with nature and Fido. There are 160 acres of gardens, forests and prairies populated with century-old oak trees and native grasses. Please keep your dog on a leash and note that pets are not allowed in the visitor center.

Featuring artwork by over two dozen of the world's most celebrated artists, Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a pet-friendly attraction in Des Moines, IA. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the 4.4-acre park located downtown, and an audio tour is available on the Des Moines Art Center website. Picnicking is allowed in the park, but humans should be sure to keep food and drink away from the works of art and dispose of waste in the trash cans.

Living History Farms in Urbandale, IA is a dog-friendly, interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people to Midwestern rural life experiences. Leashed dogs are welcome but must remain outside of the buildings. This 500-acre outdoor museum features walking trails and tractor-drawn carts connecting the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill to each of the historical farms.

The Brenton Arboretum is a 143-acre landscape in the heart of Iowa agricultural land. Located in Dallas Center, IA, this pet-friendly attraction welcomes you and FIdo to explore thousands of trees, beautiful prairies and wildflower meadows, streams and ponds, and miles of grassy trails. Dogs must remain on a leash during their visit, and an annual membership or a day pass per dog is required.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a stroll through the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens in Des Moines, IA. This pet-friendly attraction, situated on 1.7 acres south of the Botanical Garden, features an Asian pavilion atop a bridge, which spans a pond cascading into the Des Moines River. Stone pagodas, bonsai-like evergreens, lanterns and sculptural rock formations are also present in the Gardens. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after during their visit.

Check out the pet-friendly Terra Park in Johnston, IA. Your leashed pup is welcome to join in exploring this 200-acre recreation space, which features paved trails, picnic areas, an eight-acre lake, a spacious lawn and picnic pavilions.

The High Trestle 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 Ankeny! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the High Trestle 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.

The Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines, IA welcomes leashed pooches to join you while browsing their selection of local produce, flowers, eggs, cheese, baked goods and more. This pet-friendly, open-air street market is located in the Historic Court District and takes place seasonally on Saturdays. There are also musical performances and family-friendly activities to enjoy. Check their website for a list of vendors and hours.

Meek Park is a dog-friendly park, outdoor skating rink, horseshoe playing field, and outdoor concert venue in downtown Minburn, IA. Your leashed, friendly dog is welcome to join you at the park. This venue is home to the Meet Me in Minburn outdoor concert series, featuring acoustic, country, and oldies music. Bring a chair and blanket to relax on the grassy area, or your roller-skates to enjoy the free roller rink. Please pick up after your pets and dispose of waste in the proper receptacles, owners who are not compliant are subject to fines.

Freedom Rock is a dog-friendly tourist attraction in Minburn, IA. Your leashed, friendly dog is welcome to learn about Iowa veterans with you through placards surrounding the rock, and to look at the beautiful artwork on the rock, created by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen. Please note that dogs are not allowed to touch or jump on the rock.

The Ankeny Dog Park is a beautiful 7.5-acre park that allows dogs of all sizes to run freely in an entirely fenced-in area. Located in Ankeny, IA, the park features a half-acre pond, separate small and large dog areas, and open green space for dogs to run. Please note that a Dog Park Pass is required to visit this park, and the gates require a code for entry. Annual passes are available by registering online.

Rogers Park is a dog-friendly park, pavilion, and playground in Minburn, IA. Your leashed, friendly dog is welcome to join you at the park. Please pick up after your pets and dispose of waste in the proper receptacles, property is under camera surveillance and owners who are not compliant are subject to fines.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Big Creek State Park in Polk City, IA, where a diversion dam has formed an 866-acre reservoir. In addition to the lake itself, the park also includes shelters, picnic areas, a playground and a multi-purpose sports field. You and Fido are welcome to wander the 26-mile paved trail from the beach south through the Saylorville Lake area all the way to Des Moines.

The City of Ames offers an opportunity for dogs to play off leash at Ames Dog Park. This designated 10-acre dog park in Iowa is located behind the Ames Animal Shelter. The park features a 2-acre area for dogs less than 25 pounds and an 8-acre area for larger dogs. Owners must provide a current rabies vaccination certification for Fido and purchase a daily, weekly or annual pass through Parks & Recreation or the Animal Shelter.

Marv's Record Shop in the historic East Village of Des Moines, IA is pet friendly. Bring Fido as you look to find your next record in an environment with friendly staff and hand-picked background music. Be sure to check out their website for new offerings.

The Ames Main Street Farmers' Market is a dog-friendly activity held every Saturday morning from May through October in downtown Ames, IA. Leashed dogs are welcome to shop with you from a diverse array of vendors offering fresh, locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers and handcrafted items.

Tractor Supply Co. in Ankeny, IA is a dog-friendly farm supply store where your leashed pup is welcome to shop the aisles with you for tools, paint supplies, landscaping equipment, building materials, patio furniture and more. Treats are available for four-legged visitors at the checkout.

Strautman Tree Farm is a pet-friendly attraction in Cambridge, IA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this farm to help choose the tree for your home this Christmas. Whether you're looking for a huge tree or a smaller pine, you'll find something that fits at this well-stocked farm. The farm is open seasonally leading up to Christmas, so check their website for current days and times prior to visiting.

Fleet Farm is a chain sporting goods store with a dog-friendly location in Ankeny, IA. Leashed dogs can join their owners inside to browse through outdoor gear such as fishing rods, kayaks, hunting supplies, power tools and more.