Dog-Friendly Activities in Iowa

Leashed dogs are welcome at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Maquoketa, IA. This pet-friendly destination is famed for the caves and named for the Native Americans who once lived there. You and Fido can search the park for artifacts such as pottery, tools and projectile points made of stone. There are six miles of trails that explore the wooded surroundings and prairie, leading to the main attractions of the area, the Natural Bridge, Balanced Rock and Dancehall Cave.

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.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a pet-friendly attraction in West Branch, IA. Bring your leashed pooch along to this 187-acre historic site that features President Hoover's birthplace, gravesite and more. Don't forget to clean up after your pup!

Hailed as the world's shortest, steepest railroad ride, the Fenelon Place Elevator Company cars elevate passengers 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place. This pet-friendly Dubuque, IA attraction brings you and Fido to the top for a panoramic view of the historic Dubuque business district, the Mississippi River and three states. The cars are very small, so only small lap dogs are welcome to join their humans. Check their website for current one-way and round-trip fees.

Leashed, well behaved dogs (with responsible owners who will clean up after them) are permitted to enjoy The Field of Dreams Movie Site. This pet-friendly attraction in Dyersville, IA is home of the filming location for this popular 1989 movie. Enjoy a bit of history and Hollywood with Fido, but note that pets are not permitted in the farm house or the event center.

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.

Paws & Pints is a unique, dog-friendly retreat in Des Moines, IA. Pet parents can enjoy a pint while watching Fido explore over 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space with dog park amenities such as a jungle gym, walking trails and clean up stations. Be sure to visit the snack kitchen, bar and coffeehouse. Other features include an on-site vet clinic, dog daycare, lodging, grooming and training. Check their website for information on park passes and memberships.

Located in Eagle Point Park, the Prairie Pastures Dog Park is a fenced, off-leash area where Fido is invited to play in Clinton, IA. This 8-acre park is packed with features, from swimming pools to a special old dog area, an agility course, and nature trails. Day passes are available via an honor box and membership forms are also available on site.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans for a walk along the Mississippi Riverwalk in Dubuque, IA. Enjoy a scenic stroll with Fido, or relax with a picnic on the lawn while taking in river views with your best friend by your side. A parking lot is located at 3rd and Bell Street near the Mississippi Riverwalk Gazebo.

The Little Willow Dog Park is a peaceful, pet-friendly park in Missouri Valley, IA. Located near I-29 and Highway 30, this fenced, recreational area is wheelchair accessible and has lots of parking. This one-acre park features a double-gated entrance with separate areas for small and large dogs, shade shelters, water stations, waste bags, and agility equipment.

Located in the heart of the Des Moines Metro area, Gray's Lake Park is a dog-friendly spot that's perfect for a walk with your leashed pup. The 167-acre park features a 1.9-mile lit trail, which encircles the lake. Dogs are not allowed on the designated swimming beach, and pets must be cleaned up after during their visit. Pet waste stations are located every half mile along the trail for your convenience. Please note that the park hours vary seasonally.

Friendly, leashed pets are welcome at River Lights Bookstore in downtown Dubuque, IA. This charming, pet-friendly shop welcomes Fido to browse the shelves with you as you search for your next favorite mystery, biography or romance novel.

Maiden Voyage Tours, LLC is a pet-friendly attraction in Marquette, IA. Bring your pooch along to enjoy a boat tour of the Mississippi River while learning about the history of the area. Check their website for online booking, ticket pricing and availability.

Walnut Woods State Park is a pet-friendly destination in West Des Moines, IA. You and Fido can enjoy 260 acres of woodlands along the banks of Raccoon River. The 2.5 miles of trails that weave through the black walnut trees, the largest surviving natural stand of these trees in the country, are a great attraction for dogs and their owners. Dogs are allowed on the trails, as long as they're cleaned up after and remain on a maximum 6' leash.

Loess Hills Lavender Farm is a pet-friendly attraction in Missouri Valley, IA, where leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy a stroll with you through the fields. Their primary bloom is from mid June through July, with a secondary bloom starting at the end of August. They also offer bath and skin care products featuring their homegrown lavender.

Crow Creek Dog Park is a pet-friendly area on almost seven acres in Betterndorf, IA. This fenced park has two separate enclosed spaces, one of which is an area called The SPOTT for dogs that are old, timid or tiny. Other amenities include water fountains, benches, waste bags and public restrooms.

Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Iowa City, IA. This fenced dog park has a separate area for small dogs, an agility equipment and training area, and a doggie swimming pond. A permit is required for the park, but if you are just visiting for the day they ask for a $5 donation that can be paid through an honor system. Dogs are welcome to play freely in the park, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

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.

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 their owners at Backbone State Park in Dundee, IA. This pet-friendly park is popular due to the 21 miles of trails that can be found around the area. Many of these will lead you through cedar trees and up rocky staircases, and a few lead to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the Devil's Backbone. The park also features picnic shelters with views out over the trees. Please remember to clean up after your pets during your visit.