Situated along the Scioto River in the shadow of the Columbus skyline, The Scioto Mile connects 145 acres of stunning parks, water features, and scenic lookouts that you and your four-legged friend are welcome to explore. The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is the most ‘pupular’ of the attractions, with an on-site dog park equipped with agility stations and a digging area. Continuing north, you’ll pass by the interactive Scioto Mile Fountain en route to Battelle Riverfront Park, a beautiful campus filled with monuments memorializing firefighters, war veterans, and historic moments. When your pup is ready for a break, stop for lunch at the nearby Land-Grant Brewing Company and enjoy a pint and a bite from a visiting food truck while Fido hydrates with a bowl of water.

You and your good boy won’t mind spending a night in the doghouse at BrewDog’s DogHouse Hotel & Brewery in Canal Winchester. IPA enthusiasts and their furry sidekicks can experience an evening of beer bliss in guest rooms equipped with BrewDog draft beer taps, stocked mini-fridges, and locally made craft beer soaps. Wake up in the morning to the aroma of barley and hops, grab a beer-paired breakfast, and then let Fido play in the on-site dog park.

When the weather outside is frightful, take your pooch to The Canine Country Club in North Olmsted. This Cleveland-area business is a hub for pet parents looking for some recreation and socialization opportunities for their pups. Your furry friend can release some of his pent-up energy with a swim session in the facility’s indoor, heated pool. If the water doesn’t suit your pup, you can also schedule private playtime in the activity room, which is furnished with toys and agility equipment. The facility is open daily (except Mondays). Pamper your pooch even more by booking a canine massage session with Modern Dog Massage, which performs services at the club.

Stay in downtown Cleveland at Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection. The historic property oozes class and sophistication, and it’s the country’s only four-star hotel with an indoor dog park. Located on the 29th floor, this petite paradise for pups contains a potty area with fire hydrants and artificial turf. The long hallway offers just enough space for playing a game of fetch.

You and your canine companion can enjoy four seasons of fun at Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner. In the springtime, take a hike on one of the eight dog-friendly trails running through the nearly 3,500-acre park, and enjoy fossil hunting and geocaching along the way. When the weather heats up in summer, Action Lake offers boating, canoeing, and fishing for catfish and bass. Fido can splash around at the dog beach or let loose inside the park’s three-acre, fenced-in dog park. The fall is a great time to explore the park as the leaves change. Grab some grub to-go from the on-site Smokehouse Restaurant to enjoy at one of the picnic areas located throughout the park, and cozy up around the bonfire on the cool nights. In the winter, visitors can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing with their pup.

With so much for Fido to explore, you’ll want to spend a night (or more!) in the state park to experience all it has to offer. The Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center provides efficiency cabins that welcome furry guests. Each cabin includes some modern amenities of home such as a gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, TV, outdoor grill, and fire ring.

Ready for a Road Trip?

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