Pet-friendly Travel in Northern Indiana
Posted on February 1, 2023 by Indiana's Cool North
When Victor Young retired, he didn’t think he’d spend his days doting over a dog. But then his daughter called and said she had to give up her dog because of her son’s allergies, and he ended up adopting the dog. Since bringing him home that day, Young says Cody comes along for the ride nearly everywhere he and his wife go – the store, the post office, the bank – so it’s only logical that they would bring him on vacation.
Young says he and his wife don’t have to seek out places that are dog friendly, since it’s usually obvious where dogs are and aren’t welcome, but it is nice to know when the pet welcome mat has been rolled out.
Here’s a look at some pet-friendly things to do in Northern Indiana:
Bonneyville Mill
Where: Bristol
Get ready for a little flour power, Northern Indiana style, when you visit the historic Bonneyville Mill, which opened in the mid-1800s. Known for its massive grist stones, the mill grinds corn, wheat, rye and buckwheat the old- fashioned way, providing visitors with a unique look into an era where food wasn’t processed by stainless-steel machinery. Once you’ve toured the mill, grab the kids, the dog and the camera for this excursion to 223 acres of scenic woodlands, rolling hills, natural marshes, colorful wildflowers, flowing water, abundant fish and vast meadows.
- For more information, visit Bonneyville Mill
- See more Pet Friendly places in the area: here
- For more information on the area, visit: VisitElkhartCounty.com
Fair Oaks Farms
Where: Fair Oaks
Fair Oaks Farms’ dog-friendly campus includes Central Bark, their very own dog park where your pup can enjoy additional exercise. Grab an ice-cream cone in the cafe or a farm-to-table meal at Farmhouse Restaurant, which allows pets on their outdoor patio.
📸: Fair Oaks Farms Instagram
- For more information on Fair Oaks
- See more Pet Friendly places in the area: here
- For more information on the area, visit SouthShoreCVA
Shipshewana Flea Market/Auction
Where: Shipshewana
Look for treasure in Northern Indiana at the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market, which takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday through September from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. With more than 900 vendors on 100 acres, you can browse through rows and rows of crafts, fresh produce, original works of art and more.
Each Wednesday at 9 a.m., an antique auction is held on the site, offering collectors and armchair interior decorators the chance to score that unique item that could be the final piece in creating that perfect room back home.
- For more information, visit Shipshewana Trading Place Auction
- For more information on the area, visit: VisitElkhartCounty.com
Friendship Botanic Gardens
Where: Michigan City
Friendship Botanic Garden is 105 dog-friendly acres of beautiful gardens, Trail Creek Lake, hiking trails, children’s garden playground and much more. Your canine friend may even meet up with other four-legged creatures that live in the gardens. The next time you come to explore or just enjoy the beauty of the gardens, bring your furry friend along!
- For more information, Botanic Friendship Gardens
- For more information on the area, visit http://michigancitylaporte.com/
Indiana Dunes
Where: Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, Porter
Sure, the beach is the first thing you think of when you hear about the Indiana Dunes, but don’t limit those thoughts to a few hours spent running through the sand and splashing in the water. The Dunes offer so much more – 15,000 acres in all of beautiful landscape that draws in hikers, bicyclists, nature observers and more. Want your dog to forgive you for those 50-square feet of grass he gets to “explore” the rest of the year? Take him to the Dunes, where he’ll explore challenging dunes, quiet forests, unique wetlands, flowing rivers, bright prairies and tranquil forests. You might even consider making him a “Bark Ranger.”
- For more information, visit Indiana Dunes
- See more Pet Friendly places in the area: here
- For more information on the area, visit http://www.indianadunes.com
Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
Where: Goshen, Middlebury, Shipshewana
Don’t hesitate to take your furry family member along when you explore the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. They will enjoy the trail through the farmlands and prairie as much as you will! The trail connects three communities in Indiana’s Cool North, and you can pick it up in various locations. Most of this 16.5- mile trail is on the abandoned Pumpkinvine railroad corridor.
- For more information Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
- See more Pet Friendly places in the area: here
- For more information on the area visit here
South Bend Cubs Game - Tail Waggin Tuesday
Where: Four Winds Field, South Bend
Tuesdays at Four Winds Field in South Bend, home of the South Bend Cubs, include Tail Wagging Tuesday, where fans can bring their dog to the game. Owners do have to sign a waiver prior to entry. These Cubs are a High-A affiliate of the big league squad. South Bend is the closest Chicago Cubs farm team in terms of proximity to the big club, and has been recognized as one of the best ballparks in the Minor League.
There are even more....
There are many more pet friendly places in Indiana’s Cool North. Check out other Pet Friendly Adventures here
Looking for places to visit with your pet in a specific area? Check out these links:
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