Pet-friendly Travel in Northern Indiana 1
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Pet-friendly Travel in Northern Indiana

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.

Fair Oaks Farms

Where: Fair Oaks

Pet-friendly Travel in Northern Indiana 3

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.

Friendship Botanic Gardens

Where: Michigan City

Dogs Love the Botanic Friendship Gardens

 

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!

Indiana Dunes

Where: Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, Porter

Top 10 Pet-Friendly Places

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.”

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Where: Goshen, Middlebury, Shipshewana

Pet Friendly Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

 

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.

South Bend Cubs Game - Tail Waggin Tuesday

Where: Four Winds Field, South Bend

South Bend Mishawaka 3

Tuesdays at Four Winds Field in South Bend, home of the South Bend Cubs, include Paws and Claws Night, 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.

  • See the Cubs schedule here.
  • For more information on the area visit here

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: