Starved Rock: Many blogs cite Starved Rock as one of the top destinations for hiking with your dog in the Midwest. The River Trail, that’s conveniently located off the recently restored Parkman’s Plain lot, is one of the more popular canine hikes. The dog-friendly outdoor Veranda at the Lodge even offers a special “doggy menu”. Dogs must be leashed inside the park.

Rotary Dog Park: This park, located just off I-39, offers two fenced in runs, for small and large sized dogs. This park is only a ten-minute drive from the entrance of Starved Rock, and even closer to the I&M Canal. You’ll find several restaurants in nearby LaSalle and Peru that offer dog-friendly patio seating.

River Run Dog Park: This brand-new dog park is located inside Heritage Harbor, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Illinois River. It features two pens for added safety, one for under 30lbs and one for over 30lbs. After your trip to the park, head over to the nearby Red Dog Grill where you can get your furry friend a special treat.