Dog-Friendly Vacations in the Midwest

[Leslie and Halas]

A couple of weeks ago, I returned from a 10-day vacation in the northeast. During that trip, we spent some time in the White Mountains in NH, and a day in Freeport, ME. Halas didn't go with me on the trip, but I was totally jealous of how dog-friendly those areas were. Lots of hiking and other outdoor activities, and plenty of little shops that allowed people to bring their dogs in. Halas would have loved it. It made me really want to try to find some similar places around here. So now I'm looking for a dog-friendly area in the midwest. Somewhere I can take Halas for a long weekend in late summer or early fall, and just enjoy the outdoors. Maybe some hiking, swimming, kayaking, whatever. And I love to shop, so an area with shops or cafes where dogs are welcome. And, of course, we'd need a dog-friendly hotel to stay in. So I'm looking for ideas. I'm in central Illinois, so I'm thinking somewhere in Illinois, Michigan, or Wisconsin. Some areas I've thought about are Galena, IL, Door County, WI, and Saugatuck, MI. Has anyone been to any of these areas with their doodles? I'd appreciate any info or advice on these or any other possible locations.

[Sue]

We are going this weekend up to Door County for just an overnighter. Taking Kramer with us, and staying in Bailey's Harbor at a place called Beachfront Inn at Bailey's Harbor. I am going to take pics, and will report back on Tuesday.

[Leslie and Halas]

Great! Can't wait to hear about it.

[Sue]

Hi, we came back from Door County on Monday night. We stayed at at place called Beach Front Inn, in Bailey's Harbor. Although the hotel was clean, and right on the Lake, I felt the owner was not a real lover of doodles. She owns a Springer Spaniel. I tried to engage her several times in a conversation about dogs, etc. and she was not real talkative. There are also places to eat that will allow dogs. We also went to Cana Island where the lighthouse is. They allowed Kramer on the grounds, but of course not up in the lighthouse. Here are a couple pics of our vacation. I would recommend Door County anytime.

[Leslie and Halas]

Thanks for the info. I was posting a comment on your page at the same time you were posting this. My comment was just to ask about your trip, so I deleted it. I'm definitely going to check this out and try to get up there late this summer or fall.

[Sue]

Sorry the pics are sideways, lol I think if your dog likes to swim, it will be fantastic. I wish we had stayed longer, and next time we will. I love going there for just the opportunity to get some pictures of the beautiful towns along the way in that area.

[Leslie and Halas]

Halas loves to swim, so he'd probably have a great time. I just have to think about the drive. It looks like it's almost 8 hours for me, so it would be nice to try to stay 3 nights. I'll have to see if I can work in an extra vacation day.

[Chris & Boys]

Wouldn't it be great to hold a Midwest Doodle Romp there?

[Leslie and Halas]

That would be a blast!