Dexter the Cocker Spaniel visiting the pet-friendly SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum in Superior, WI

As a dog mom, I’m always looking for fun pet friendly attractions I can enjoy with my pup, Dexter. The Midwest offers many wonderful local attractions, and here are five special places where you can bring Fido!

Dexter the Cocker Spaniel at the pet-friendly Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville, IN

Pet Friendly Attractions in the Midwest

Windmill Museum in Kendallville, Indiana

The Mid-America Windmill Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of 52 restored windmills throughout their grounds. You can roam acres filled with various types of windmills. Be sure not to miss the replica of the Robertson Post windmill with a 52 foot diameter wind wheel!

Dexter the Cocker Spaniel at the pet-friendly Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville, IN
The Windmill Museum Barn and Gift Shop shows an informative 8-minute video on the history of windmills and how they operate. And the tour guide provides insights into various parts of old windmills, windmill memorabilia, and tools.

Architecture Tour in Chicago, Illinois

For a first-rate way to see Chicago’s astonishing architecture, hop aboard the pet-friendly Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architectural Tour! This dog-friendly Chicago boat cruise showcases over 40 Chicago landmarks on the 75-minute narrated tour.
Dexter the Cocker Spaniel on the pet-friendly Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour in Chicago, IL

The Topiary Park in Columbus, Ohio

With 7 acres of lush green gardens, beautifully landscaped paved walks, 25 types of trees, and stunning flowerbeds, this is an idyllic dog-friendly attraction. The unique topiaries represent Georges Seurat’s Post-Impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte.
Dexter the Cocker Spaniel sniffing a dog topiary at the Topiary Park in Columbus, OH
You and your pet are welcome to sniff 54 human figures, 3 dogs, 8 boats, a monkey, and a cat. These fascinating topiaries are made from yew, and the largest stands twelve feet high.

SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum in Superior, Wisconsin

The SS Meteor is the last above-water whaleback ship in the world! These ships earned their “Whaleback” name because their cigar-shaped steel hulls rode low in the water when they were loaded with cargo.
Dexter the Cocker Spaniel visiting the pet-friendly SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum in Superior, WI
Dexter the Cocker Spaniel visiting the pet-friendly SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Museum in Superior, WI
You and your favorite canine can tour the ship from pilot house to cargo holds. This unique dog-friendly museum also features exhibits on Great Lakes shipwrecks and the history of shipbuilding in the Twin Ports.

While you’re on the North Shore, don’t miss the pet-friendly trails at Split Rock Light House State Park!

Fitger’s Shopping Mall, Duluth, Minnesota

Fitger’s Mall in downtown Duluth has unique shops, dining, and nightlife for everyone – including dogs! This historic hotel and mall allows dogs in the common areas, both inside and out. Each store sets their own policy, and most of the shops are dog-friendly, but you should always ask before entering with your pet.
Dexter the Cocker Spaniel visiting the pet-friendly Fitger's Shopping Mall in Duluth, MN
Some of the restaurants at Fitger’s Mall also allow Fido on their outdoor patios. And with quick access to the beautiful Lakewalk along the shore of Lake Superior, it’s an excellent option for pet-friendly dining in Duluth.

Have you visited any of these pet friendly attractions in the midwest with your pet? Let us know what you thought! And be sure to add your favorite pet friendly recommendations in the comments below.

Tonya Wilhelm and her Cocker Spaniel, DexterAbout the Author: Tonya Wilhelm is a dog training expert who has traveled the US promoting positive ways of preventing and managing behavior issues with a holistic approach. She is a vlogger, writer, blogger, and published author who loves exploring new locations with her trusty companion, Dexter. Tonya is on a mission to inspire pet parents to LIVE life and explore. Learn more about Tonya and Dexter on their blog www.raisingyourpetsnaturally.com

Guest Posts on GoPetFriendly.com: We love sharing stories from people having fun traveling with their pets! And reading your pet travel experiences may be just the nudge someone else needs to pack up and head out with their own best friend. If you’re interested in writing a guest post for Take Paws, let us know!

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  • Great list! Okoboji, Iowa is a fun resort town that has lots of great dog-friendly patios too. I’m so glad places are getting more receptive to letting dogs come along, bringing them with makes everything more fun!

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    • Category: Travel Destinations / Tagged with: Attractions