Pet-Friendly Adventures Near the Indiana Dunes

There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana by GoPetFriendly.com. It’s because we believe lakeside fun should be for every member of the family, paws included. In and around the Dunes, you’ll find dog-friendly beaches, pet-welcoming trails, and even patios where your pup can join you for a post-hike drink. Take your furry friend on the 3 Dune Challenge, explore stretches of the Lake Michigan shoreline, or unwind at one of many pet-friendly places to stay near the Indiana Dunes.

Man holding a dog with a woman standing next to him

Our Largest “Dog Parks”

Calling all dogs! Leashed pets are allowed inside both the National and State Parks and are welcome on all beaches except for the lifeguarded swim areas at West Beach and the State Park. They are also allowed on every trail except Pinhook Bog Trail and the Glenwood Dune s Trail System. Here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly parks in the Indiana Dunes area.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Sunset Hill Farm County Park

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Four-Legged Adventures

With over 40 miles of trails in the National Park, alone, even with four legs, your furry friend is in for the walk of their life. Whether you’re in the mood to beach, hike, or wander, the Indiana Dunes area is the perfect place to escape with your best friend.

B.A.R.K. Rangers Program

Does your dog have what it takes to be the next Indiana Dunes B.A.R.K. Ranger? Ask a park ranger at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center how you can get your B.A.R.K. Ranger brass dog tag.

Find Out More

BAG YOUR OWN WASTE.

ALWAYS WEAR A LEASH THAT IS NO MORE THAN 6 FEET (2M) LONG.

RESPECT WILDLIFE.

KNOW WHERE YOU CAN GO. THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE CLOSED TO PETS, EXCEPT FOR SERVICE DOGS:

Nature Play Areas—These areas are located on the east side of the Paul Douglas Center’s main parking lot and inside the Mather and Douglas loops at the Dunewood Campground.
Pinhook Bog Trail—Pets are not permitted on the Pinhook Bog Trail. Pets are permitted in the parking lot and on the Pinhook Upland Trail.
Glenwood Dunes Trail System—Pets (other than horses) are not permitted on the specific portion of the Glenwood Dunes trail system that is designated for equestrian use. Pets are permitted in the parking lot and other sections of the trail system.
West Beach—Pets are permitted everywhere except for the lifeguard swim area, which is maintained from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.