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No matter if you want to grab a bite to eat, relax on the beach, get a brew, or just explore the South Shore with your pet, there is always somewhere to bring them along for the ride. Here are some of our pawsitively favorite places to bring your dog in Northwest Indiana.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

Sometimes you want to go out and enjoy a nice meal with your best friend, and when that best friend is four-legged you need to know where to go! Here are some of our suggestions for dog-friendly restaurants around NWI.

Dogs at Bedarra Bar and Square Roots

Square Roots and Bedarra Bar in Crown Point have dog-friendly patios. Both have unique menu items and some tasty cocktails. Sip Coffee House in Hobart has a variety of hot and iced drinks to choose from as well as breakfast and lunch served all day. Tavern on the Lake is in Hobart, too. This spot is an upscale gastro-pub with gourmet burgers, flatbreads, protein bowls and more along with 20+ beers on tap.

If you're in the mood for tacos, Ricochet Tacos in Crown Point welcomes four-legged friends. They serve up fresh taco creations along with wine, cocktails, margaritas and a rotating list of craft beer. Riviera Maya Taco & Tequila Bar in Merrillville is a Mexican Taqueria with a modern take on Mexican cuisine plus your favorite beers and cocktails.
 

Central Bark Dog Park Fair Oaks Farms

If you really want to make your dog's day, head to Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms. They not only welcome dogs to their porch, but Fair Oaks also has a free dog park for them to run around and play at.


Dog-Friendly Breweries

Grab a beer with your pooch at one of the dog-friendly breweries throughout Northwest Indiana. 

Dogs on Crown Brewing's patio In South Shore, IN

Stop into Crown Brewing in Crown Point and they'll set you up with a beer for you and a water bowl for your furry friend out on their patio.

More dog-friendly patios to grab a pint:

Dogs at Ironwood Brewing In South Shore, IN

At Ironwood Brewing in Valparaiso, buy a beer and get a treat for the dog you bring in with you! They have biscuits handmade with their spent grain. The brewery doesn't serve food, so dogs are allowed indoors and out.


Dog-Friendly Wineries

There are also a number of dog-friendly wineries to visit with your pooch while you try some delicious wines and ciders!

Dog on top of barrel at Shady Creek Winery In South Shore, IN

Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City is open and pet-friendly! Come out with your four-legged friends to the winery and enjoy their front patio.
 

Port - Carpenter Creek Winery dog

Bring your dog and your tastebuds to Carpenter Creek Winery in Remington for a lovely afternoon. Don't have your own dog? Visit with Port, the winery dog.

More wineries to visit with your furry friend:


Great Outdoors with Your Dog

Grab the sunscreen and bug spray and explore the outdoors with your furry friend at one of these beautiful places in the region.

If your dog likes to swim and run, plan an afternoon at the Indiana Dunes National Park! The cool waters of Lake Michigan offer the best "doggy pool" around. Hiking through the Dunes and even camping with your pet can be a fun experience. Just don't forget to keep your pet leashed and clean up any waste left behind. We suggest taking on the 3 Dunes Challenge together or make your pup an official “Bark Ranger” while you’re there. There are some restrictions for pets at the National Park. Details can be found here.

Located in Michigan City, Friendship Botanic Gardens has beautiful flowers, lots of history, and trails throughout. The wooded trails offer shaded paths that are perfect for exploring with your dog. There are several formal gardens around the park to enjoy with your dog and there are even cleanup stations.

If you and your furry friend are ready to explore, Gabis in Valparaiso has many different trails depending on what you’re looking for! You can hike through the wooded trails, around prairies or relax and check out the lakes and ponds.

Spend some quiet time with Fido exploring the natural wonders of the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands Nature Preserve. Leashed pets are welcome to walk the trails and explore the landscapes filled with wildflowers and plants. There are more than 7,000 acres to enjoy, so finding a quiet spot to yourself is easy. Don’t forget your bug spray and sunscreen!

Beaches

Many of the beaches along Lake Michigan’s South Shore are dog-friendly or have special areas designated for your pup to play in the sand and the water. Here are the beaches that your pup can explore in the area:

Find details about where pets are allowed at each beach here and remember to always keep them on a leash.

 

Dog and women at pet-friendly hotel

 

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Now that you know about all the amazing places you can bring your pet with you along the South Shore of Lake Michigan, it's time to find a place to stay! Visit our Pet-Friendly Places to Stay page to start planning your trip.


No matter how you enjoy your time with your dog in Northwest Indiana, you are sure to have an impawsibly good time. Share your adventures together using #AlongtheSouthShore so we can see your favorite spots!

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