Chicago-Based Road Trips to Take Your Dogs On This Summer

The weather is warming up and you know what that means; road trips! Here’s a few spots that you and your pups will love to travel to this summer. So let’s roll down those windows and hit the road!

Marquette, UP Michigan – 

Just above Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers breathtaking scenery. With countless tree-covered walking trails, hundreds of scenic lookouts, a coastline with beaches that stretch all along the lake; the UP truly has so much to offer for both you and your best furry friends. Take a windy drive up Marquette’s scenic 550 to arrive at Wetmore Landing. Follow the trail to the water and hit the beach! If it’s a gorgeous day, take a dip on the way out! Keep following the trail and prepare for exciting and ever-changing terrain: roots, rocks, boulders, bridges, rolling hills, etc. If you need a rest, there’s sitting areas along the trail to pause and catch your breath. Then you’ll discover amazing clifftop views of Lake Superior, stretching as far as your eyes can see. If you get lucky, you could even see the magical Northern Lights up there. Marquette has hundreds of other walking trails for you to check out as well!

Oglesby, Illinois –

Living in Chicago, you probably know of all the fun places to walk your pups already. But, just about an hour and a half southwest of the city, you can find the gorgeous Starved Rock State Park located in Oglesby. Starved Rock offers loads of fun for everyone with 13 hours of walking trails, warm beach areas, guided hikes, and even occasional live events throughout the season. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls or natural springs, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks. Recreational opportunities abound, from hiking to camping to fishing and boating. This drive is short enough for a quick weekend day trip, or you can even rent out some cozy dog-friendly cabins on site to spend the night.

South Bloomingville, Ohio –

Hocking Hills State Park, just south of Columbus, is another great destination to bring the pups. While there are loads of dog-friendly trails in the wooded areas, surrounded by various waterfalls, cool stone bridges and gorgeous rock ledges, you and the pups can also explore Old Man’s Cave for a bit of a new environment! You might even come across the secret hidden waterfalls while exploring the cave. Make sure to bring your camera as this park offers a great photo op for you or your furry friends.

We hope you found some inspiration on where to take the pups as the weather gets warmer! These 3 road trips can offer you and your furry buddies an abundance of outdoor fun this season.

With love!

– Cusic Photo Team