With all the accommodating restaurants, hotels, parks and dog runs, Starved Rock Country is the perfect place to take a trip with your furry friend. Here’s a convenient guide to some of the best hiking destinations, al fresco dining options and dog parks near Starved Rock State Park.
DOG PARKS
River Run Dog Park
1930 N. 2753rd Road, Ottawa
This new dog park, located inside Ottawa’s Heritage Harbor, features two separate sections for small and large dogs, bags for clean-up, water to keep your pooches hydrated, and plenty of rolling hills to run and explore.
Rotary Dog Park
2837 E. Fifth Road, La Salle
Conveniently located off Interstate 39, the dog park boasts ample room for your dog to run and play, benches and plenty of shade. The park is only a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Starved Rock, and is even closer to the I&M Canal. You’ll find several restaurants in nearby La Salle and Peru that offer dog-friendly patio seating.
Hardscrabble Lions Club Dog Park
820 James St., Streator
The dog park features a large shelter, picnic tables, benches, a waste station and water fountain to keep your furry friends hydrated. There’s also a separate area of the park to accommodate smaller dogs.
Wiggly Field Dog Park
2600 Plank Road, Peru
The spacious dog park has running water during spring and summer, lights, benches and complimentary doggie bags to clean up any messes. You’ll also find a large dog ramp inside the run.
DOG WALK FUN
Starved Rock State Park
2668 E. 875th Road, Oglesby
Many blogs cite Starved Rock as one of the top destinations for hiking with your dog in the Midwest. The River Trail, conveniently located off the recently restored Parkman’s Plain lot, is one of the more popular canine hikes. The dog-friendly outdoor Veranda at the Lodge even offers a special “doggy menu.” Canines must be leashed inside Illinois state parks.
Matthiessen State Park
2500 Illinois Route 178, Oglesby
Matthiessen State Park offers plenty of fun locations for leashed dogs to explore, including a series of dells filled with enough water to cool off in, prairie-lined trails and a large waterfall. If you’re bringing your dog, consider parking in the north parking lot, conveniently set next to the stairs down to the park’s dells.
Spring Lake Park
1389 E. 1569th Road, Streator
Spring Lake is the perfect destination for a briefer hike with your dog. The park features a system of 12 trails, most of which are half-mile loops or shorter, along with beautiful Spring Lake Falls and a stable wooden rope bridge. Keep your eyes peeled: The wooded areas are home to more than 85 bird species, as well as deer, foxes, coyotes, beavers, snakes, frogs and wild flora.
Buffalo Rock
1300 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
Buffalo Rock sports sweeping vistas and over 290 acres of scenic prairie. The park’s trails wind among massive earthen art sculptures, heavily forested paths, water pumps and open grassy areas. Be sure to take your dog past the buffalo pen, where they can see two live bison, a sight they likely won’t spot anywhere else.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve
2997 Illinois Route 71, Marseilles
The five-mile trail system of Dayton Bluffs Preserve offers a fairly rugged hike, with some narrow trails, steep treks, ridges and ravines. However, the trails pose only a moderate challenge, and should be a suitable hike for most dogs and owners. A portable restroom is available in the parking area. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
The Lone Buffalo
812 La Salle St., Ottawa
815-324-9549
The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company is a great dog-friendly restaurant to grab a plate of farm-to-table food and an artisan craft beer. The relaxed, airy brewpub offers hearty pub classics and new American fare, all incorporating local farm produce and the freshest of ingredients. You can indulge in The Lone Buffalo’s self-proclaimed “slow food,” savoring the tastes at one of the many outdoor tables alongside your pooch.
Thyme Craft Kitchen
405 Fifth St., Peru
815-780-8774
Parlaying years of experience in some of Chicago’s most respected kitchens and social clubs, Thyme Craft Kitchen founders Rob and Anthony have created a restaurant that truly exemplifies the spirit of farm-to-table dining. Partnering with more than 25 local farms and businesses, Thyme offers ultra-seasonal menus and craft cocktails infused with regional flavors. You and your travel companions can dine with your furry friends at an outdoor patio area, directly next to the hidden-gem restaurant.
Starved Rock Lodge Veranda
2688 E. 875th Road, Oglesby
800-868-7625
The Starved Rock Lodge Veranda, part of Starved Rock’s historic lodge, is a casual bar and grill for the al fresco dining terrace that serves up a variety of delicious drinks and food. Dogs are welcome to join you at one of the many pet-friendly outdoor tables overlooking the scenic Illinois River Valley.
Uptown Grill
601 First St., La Salle
815-224-4545
Uptown Grill presents dog-friendly casual sidewalk seating, complementing a delicious fine-dining menu. You’ll find plenty of delicious fresh options like smoked trout, crab Rangoon, truffle fries, pork tenderloin, fish tacos and center-cut filet mignon. Uptown goes the extra mile, using house-baked breads.
