A Bucket List of Dog Friendly Activities

From cuddle buddy, security guard, travel companion or just plain wingman, our dogs play many different roles in our lives. And that’s why it’s important to treat our furry friends to fun, pet-friendly activities.

There are a lot of those along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. So break out the doggie bags, beds and bones because it’s time to put together a bucket list for you and your four-legged friend. Here are some of the best dog friendly activities in Southwest Illinois:

Let Them Run Free at the Dog Park

Give your pup the chance to burn off some energy and make a few new friends. Our region has several off-leash dog parks to choose from:

Alton Dog Park - Located at Russell Commons Park, there are three acres and three separate dog runs along with multiple obstacles and play stations to sniff around all day(you must register before playing).
Brent Leh Dog Park - Near downtown Edwardsville, this off-leash park has synthetic turf, secure fencing, agility equipment, and a water station.
Mutts on Main Dog Park - The City of Collinsville's dog park has plenty of room for your pup to stretch their legs, lots to sniff, and a water station.

Dog runs and plays at Brent Leh Dog Park near Edwardsville, IL

Attend a Dog Friendly Event

Some of the best days out with your dog are the ones built around community. You and your pup are invited to attend many pet friendly events throughout the region including:

Downtown Alton Pup Crawl - In May, Downtown Alton hosts a Pup Crawl that allows you to stroll the streets and visit different pet-friendly patios to receive food and beverage specials, there will also be vendors.
Dog Day at The Great Godfrey Maze - In October, two and four legged friends are invited to wag their tails while they get lost in the twists and turns on Dog Day at The Great Godfrey Maze located at 1401 Stamper Ln. in Godfrey. Make sure to bring your pets leash to ensure they are on their best behavior, to guarantee every person, fur or no fur, has a ball.

Entrance to The Great Godfrey Maze in Illinois

Dine Out on Pet Friendly Restaurant Patios

Spend some quality time with your furry best friend as you sit on the patio and enjoy a bite to eat. There are many restaurants throughout Alton and Grafton that encourage you to bring your dog and sit outside while you enjoy a tasty meal.

In Alton: Bossanova Restaurant and Lounge, Duke Bakery, Gentelin's on Broadway, The Old Bakery Beer Co., and Tony’s Steakhouse and Bar.

In Grafton: 3rd Chute Bar and Grill, Drifters’ Eats and Drinks, Grafton Pub, Grafton Winery the Vineyards, Hawg Pit BBQ Barn, and The Loading Dock.

For more details about the restaurants and additional dog-friendly spots, read our guide about Pet-Friendly Patios for Pooches.

A woman sits at a table outside with her dog beneath a red awning at Duke Bakery in the Great Rivers & Routes region

Have a Picnic at Riverview Park

Riverview Drive at Bluff Street, Alton, IL

Grab a picnic blanket and a doggie bag because Riverview Park is the perfect place to bring your pet for a relaxing afternoon. This peaceful park is tucked away on top of the bluffs and has spectacular views of the river that you and your pet won’t want to miss.

Signage and a gazebo at Riverview Park in Southwest Illinois

Credit: John Metcalf

Walk or Bike the MCT Confluence Trail

The MCT Confluence Trail is a paved pathway, stretching between Granite City along the Chain of Rocks Canal and the eastern banks of the Mississippi River to the City of Alton. There are 23-miles filled with beautiful views of the boats along the river, and even views of the Clark Bridge for you and your best friend to enjoy.

It's a great trail for dogs of all sizes too - smaller pups can ride along in a bike basket and take in the scenery, while larger dogs are happy running alongside your bike or setting the pace on a walk. Build in stops at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower, and Melvin Price Locks and Dam for water breaks and to see the sites.

Small dog rides in a woman's backpack while bike riding

Hike Around Pere Marquette State Park

Take a drive down the river road to Pere Marquette State Park, which has nearly 8,000 acres of scenic beauty to sniff around and explore. It is one of the most picturesque and beautiful parks on the Illinois River. Your pet will enjoy hiking trails, fishing holes and scenic drives, all of which can be found on maps at the Visitors Center, located at 13112 Visitor Center Ln., Grafton, as you pull into the park.

Pere Marquette State Park walkway with view of river in the Great Rivers & Routes region.

Treat Your Pup to a Spa Day

After a long hike, your dog will probably need a nice bath. Sham Pooches has professional groomers who will pamper your pooch with one-on-one attention and care. They offer anything ranging from basic haircuts to nail clippings to luxury shampoo and conditioning treatments to suit your dog’s needs.

The appointments are relaxing for the dogs and provide them with a level of comfort, compassion and safety that they deserve. When you bring your fur baby to Sham Pooches, you can be confident that your pet will be treated with love and leave looking flawless, from head to paw. Sham Pooches services can be received at their location in Alton, 1735 Main Street.

Stay the Night at a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Don’t let the fun end there! Our region has comfortable overnight options that welcome dogs as readily as their owners.

The Great Rivers Hotel- Located at 3559 College Ave, this hotel is pet friendly and has great amenities for the humans. It offers an indoor pool and hot tub, exercise room, and the very sought after bar and restaurant, Great Rivers Tap and Grill which is located in the hotel.
Green Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast - You can also enjoy a peaceful stay in the heart of the historical village Elsah, Illinois. The village is situated between the beautiful limestone bluffs and hills next to the Mississippi River. Part of what makes this bed and breakfast inn, located at 15 Mill Street, Elsah, IL, such a unique place to stay with your furry friend is the village it’s in, which is known as the ‘town where time stood still.’

Get Your Pup a Souvenir They'll Love

Before heading home, make one last stop and let your dog pick out something to remember the trip by:

Four Muddy Paws - Specialty shop stocked with fun toys, treats, and supplies.
Whisker Bones Supply Co - Dog and cat treat bakery and boutique carrying toys and select foods, including human-grade meals from local maker Pup Kitchen.
Petco - Reliable stop for toys, treats, food, and any supplies you may need for the trip home.

Take a Hike! Best Spots to Stretch Your Legs Learn More

Pet-Friendly Patios for Pooches Learn More

Enjoy a Pet-Cation in Southwest Illinois Learn More