Dog-Friendly Activities in La Porte, IN

Located off Highway 35 between Michigan City and La Porte, IN, the Richardson Preserve—nicknamed the Hidden Hundred—is a dog-friendly natural area perfect for peaceful walks with your pup. With a mix of plant communities and nearly 300 native plant species, it’s a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting over 100 species, including hawks, owls, hummingbirds and woodpeckers.

Garwood Orchards in La Porte, IN has been a family farming business since 1831. This pet-friendly seasonal attraction welcomes leashed dogs to join their owners for a morning or afternoon picking apples. Well-behaved pets are welcome to hop aboard the tractor that will bring visitors out to the Upick orchard. Note that dogs aren't permitted in the market and must remain out of the berry and vegetable plant areas.

Allow Fido to expend his energy at the large off-leash dog run in Lurh Park, La Porte, IN. Outside of the enclosed dog run, visitors will find a nature center, two picnic pavilions, a playground, a workout area, and walking trails.

Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area is a pet-friendly conservation area in LaPorte, IN. You can bring Fido along while you explore the diverse habitats and recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and hiking. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash, but please remember to clean up after them.

Pet-friendly Kesling Park in La Porte, IN, welcomes leashed dogs. Explore this beautiful 90-acre park with your canine companion and stroll along Kesling Park Walking Trail, one of the most popular routes to walk. The park also features a playground, picnic area, sports courts and a soccer field.

Luhr County Bark Park is a fenced space for dogs to play off-leash in La Porte. Registration and Daily or Annual Permit are required for each dog present. Owners must present their No-Leash Dog Permit upon request. Daily fees start at $3 and annual fees start at $30 for residents and $4 and $40 for non-residents. Luhr County Bark Park is open to the public every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Springfield Fen Nature Preserve features dog-friendly trails in La Porte, IN. Please note that hunting is allowed in season, so use caution when visiting. There is a parking lot along Wilhelm Rd.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Red Mill County Park, a pet-friendly park and preserve near La Porte, IN. This area offers multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, fishing, picnic areas, a restroom facility, and a playground.

Warren Dunes State Park has a beautiful pet-friendly beach on Lake Michigan in Sawyer, MI. Dogs are allowed in the campground, forested trails, boardwalks, and north of the northernmost swim buoy at the beach, which provides two and a half miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under the direct control of their owner at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. Entry fees apply.

Hickory Creek Winery in Buchanan, MI, welcomes leashed dogs to join their owners as they enjoy a glass of its small-batch wine. Fido may even meet the owner's dogs, as they usually greet guests as they arrive. Hickory Creek produces classic, European-style wines made from locally grown grapes. The pet-friendly Winery offers snack-sized charcuterie plates and partners with The Blueberry Store, which carries an assortment of products and treats for your furry friend.

Bark Park at Creek Ridge County Park is a leash-free dog exercise area in Michigan City, IN. This 3-acre fenced park is an ideal spot to let Fido run and burn off his energy. Registration and the purchase of an annual or daily permit is required. Fees are paid on site. Owners must present their No-Leash Dog Permit upon request.

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve in New Carlisle, IN, is pet-friendly. Explore 320 acres on trails through wetlands, woods and old-growth fields with your leashed pooch for company. Dog owners are reminded to clean up after pups to preserve the cleanliness of the area. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve can be accessed every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Bring Fido to Warren Woods State Park in Three Oaks, MI. This pet-friendly recreation area offers a quiet 1-mile hiking trail that leads over a bridge overlooking the rustic Galien River. Please note your furry friend isn't permitted in buildings or the swimming areas during your visit.

Brincka Cross Gardens is pet-friendly. Developed by an artist, this beautiful garden in Michigan City welcomes dogs to join their owners on a walking tour. You and your pooch are welcome to explore four acres of landscaped gardens and 21 acres of pristine woodlands. The gardens boast hundreds of hostas, daffodils, crabapple trees, ornamental grasses, and more, all surrounding a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired house. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. Brincka Cross Gardens are open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Bark Park at Bluhm County Park is a leash-free dog exercise area in Westville, IN. This 3-acre fenced park is an ideal spot to let Fido run and burn off his energy. Registration and the purchase of an annual or daily permit is required. Fees are paid on site. Owners must present their No-Leash Dog Permit upon request.

Come and experience the Gardens’ abundant nature and wildlife along the walking and hiking trails. We have multiple dog walking trails of varying length through the valley of Trail Creek. You can choose a short dog friendly trail if you are pressed for time, or go down multiple paths while enjoying the wonderful features the Gardens have to offer. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Please come prepared to clean up after your pet. Let’s keep the garden trails serene and clean for all visitors.

Bendix Woods County Park is pet-friendly. Explore a variety of wooded trails that wind around 195 acres of protected land in New Carlisle. Along the way, peer into ponds and play in fields with your leashed pooch. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. Bendix Woods County Park is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Hensler Nursery in Hamlet, IN is pet friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this farm to help choose the tree for your home this Christmas. Whether you're looking for a huge tree or a smaller pine, you'll find something that fits at this well-stocked farm.

Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at Mangata Beer Co. in Union Pier, MI. This local brewery features pet-friendly seating both inside the taproom and outside, where owners can enjoy craft brews, lagers, IPAs, seltzers, and more. An assortment of snacks is available, but visitors can also bring in outside food.

Kemil Beach within the Indiana Dunes State Park in Portner, IN is pet friendly. Your leashed furry friend is welcome to swim and roll around in the sand as long as you clean up after him. Please note the parking lot can fill up quickly on summer weekends, and a state park fee is involved to enter. A trail is also available at the lot.