Pam
2 rescue dogs
Reviews (28)
Okay stay
La Quinta by Wyndham Milwaukee SW New BerlinMany other people have written that the place was in severe need of remodeling. Out room was newly renovated and quite nice. I always bring a sheet to cover the bed and a couple towels to cover chairs and was glad I did because of the white bedspread. The rest of the hotel was undergoing remodeling. The end of the hall where we were, had a bit of carpeting covering bare concrete and other areas were mid process, so there were unfinished areas. No big deal at all.
None of the ice machines worked. Maybe it was part of the whole remodel. The breakfast was adequate with the usual collection of cereals, breads, eggs, sausage, yogurts, etc. The one disturbing finding in our otherwise clean room, was a bloody finger spot on the back of the chair at the workstation. I am guessing it was perhaps left by someone that needed to do a finger stick to check their blood sugar. I pointed it out to the employee that checked us in the day before, as she happened to be walking by as we were preparing to leave.
Nice lake view
Moose Lake Brewing CompanyPatio on the back of the brewery faced the lake. Shade sails over the patio helped keep the area cooler for us and our dogs, but it started getting a bit too warm for the dogs, so we left sooner than we might have otherwise. The patio area is walled in, and had only 1 entry/exit. Our dogs were surprised by another dog’s entrance to the area, and we had to do a bit of finagling on our part to depart the patio (more training needs for our dogs).We brought our own water dish, but saw they had at least one available. The bartender inside was nice, and was great about explaining the different brews.
Privacy between sites
Moose Lake State ParkNice areas of trees, bushes etc between sites so it felt very private. Main hiking trails well mowed. The boat landing area looked like a potential good area for dogs to swim. Deer flies at this time of year prevented us from hiking as much as we normally do, but they were not too bothersome at our campsite.
There is an interstate a bit less than a mile from the campground (across the lake), but I didn’t find the sort of background noise disturbing or preventing us from enjoying ourselves.
A long time favorite
Gordy's Hi-HatHave been coming here for decades when we are in the area. First time here in a long time, and it is as good as I remember it being. You can order a burger without a bun for your pup. Our current dogs enjoyed their first Gordy’s.
No leashes
Kettle Moraine Southern CampgroundWe stayed at the Ottawa Lake campground. When I took the dogs to the designated dog swimming area, the majority of dogs did not have leashes on while going to the lake. Kind of a conundrum as leashes may limit swimming while in the lake. There was a sign to indicate where dogs were allowed to swim. Nice area for dogs to be far from the human beach.
Pretty park
Flandrau State ParkA gem of a state park on the edge of the city of New Ulm. Not able to access a couple sections of 2 trails due to recent rains/flooding, but the campground was not impacted at all. There were plenty of trails with great views.
Just up and over the hill you to go into the city where there were other places to walk around with the doggos and see the sites.
Be aware of the birds
Grain Belt Beer - Schell’s BreweryStopped early on a weekday. We had the deck to ourselves on a lovely day. There was a fountain just inside the door to fill our dogs water bowl.
There are 2 peacocks wander freely around the grounds. Our dogs had never seen such a thing before. Took a bit for them to settle, but the peacocks meandered off, and all was well.
Fun place
Sunken Ship Brewing CompanyA nice taproom to bring your pup to. Water available to fill your dog’s bowl while you are having a beverage (beer, seltzer and non alcohol choices). There have been various food trucks there on weekends, plus snacks available for the humans. Lots of indoor and some outdoor seating, so no matter the weather, there is somewhere for you and your pup to enjoy yourselves.
Great outdoor space
Giovanni's Pizza at Starry Eyed BrewingCame to this brewery to escape the bugs at our campsite earlier this summer. It was warm and breezy, but the umbrella on the table plus the picnic table itself gave shade for us to cool off with our doggos. Didn’t try the pizza, but thoroughly enjoyed the beers we tried. They had a water dish for pups, but I brought our own and the beer tender gladly filled it for us.
Needed treat on a hot day
Dairy QueenWe stopped at the drive through with our 2 pups, as the outdoor tables were in the full sun with no shade available and it was a very warm and sunny day. The pup cups cost a bit over a dollar each, but had a generous dollop of DQ and 2 milk bones each (which the pups enjoyed when we got back to where we were staying).
Our server was friendly and we enjoyed our people treats too.
Nice, but be prepared for bugs (it’s summer after all)
Charles A. Lindbergh State ParkNice campground with shaded sites and a creek that runs behind the campground. Hiking challenging only due to lots of mosquitoes and some muddy spots on trails: couldn’t stop to take photos because of mosquitoes. Smaller state park with Lindbergh home/museum across from the State Park (with separate admission fee). There were notes on bathrooms and shower doors that hot water may be an issue, and to let staff/campground hosts know if it is an issue. No problems while we were there.
Pup cups
Dairy QueenI had to run into Starbuck to pick a couple things needed at our nearby campsite. I grabbed a couple of DQ treats for the humans and was able to get pup cups for our dogs. Since I was headed back to the campground, we didn’t stay at the seating area, but the pups enjoyed their treats in the vehicle. The server was friendly and prompt.
Challenging but doable hikes
Judge C.R. Magney State ParkThe hike to Devil’s kettle is over large rocky surfaces, and includes many stairs. Spring flooding (2022) limited one main trail and destroyed an overlook, but did not diminish the hike. I find it a bit difficult to manage up/down hills and stairs with dogs while being compliant with the 6 foot leash rule, as my dogs move much quicker than I.
Great spot
Voyageur Brewing CompanyWe went with our 2 pups for lunch. There was the option of the main floor deck with the full menu, and the upper deck with limited food options. The service was prompt and friendly. Several other dogs and their people came as we were there.
Can’t wait to return
Lamb's Resort & CampgroundWe spent 4 nights camping at Lamb’s with our 2 dogs and 2 cats. A beautiful spot on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Lots of room to roam around the campground, plus there are trails to the beach and along the Cross River falls. They have several dog clean up stations around the campground.
There are everything from tent sites up to full hook up sites for RV’s. Super clean bathrooms, shower houses and a great dishwashing station for the humans. There is not a dump station (if you don’t have a full hook up), but it was not a difficult drive to Silver Bay (26 miles down the road) to empty. We already booked a return trip for next year, to do more hikes with our pups.
Hiking fun
Glacial Lakes State ParkLovely shaded campground with grassy sites. Many dogs present when we were there. Shower area a bit tired, but functional. Dump station requires you to leave campground and turn vehicle around ( we used boat ramp area to do this) as dump station on “wrong side” of trailers/campers. It is opposite of lake side, so I think it is to protect the lake. I get it. Those are why I didn’t give review 5 bones. Lots of hiking trails. Most are very hilly because of how the land was formed. Beautiful vistas. Spring fed lake with no motors besides electric trolling motors allowed. Dogs not allowed on beach, but there are other places you may be able to access lake to let your pup swim.
Relaxing time
Galena Cellars Winery & VineyardMy hubby, dog and I went to the vineyard to taste some wine and spend time outdoors. There is a new tasting room that opened recently. We left the dog in the vehicle while making our initial selections and went to the empty outdoor seating area. Nice spread out tables with shade trees and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. It was a bit cool and cloudy outside, but it was a pleasant time for the 3 of us.
I picked up someone else’s dog’s poo in an effort to be an good ambassador for others looking for places they can take their pooches.
Small, but wonderful
Father Hennepin State ParkAugust 2021: We were staying at a different state park, but this was nearby. Had a nice chat with one of the rangers and learned a bit more about the park. Wonderful sand beach that you and your pup can enjoy together. Trails were pleasant to walk, and not too long.
A favorite park
Mille Lacs Kathio State ParkThis state park has tons of trails to hike, a river to fish in or your pup could splash around, a beach and lake (only for humans). Our favorite hike is along the Rum River near the main campground. The camp sites have bushes and trees between them, so you have your own space for you and your pup to enjoy.
Great fall destination
Wild River State ParkWe stayed during the week so the campground was nearly empty. Lots of trails for a variety of hikes/walks with your doggo.
Wonderful wandering
Franconia Sculpture ParkA great place to take your pup. Sculptures spread out over a large area, so you feel like you have the place to yourself.
Nice patio
Mugg's of Mille LacsThe patio was updated in 2021. Lots of tables and shade and water bowls available for your dogs.
Yum!
The TendermaidThis place was recommended by our dog’s foster Mom. We were able to sit in a shady spot and enjoy our sandwiches and shakes. We recommend the butterscotch shake.
Yum!
Lakeview Drive InnWe were unable to eat at their outdoor tables since a thunderstorm was coming through, but the servers were prompt and the food was great drive-in fare. Our pup was flirting with the servers, so one of them ran her out a treat ahead of her doggy sundae.
Worth stopping
Porter Sculpture ParkThe location on Interstate 90 is about 25 minutes west of Sioux Falls, so if you’re expecting it to be right in town, it’s not. It’s easily viewed from the interstate while headed west and is easy to get to.
The admission fee is reasonable. I enjoyed walking around looking at sculptures and written pieces by the artist Wayne, while my dog sniffed and enjoyed the walk. The artist is on the grounds and is very welcoming to people and their dogs. He said he usually has a water dish for visiting dogs, but it recently blew away.
I’ve driven by this place multiple times over the years on my way elsewhere. It’s worth the time to pull over, get out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, as well as your pups, and look around.
Pretty park
Scenic State ParkWent on a camping trip to this park in mid June. Great hiking trails. Bonus of seeing the Minnesota State flower in bloom. Clean lake if your pup likes to swim.
Actually a 4-1/2 bone review
Myre-Big Island State ParkThe park is wonderful with 2 separate campgrounds. We stayed on the island campground that offered plenty of shade. Newer bathrooms and showers for the humans. Excellent hiking trails to be enjoyed through various areas. All the staff take extreme pride in their work of keeping this park beautiful. Saw lots of dogs out and about in our adventures.
The only reason I can’t give 5 bones is for the lake. Not suitable for swimming if you have a dog that likes the water. Not the park’s fault at all. Do not let that deter you from visiting.
Weekday Gem
Helluva Half MileWe went walking with our dog on a Monday when the crowds were smaller. Lots of room to move with part of the main street blocked off to traffic. The clerk at New Earth animal was fawning over our dog and helping us find a toy for our girl who destroys most toys in minutes. Fresh water bowl outside the door of the store was a plus. I was told many other stores would allow dogs in, if you ask.
Would not attempt this on weekends with my dog, as it is too crowded.