Dog-Friendly Activities in Indianola, IA

Dogs are welcome at pet-friendly Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola, IA. This 770-acre park has more than seven miles of multi-use trails, including a trail along the shoreline of the lake and another that winds in through the woods. The centerpiece of this park is the 115-acre man-made lake in the center, perfect for recreational boat users and anglers. You can bring Fido with you into the park, but pets must remain on a leash under six feet for the duration of their visit.

The McVay Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Indianola! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the McVay Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Featuring artwork by over two dozen of the world's most celebrated artists, Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a pet-friendly attraction in Des Moines, IA. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the 4.4-acre park located downtown, and an audio tour is available on the Des Moines Art Center website. Picnicking is allowed in the park, but humans should be sure to keep food and drink away from the works of art and dispose of waste in the trash cans.

Living History Farms in Urbandale, IA is a dog-friendly, interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people to Midwestern rural life experiences. Leashed dogs are welcome but must remain outside of the buildings. This 500-acre outdoor museum features walking trails and tractor-drawn carts connecting the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill to each of the historical farms.

Paws & Pints is a unique, dog-friendly retreat in Des Moines, IA. Pet parents can enjoy a pint while watching Fido explore over 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor space with dog park amenities such as a jungle gym, walking trails and clean up stations. Be sure to visit the snack kitchen, bar and coffeehouse. Other features include an on-site vet clinic, dog daycare, lodging, grooming and training. Check their website for information on park passes and memberships.

Located in the heart of the Des Moines Metro area, Gray's Lake Park is a dog-friendly spot that's perfect for a walk with your leashed pup. The 167-acre park features a 1.9-mile lit trail, which encircles the lake. Dogs are not allowed on the designated swimming beach, and pets must be cleaned up after during their visit. Pet waste stations are located every half mile along the trail for your convenience. Please note that the park hours vary seasonally.

Walnut Woods State Park is a pet-friendly destination in West Des Moines, IA. You and Fido can enjoy 260 acres of woodlands along the banks of Raccoon River. The 2.5 miles of trails that weave through the black walnut trees, the largest surviving natural stand of these trees in the country, are a great attraction for dogs and their owners. Dogs are allowed on the trails, as long as they're cleaned up after and remain on a maximum 6' leash.

Brightside Aleworks is a family-owned microbrewery in Altoona, IA. Owners and their leashed pups are welcome outside on the pet-friendly shaded patio overlooking the park, where you can sip on craft beers. Pair sours, IPAs and stouts with bites from visiting food trucks.

Madison County Winery is a dog-friendly vineyard in Saint Charles, IA, where Fido is invited to relax with you at a table on their outdoor patio while you sip on a glass of your favorite red or white wine. They also have a rotating selection of beers on tap. Dogs are allowed to roam the vineyard and pasture off leash with you, but they must be leashed on the patio. You're also welcome to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy their grassy hillside stadium seating.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a stroll through the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens in Des Moines, IA. This pet-friendly attraction, situated on 1.7 acres south of the Botanical Garden, features an Asian pavilion atop a bridge, which spans a pond cascading into the Des Moines River. Stone pagodas, bonsai-like evergreens, lanterns and sculptural rock formations are also present in the Gardens. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after during their visit.

The Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines, IA welcomes leashed pooches to join you while browsing their selection of local produce, flowers, eggs, cheese, baked goods and more. This pet-friendly, open-air street market is located in the Historic Court District and takes place seasonally on Saturdays. There are also musical performances and family-friendly activities to enjoy. Check their website for a list of vendors and hours.

Raccoon River Dog Park is a 12-acre, fenced dog park where registered pups are welcome to get some off-leash exercise in West Des Moines, IA. The park includes separate areas for large and small dogs, and a permit is required in advance for entry. Check out the Parks & Recreation website for more information.

Confluence Brewing Company is a dog-friendly taproom serving locals and visitors to Des Moines, IA. Fido is welcome to accompany you for a refreshing beer seated beside a bench on the large, partially uncovered outside patio. Focused on creativity and craftsmanship, this micro brewery produce a wide variety of seasonal ales and experimental beer. Food trucks are often in attendance to provide patrons with tasty hand-held grub to be enjoyed alongside their beer of choice.

The Clive Greenbelt Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Des Moines! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Clive Greenbelt Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Campbell Recreation Area is a dog-friendly community park in Clive, IA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners for a picnic in the park or for a walk on the paved trails. Located on 34 acres, this popular park features athletic fields, playground equipment, a gazebo with picnic tables, and access to the pet-friendly Clive Greenbelt Trail.

Marv's Record Shop in the historic East Village of Des Moines, IA is pet friendly. Bring Fido as you look to find your next record in an environment with friendly staff and hand-picked background music. Be sure to check out their website for new offerings.

Rover's Ranch Dog Park and Training Center in Runnells, IA features an extensive fenced dog park with pools and trees. They also offer on-site training classes. Entrance fees are required for Fido to enjoy some off-leash exercise and socialization at this private park.

Spend a day on the water with Fido thanks to CanoeSport Outfitters, located at Raccoon River Park Boathouse in West Des Moines, IA. CanoeSport Outfitters offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and more. You and Fido can hop on board the vessels and explore the waters of Blue Heron Lake.

Fleet Farm is a chain sporting goods store with a dog-friendly location in Waukee, IA. Leashed dogs can join their owners inside to browse through outdoor gear such as fishing rods, kayaks, hunting supplies, power tools and more.

Two- and four-legged friends are welcome on the US Ghost Adventures tour in Des Moines, IA. This top-rated, pet-friendly attraction runs year-round and features a one-mile stroll. Participants will be led by an expert guide to haunted highlights like the Iowa State Capitol, Bicentennial Fountain, Wooly's, and Counties of Iowa Mosaic. Leashed dogs are welcome.