Dog walking in Chrisman

East County

If you go east from Georgetown, about 15 miles from Chrisman, you will get to Harry "Babe" Woodyard State Natural Area. While it is smaller than some other nature preserves, it's the pawfect place to come and let your dog play. It's secluded and is sometimes used as an off-leash area. The park doesn't enforce the leash law, but you are responsible for your pet. If she is a runner, you may want to keep her on the leash. Bring lots of water, because there is no running water here. Don't forget to bring a ball because this is a great place to play fetch.

Downtown

Bridgeton, Illinois is about forty-five miles away, but it does have a unique opportunity for you and your dog. You can tour the Bridgeton Mill, one of the oldest mills in the area. This is a great place to come and walk over the beautiful, historic footbridge. There is even an ice cream stand where you and your dog can sit and share a cone on a hot day. Dogs aren't allowed inside the mill itself but are more than welcome to explore the grounds. Please bring a leash. Remember that you'll have to clean up after your pup, so don't forget the doggie waste bags.

Central Mattoon

Rails-to-Trails is one of our favorite organizations because it creates pet-friendly environments that are safe and fun to explore. The 12-mile Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail is mostly paved, but some sections are still just grass. Two miles of the trail wind around a ball field while the other ten miles stretch between Charleston and Matton. There are restrooms and fountains at each end of the trail, but you will want to bring some water with you. Make sure you have doggie waste bags with you as well. This is an on-leash trail, but with so much to do, your pup won't mind!

13th Street

Right on the edge of the town of Casey, which is about a 45-minute drive, you will find Casey Country Club. This country club is the proud owner of the World's Largest Golf Tee, which is 30.5 feet tall. This unique attraction makes for the pawfect photo op! When you're finished snapping pics, stop by the little diner and grab a bite to eat. They have a pet-friendly patio where you can dine. Remember that there are golfers around; always keep your dog safely on the leash. This is a really great opportunity to get out of the car and stretch your legs if you are just passing through.

Main Street

It took the small town of Casey two years to build the world's largest wind chimes. You can bring your dog with you to see and hear these chimes, as long as you keep her on her leash. It is 56 feet high. Besides being a barktastic photo opportunity,  this is a great area to walk. The entire city of Casey has many sights to see. However,  most of them are not pet-friendly sights. You can see them from afar, but you will not be able to get up close. The wind chimes are about a mile from the World's Largest Golf Tee.