Dog walking in Makanda

Giant City State Park

With Giant City State Park completely surrounding Makanda, you and your pooch would be barking mad not to check it out! The park is named after Giant City Streets, huge sandstone bluffs that were formed over twelve thousand years ago. It goes almost without saying that the preserve is breathtakingly beautiful, featuring untamed, forested wilderness and carpeted with ferns, unique wildflowers, and flowering mint. Not only that, but you’ll find a trail here for every age and ability. With Makanda as a base, you could spend days or weeks exploring here!

Sherwood/ Briarwood

You’ll have to cross the state line into Missouri to get to the closest fenced area where your furry friend can run free, but once your fur-baby gets through the double gates at the Dog Town Playground in Kiwanis Park, you’ll be glad you made the trip! Located in the historic Mississippi riverside college town of Cape Girardeau, this off-leash area is a pawfect place for your pup to play and socialize. There’s plenty of room in both the large and small dog areas for even the most energetic of pups to run around and tire themselves out in, and bags and water are provided.

Alto Pass

Another oasis of civilization in the middle of Giant City State Park, Alto Pass is home to the excellent Hedman Vineyards and Peachbarn -- and after all, since you’re in wine country, it’d be a huge faux paw not to go for a tasting! Hedman Vineyards is part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and they do a fantastic Traminette. Your pooch is welcome at an outdoor tasting, as long as they're leashed! Afterward, you two can chow down at The Peachbarn, an onsite restaurant that serves up the best in Swedish cuisine and caters to canines outside.

Southwest Murphysboro

Compact, friendly and just a seventeen-minute drive from Makanda, the small city of Murphysboro really is a mutts-visit! It’s home to the furrific Friends of Murphysboro Dog Park, which has the distinction of being the first dog park in southern Illinois. The dog run might not be as big as the one in Cape Girardeau, but there’s still enough space for a large furball to leap about to their heart’s content, even when the park is crowded. Like the Cape Girardeau park, there’s a separate small dog area, too. Bags and water are provided, so just bring your pup and prepare to play!

Downtown Carbondale

Laid-back and full of charm, Carbondale is home to the University of Southern Illinois, an institution that has been supplying Makanda with artists for years. Not only that, but Pure Pet is based here, and a treat from this local gem will certainly make your pup sit up and beg! Aptly located on Sweets Drive, Pure Pet stocks everything from healthy daily rewards to more occasional indulgences. Of course, owners need to eat, too! Don’t worry, though -- many restaurants in Carbondale are fur-friendly. Bandana B-B-Q serves up a great Brunswick stew, and welcomes wagging tales at their outdoor tables.