Dog walking in Ottawa

Stoneyville

36

When you and your dog are itching to get outside into some green space, no need to worry, because the neighborhood of Stoneyville has plenty! This neighborhood in the south end of Ottawa is home to Varland Park and Peck Park. Both of these parks have athletic fields and large grassy areas that you and your dog can enjoy as long as they stay leashed and there are no games in play. These clean and secluded parks are family-oriented, and both have restrooms, shelters, and benches available to use. The Peck Park also has concession stands open seasonally, where you can get burgers, chips, tacos, and much more.

W Norris Dr/ Columbus St

24

In this neighborhood, you can find a pretty little haven of a park that also has historical meaning. The Lincoln Douglas Park was the location of the Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. This park is friendly to leashed dogs, so you and your furry friends can take a look at the monuments while you stroll along the walking path that surrounds the park. The park also features athletic fields, restrooms, seasonal concession stands and a swimming pool. After working up an appetite, check out Culver’s in the same neighborhood! This restaurant has dog friendly outdoor tables, Wisconsin cheese curds, and it’s own signature ButterBurgers.

Courtney St/ Christie St

12

Locals and dogs love living in the Courtney Street / Christie Street neighborhood in Ottawa for it’s great parks and greenery! One of the furtastic places to hang and make new dog friends is Allan Park. This park is located along the scenic Illinois River, with great views of the downtown district and the river itself. The park features a riverwalk, docks, boat launches and fishing areas so park visitors can make full use of the river. Other amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, and playgrounds. Just south of here, you can find the Kiwanis Park. The Kiwanis Park is a great place to have a picnic with your pooch, as it has sheltered tables and grills available to use. Both of these parks are dog friendly, as long as he or she stays leashed and is picked up after.

Ottawa Ave/ Boyce Memorial Dr

0

In the neighborhood of Ottawa Ave / Boyce Memorial Drive, you can catch the iconic Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail. This trail is part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy, and covers nearly 80 miles through the counties of Grundy, La Salle and Will with varying landscapes of bluffs, rivers and rolling hills. The majority of the trail in this portion is flat and smooth, and is preserved from a canal towpath. It offers a picturesque and historic path to walk along with your pupper. This is a multi-use trail, so you’ll need to keep your dog leashed and all times, and pick up after him or her.