Dog walking in Columbus

Sheldonville

The Sheldonville neighborhood lies on the northern corner of Columbus. The region is known for being part of the Loup Power District, which houses the dam and lots of natural acres. 31 of those acres belong to Loup Park, which features lakefront areas along Babcock Lake. Dogs are welcome at the park, although must remain on leash. Fido can join in the fun at the picnic areas, fishing, and camping sites. The Two Lakes Trail is a paved hiking path that extends 3 miles throughout the park, starting at the west end of Lake Babcock and meandering around Lake North. Features of the park include restrooms, benches and trash bins.

Platte Center

Platte Center is the largest neighborhood in Columbus, and is home to the Lookingglass Creek State Wildlife Preserve, a 67-acre park that offers one of the few outdoor, dog-friendly activities in the neighborhood. The preserve has plenty of wildlife, nature trails, forested areas and open fields to explore. Fido must remain on a leash throughout the preserve. Nearby, Camp Pawnee is also dog-friendly, and offers a marked campsite for you and Fido to share. Dogs must remain on a leash 10 feet or shorter at the campsite.

Columbus City Center

The Columbus City Center is filled with lots of neighborhoods and busy communities. Luckily, the area has plenty of options to exercise Fido! One of those options is the Pawnee Park, a 153-acre park that lies on the Loup River, with grassy fields, river access, and paved paths. Dogs are welcome at the park, but must remain on a leash and stay out of the river. The park includes benches, trash bins, and water fountains. For a less popular option, stroll on over to Bradshaw Park. This dog-friendly place  takes up 18 acres that is filled with baseball, football, and soccer fields, and welcomes your pup as long as no games are going on. The park also features restrooms and water fountains.

Southeastern Columbus

On the edge of town lies the Southeastern Columbus neighborhood, a more secluded area that's perfect for camping and hiking. A quiet park known at Tailrace Park is the best place to bring Fido for some nature trails and water access. Fido must remain on a leash and cannot go in the water, or on the children's playground, but he can enjoy the picnic and grilling areas, fishing on the shoreline, walking the trails, and playing in the open fields. The neighborhood also hosts another dog-friendly campsite known as Agriculture Park Campground, a free campground that doesn't require a fee and allows stays up to 7 days. Fido must remain on leash while in the campground.

Centennial

The Centennial neighborhood offers the heart of downtown experience in Columbus. Although the smallest neighborhood, there are still plenty of dog-friendly activities. For some exercise, head over to Frankfort Square, a one-block park with grassy fields and paved trails outlining the park. Fido is welcome, but must remain on a leash, even during the summer concerts that are performed here. One block north is the Glur's Tavern, a bar with pub grub and dog-friendly outdoor seating. If you're staying in town, the Super 8 Motel is a dog-friendly option, which allows up to two dogs for a small fee.