I say midwest but I mean specifically North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
It has been quite the year for all of us; and between wildfires and COVID-19; many adventures plans have been uprooted! I have recently made my way back to the midwest from Oregon after the camper unfortunately lost it’s battle against the wildfires in Oregon. Therefore I decided to come up with a list of the best Dogventures in the Midwest! Bear in mind; it is best to find a dogventure nearest to you to keep the pandemic numbers manageable for the health system! Now I present to you: the doggiest of adventures in the Midwest!
1. Kayak on Detroit Lake, Minnesota
Or really, any lake in Minnesota. You have 10,000 to choose from, and many, many public accesses to use, most of which have nifty signs directing you to their whereabouts. Chloe loves spending time on the water; and the midwest is a great place for kayak adventures ♡
2.Stargazing in Custer National Forest, South Dakota
One of the darkest places in the midwest, makes for incredible views of the milky way. You can stay at the awesome campground at Reva Gap campground (found on freecampsites.net) and star gaze for free! There is also great hunting in this area, and much to explore to the south, with the badlands/blackhills nearby and to the north, with Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
3. Explore the waves at Door County Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a great place to explore with your adventure dog! With rolling hills, plentiful trees and the Great Lakes nearby; I’ve completely fallen in love with Wisconsin. Baraboo area has so much to explore (Devils Lake State Park, Pewit’s Nest area); but one of my favorite spots has been Door County. Madeline Island near the Apostle Islands is especially pet friendly; and Cave Point county park is a gorgeous spot to explore with your pup, with very entertaining holes in the ground that make noise when the waves hit the shore.
4. Hike to the Only Waterfall in North Dakota
Outside of Lisbon, North Dakota you will find the one, the only, the most eagerly sought: the only natural waterfall in the state of North Dakota! It is called Mineral Springs waterfall located in the Sheyenne National Forest. And guess what- I haven’t been there yet!! I hear that bug spray is important, as are long pants and boots! It sounds like a pretty fun adventure, and is definitely on the list to enjoy this fall (keep an eye on our Facebook group for updates)! At about an hour and a half from Fargo; this hike is a must-do.
5. Explore Downtown Stillwater, MN
Stillwater Minnesota is a beautiful town, on the La Croix River, bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin. There is an adorable walking path along the river, with bridges, boats and even gondolas; there is so much to explore in Stillwater. I highly recommend Mais Cupcakes downtown, and the St. Croix Vineyards as a perfect picnic spot that is pet friendly outside. Stillwater is the cutest little town to explore with your adventure dog; near the Twin Cities.
6. Catch some fish at Fort Stevenson State Park in Garrison, North Dakota
You know, I don’t always talk kindly about the good ole state of North Dakota; however Fort Stevenson State Park proves me wrong! With bluffs, beautiful Lake Sakakawea, dog friendly campsites, cabins and many boat rentals; a weekend escape at this state park makes for a great time! An hour south of Minot, and four hours from Fargo; this area of North Dakota is a must-do with your dog!
7. Explore the Mines of Spain in Dubuque, Iowa
Are you looking for a fun town to explore with your dog, with a river, an adorable down town scene and outdoor adventures too?! You better hit the road over to Dubuque, Iowa. My favorite part of this adventure, was finding these beautiful bluffs, walking around the trails and learning about the history. It was also fun to walk along the river!
8. Backcountry Canoe at the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota
Though Chloe is not the best duck hunter, she thoroughly enjoys spending time in the backwoods. Some of the best, most secluded back country in the U.S. is right over in Northern Minnesota. From hunting, fishing, camping, stargazing and canoeing, to just plain old exploring; the Boundary Waters are indescribable in their beauty and peace. Leave no trace is the biggest rule.♡ Despite the large, rural area it can be busy some summer weekends. Be sure your dog is quiet, well trained in a canoe or kayak, and that you dispose of their waste properly. Enjoy having a rodent free camping experience at the Boundary Waters if you bring your dog!
9. Houseboat Dogcation on Lake of the Woods
This is seriously on my bucket list. Did you know you can rent AN ENTIRE HOUSEBOAT and just hangout on the water, exploring beautiful northern Minnesota and Canada with your dog? You can bring your family too if you so desire. If it’s swimming, hiking, exploring fall foliage, or catching glimpses of wildlife and botany; a houseboat dogcation is a comfortable yet satisfying way to adventure in the Midwest.
10. Cross Country Ski at Lewis and Clark State Park in Epping, ND
State parks in the midwest are SO incredible. So we don’t have REI and all of their events. Instead we have state parks, educating about geology, wildlife, plants, and offering adventures for the winter months including cross country skiing. Lewis and Clark state park in ND is a beautiful place to explore that lies just east of Williston. There is also Turtle River state park outside of Grand Forks, ND, Lake Metigoshi, and Cross Ranch State Parks for winter adventure. But let’s say you’re reading this in the spring? Head on down to La Que Parle State Park in Minnesota. You may think it a boring area of Minnesota, but migrating season is completely unforgettable. Pelicans EVERYWHERE; filling the lakes and rivers and flying around with their gorgeous golden beaks. Never underestimate the state park nearest to you in the MidWest- you never know the adventure it holds.
Pelicans at La Que Parle, State Park
11. Road trip up the North Shore Drive in Minnesota
My favorite time to do this drive is in March- when everything is still frozen and our winter weariness is coming in strong; but then there are the frozen waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls, the fun sledding at Terriguchi State Park; and if you keep going North by the Grand Portage State Park you won’t be disappointed! Minnesota’s largest waterfall is nearby, literally called High Falls and it is astounding in the winter months. And summer months.. and fall. Really all of the time; it is also 100% dog friendly as are many of the stops as you travel along the North Shore.
12. Backpack around the South Dakota Badlands
Just don’t get lost!! The Badlands of South Dakota are an incredible experience. You can camp anywhere in the park as long as you are out of sight of the roads! It is easy to get turned around here, as the trails are rather tough to follow and the terrain is unlike anything else! But your dog will have a blast chasing down gophers, while you can pretend you are an explorer on the moon, or just catch sight of some of the most astounding colors in the world for every sunrise and sunset.
Dogventures are everywhere…
It really is true. No matter where you are in the world, I bet there is a dogventure near you. Share your favorite local place you’ve been with your dog! Tell us what made it so great. Be safe this crazy year and enjoy the special moments; like when your dog looks up at you to remind you who’s the best dog ever; or when they snuggle after a hard day just because they love to make you smile. Now go chase down the happy tails and keep on those happy trails ♡
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Oh what an awesome list of places to visit and things to do! I love the variety! I so hope you can visit the only waterfall in North Dakota! I cannot believe there’s only one! Ive never liked winter things too much but I loved going cross country skiing. I can’t remember where exactly, gotta ask my mom, lol but it really was one of my favorite memories! And a houseboat sounds so fun! I want to join! What a fun adventure that would be! Hugs to you and Chloe!