Best pet-friendly hotels and getaways in Illinois
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Carrie and Zuzu taking a ferry to Washington Island, Wisconsin. Photo: Courtesy of Matt Planer
When I travel, I'm often forced to leave one important family member at home — my dog (Zuzu)!
Yes, but: More destinations now offer dog-friendly options for those of us who don't like leaving our best bud behind.
The big picture: Whether it's the high cost to board your pet or just separation anxiety (yours and theirs), traveling with your pup is becoming more popular.
- Twenty-two percent of both cat and dog owners reported taking their animals on at least three flights in 2023, up from 13% for dogs and 14% for cats in 2022, NBC reported.
Reality check: Airlines and most hotels will charge a pet fee, but some owners say that cost pales in comparison to kennels, dog sitters and, of course, peace of mind.
Zoom out: If you're looking for nearby pet-friendly getaways, Illinois has plenty.
Here are some options, including distance from Chicago:
McHenry County, 1 hour and 15 minute drive
The vibe: Small town with plenty of outdoor activities.
If you go: Moraine Hills State Park has dog-friendly hiking trails, prairies and woodlands.
- The McHenry County Craft Beverage Trail offers 11 breweries, distilleries and wineries, many with dog-friendly patios and outdoor spaces.
- Reeses Barkery & Pawtique has gourmet dog treats in downtown McHenry.
Grafton, 5-hour drive
Zoom in: The southwest Illinois town is right on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.
What to expect: Grafton Sky Tour & Aerie's Resort has gondola rides up the bluffs (pups, too!) to Aerie's Resort, which has outdoor spaces with scenic river views.
- Grafton Getaway Houses have pet-friendly vacation rentals near local wineries and hiking trails.
Southern Illinois, 5-hour drive
The big picture: The region is home to one of the most scenic parts of the state — Shawnee National Forest & Garden of the Gods — which offers pet-friendly hiking trails and panoramic views.
- Cave-in-Rock State Park is another outdoor option.
- Scratch Brewing Company is a James Beard-nominated farmhouse brewery where you can sip your beer while your dog enjoys the outdoor space.
- Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins has treehouse cabins nestled in the forest and pups are allowed too.
Zoom in: If you're looking for something closer to home, plenty of Chicago hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations — some even without a fee.
- Hotel Lincoln is across from Lincoln Park and doesn't have a pet fee.
- The Peninsula pampers your pup with doggie massages (!) and an in-room pet dining menu.
The bottom line: Rather than worrying about them at home, pack the pup and let them enjoy vacation, too.