Dog Friendly Hotel Stays in Illinois

Other no-fee hotels include Hotel Zachary in Wrigleyville and the Gold Coast’s Thompson Chicago, less than a half mile from the shoreline Lakefront Trail. One block north, Viceroy Chicago hands out a curated pet map, which highlights pet-friendly shopping, dining and attractions. In-room amenities include a dog bed and water bowls, courtesy bags, plus dog-walking services (fee: $50 for dogs under 25 pounds with a limit of two per room).

This charming small town welcomes leashed pets to its parks and nature preserves. Explore Grant Park, named for the 18th president who lived here prior to his presidency. Cross the river on your way to the historic downtown with more than 125 unique boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Dine on a pet-friendly patio such as Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape and bring along a picnic and enjoy the pet-friendly tasting room and outdoor seating at Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery. Pets can stay (fee: $25) in the Vineyard’s two-bedroom farmhouse and a guest suite. Rent a home from Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa (fee: $75 for dogs at least 2 years old and under 40 pounds; limit two per property). LeFevre Inn and Resort welcomes dogs with homemade dog cookies, a squeaky toy, courtesy bags and a water bowl. Poodles stay for free, all other breeds pay a fee ($55). The inn is less than 1.5 miles from Horseshoe Mound, a nature preserve with views of three states and multiple trails for you and your leashed pet to explore.

Home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, this college town has more than 35 restaurants within two blocks of the Hyatt Place (fee: $75 fee up to six nights, seven to 30 nights: $75 plus a $100 additional cleaning fee, 50 pound limit or 75 pound limit if two dogs; limit two per room). Take home barbecue from Black Dog Smoke and Ale House, or spice things up with Nashville Hot Chicken from Watson’s Shack and Rail. To the north, off Interstate-74 sits Candlewood Suites Champaign-Urbana University Area (fee: $20, up to 80 pounds) and the Best Western Plus (fee: $40 per pet, per night; max two dogs, up to 80 pounds). It’s less than 5 miles to Kaufman Lake and the Heritage Park Loop trail. The fairly flat trail encircles two lakes and is 2.3 miles long.  

Prior to moving into the White House, Abraham Lincoln called the capital city home. Bring your leashed pup to see some of the Lincoln sites, such as the grounds of his Lincoln Home near the Illinois State Capitol Complex. Most downtown patios welcome leashed pups. After dark, you and your dog can join the Lincoln’s Ghost Walk, a 90-minute guided walking tour. Dog-friendly chain hotels like Staybridge Suites Springfield South (fee: $75 fee for six nights or less, $150 for seven nights or more), Home2 Suites by Hilton Springfield (fee: $50 fee for one to four nights; $75 for five or more nights, 100 pound and no more than two per room limit), and Residence Inn Springfield South (fee: $150, 75 pound limit) ring the city.  

Wide-open green spaces, including state parks, an arboretum and formal gardens, abound in the City of Gardens. Leashed dogs are welcome to roam the grounds of Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens and Sinnissippi Park abut one another along the Rock River. While downtown, grab a bite on the patio at Prairie Street Brewing Company. Overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn Rockford (fee: $75 fee, or $100 for five-plus nights, limit two per room) or Candlewood Suites Rockford (fee: $50, 80 pounds limit). Holiday Inn Express and Suites (fee: $50 fee) is a five-minute drive from Rock Cut State Park and its 40 miles of hiking trails.  

Prior to Prohibition, this river town was known as the Whiskey Capital of the World. The riverfront, home to Caterpillar and the Peoria Riverfront Museum, makes for a leisurely stroll less than 1 mile from Four Points by Sheraton (fee: $50 for dogs under 50 pounds, limit two per room). Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery makes handmade dog biscuits from spent grains. Settle into the pooch-friendly patio for a whiskey-glazed pub burger. Across the river in East Peoria, Embassy Suites by Hilton welcomes dogs (fee: $75 or $125 for five-plus nights, limit two per room). Take your pup for a walk along the East Peoria Riverfront Park on your way to dog-friendly Bass Pro Shops, less than a mile from the hotel.

Leashed dogs can get in all the sniffs at the sprawling Shawnee National Forest, which encompasses the southern tip of the state. Base yourself in college-town Carbondale at Home2 Suites Hilton (fee: $75, two pets max), or at Rocky Comfort Cabins in the tiny village of Makanda (population: 530). Home2 Suites sits in the center of the downtown area, close to Southern Illinois University and Main Street restaurants. Two of the Rocky Comfort Cabins (The Cove and The French Creole) are pet-friendly (fee: $75 for one dog, $35 for an additional dog). Both lodges bookend Giant City State Park, known for its towering sandstone bluffs. See the Giant City Streets, a series of sandstone bluffs on the 1-mile Nature Trail loop. For a more rugged walk, follow the 1.2-mile Trillium Trail loop.

Check into the furnished Lofts at the Exchange (fee: $20). The former 1890s bank building’s rooms have a modern-industrial vibe. Step outside and find plenty of local downtown spots to dine and drink, plus wander past more than 25 sculptures from Midwest artists on Sculptures on the Avenues. Pick up a map from city hall to guide you. On the northwest side of town, dog-friendly Fairfield by Marriott (fee: $50; limit two per room) and Hampton Inn and Suites (fee: $25 for up to four nights, $75 for five-plus nights, two max) are minutes from the TREC Recreation Trails.