With plenty of outdoor activities and pet-friendly locales, Bloomington truly is a dog’s kind of town. Here are a few local hotspots that are sure to keep your dog’s tail wagging.
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
Griffy Lake’s trails, hidden among scenic woodlands and boundless flora and fauna, are the perfect setting for the next time you take your dog on a walk. The 1,200-acre nature preserve offers plenty of space for your dog to sniff out and explore. But with the wealth of wildlife for your dog to chase down, make sure you keep your pup on a leash.
Clear Creek Trail
Hounds can bound across the 2.5 miles stretching from Tapp Road to Church Lane, which includes the 150-foot-long Warren Truss iron bridge. The trail has plenty of historic landmarks for dog lovers to explore with their pets, but the pavement can get hot in the summer, so make sure your pup’s paws are protected.
Karst Dog Park
Dog owners can get their paws on a membership to Karst Dog Park by dropping off a form at the office and paying a $50 annual fee. The park offers two gated enclosures full of grass and trees for dogs to frolic through while their owners relax at picnic tables. The park also has drinking fountains to keeps humans and dogs hydrated.
Ferguson Dog Park
Dogs are free to roam the 18.7 acres of Ferguson Dog Park, just a mile away from the Sycamore Shelter of Lower Cascades Park. The dog park includes two fenced areas — one for larger dogs and the other for smaller pooches. A drinking foundation and dog drinking bowl can help keep your hound hydrated while the dog wash stations can help them get cleaned up after a day of fun. Picnic tables and a shade structure are also included.
B-Line Trail
While only 6 years old, the 3.1-mile asphalt B-Line Trail has already become a Bloomington staple, and dogs can share in the fun, too. The trail offers benches and drinking fountains for humans and pets. Dog owners can enjoy the murals, sculptures and limestone accents while leading their dogs along the trail.
