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The Dog-Friendly Guide to Starved Rock

This guide is to show you all the places you can take your pup in and around Starved Rock State Park. I added in my own pictures along with a short description. Details and special notes are given so you can get a better idea of what to expect. The guide is available to download and save on Google Maps. I can promise this is a growing list. When more places and pictures get added to the map, you will be able to see. Best of all - it's free!

What's included?

Nature trails

All dog-friendly trails in Starved Rock, Matthiessen, Buffalo Rock, and the surrounding area.

Food, drinks, treats, & more

Places you can bring your pup that offer food, drinks, coffee, ice-cream, dog treats, & more. These places either have a walk-up window, drive-up take out, or minimal outdoor seating available.

Play areas & activities

Off leash areas your pup can play at & dog-friendly activities

Seasonal patios

Only restaurants that service their outdoor tables are listed in this section.  I have noted if they have a dog menu! Please be sure to check open/closed status before visiting since they are seasonal.

Lodging

Places to stay that don't just allow dogs, but welcome dogs! There is a long list of lodging available including hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, and other private vacation rentals. I found there to be many Airbnbs/VRBOs, so I included my top picks.

Wooden Surface

Book Your Stay

Here are my top Airbnb/Vrbo picks for the best dog-friendly stays! Please refer to the guide for hotels options. Links will open a new window and take you directly to the booking website. I am not the host for any of these properties, so please direct your questions to the host.

Starved Rock Retreat - Ottawa

Starved Rock Retreat

Airbnb/Vrbo - Entire home in Ottawa. Gated property located on 200 acres of beautiful land. 5 minutes from Starved Rock. 2 bedrooms, 7 beds, 2 baths. 2 dogs max. 80 lb weight limit. $75 dog fee per stay.

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Hozho Cottage

Airbnb/Vrbo - Entire home in Ottawa. 10 minutes to Starved Rock and minutes away from downtown Ottawa. 3 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2 baths. Fully-fenced yard. Contact host if you are bringing more than 2 pets. Cats/dogs allowed. No weight limit. $35 pet fee per stay.

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Postcard Cabins

58 luxury tiny cabins on 251 lush private acres. Located in Ottawa.  15 minutes to Starved Rock. Queen bed or bunk beds. Only well-behaved dogs allowed. $50 pet fee per stay. Book on direct website. Property is also listed on Airbnb/Vrbo.

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Schoolhouse Canyon

Airbnb - Historic one room schoolhouse located in Oglesby. Minutes away from Starved Rock and Matthiessen. 3 beds 1 bath. Fully-fenced yard. Contact host if bringing more than 2 pets. No weight limit. $45 pet fee per stay.

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Townhouse in Ottawa

Airbnb - Entire townhouse in Ottawa. 15 minutes to Starved Rock and close to downtown Ottawa. 1 bedroom , 1 bed, 1 bath. Fully-fenced yard. Contact host if you are bringing more than 2 pets. No weight limit. No pet fee.

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Cabin in North Utica

Airbnb/Vrbo - Entire cabin next to Grand Bear Resort. Minutes away from Starved Rock and Matthiessen. 3 bedrooms, 5 beds, 4 baths. Contact host if you are bringing more than 2 pets. No weight limit. No pet fee.

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Home in LaSalle

Airbnb/Vrbo - Entire home in LaSalle. 10 minutes to Starved Rock. 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath. Fully-fenced yard. Dogs only - 2 max. All dogs must have prior approval from host prior to booking. No weight limit. $25 pet fee per stay.

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The Ottawa Escape

Vrbo - Entire home in Ottawa. Less than 15 minutes to Starved Rock and close to downtown Ottawa. 2 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1 bath. 5 pets max. No weight limit. $85 pet fee per stay.

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