5 places to take your 4-legged best friend
Dog parent? Us too. From swimming to hiking, to puppuccinos and doggie bagels we have it all
Any dog parent knows that after a long day of work, the best feeling is to come home and see your 4-legged best friend(s). Yes, they may be harrier than most, walk on all fours and have a tail, but they are our children, nonetheless, and they are always excited to see us when we walk through the door.
Spending time with my two littles after work means one thing – OUTSIDE! We enjoy walking, playing, sniffing and saying “Hello” to other dogs in the neighborhood. Check out a few of our favorite dog-friendly places to spend our time together in #MasonCityIA.
Dog Swim
The Dog Swim, an annual event at the Mason City Aquatic Center is a fun event that is 100% DOG FRIENDLY – in fact, humans are not allowed to attend this special event without a canine companion. Admission is only $5.00, and each dog can bring up 3 humans.
Lester Milligan Park (AKA Big Blue)
Mason City has many great parks but one of our favorites is Lester Milligan Park. We enjoy walking the many trails and around Big Blue Lake. You will both appreciate the fresh air and scenic views, being outside and spending time together is one of our many favorite things to do.
Did someone say PUPPUCCINO?!
I don’t know about you, but I love my frappuccino and I know my dogs love theirs! We have scoped out the best coffee places that offer something for both humans and canines.
Starbucks and Cabin Coffee both offer puppuccinos for your fur baby. A puppuccino is an espresso cup filled with whip cream and topped with a dog treat. My dogs absolutely LOVE THEM! When we go through the drive thru they’re licking their chops to get hold of their treat, but for your own sake, don’t do it, wait until you get home – they make a little bit of a mess!
Another place we frequent on Saturday mornings is Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bagels, not only do they have fantastic coffee but their bagels are incredible and you can even get a mini dog-friendly bagel to enjoy with your 4-legged best friend.
The Mason City Dog Park
One of the many perks of being a dog-mom in Mason City is the off-leash dog park, and lucky for me, I happen to live right by it. I have to say, Mason City has one of the nicest, cleanest and largest dog parks, I’ve ever been to (and I have been to quite a few). The dog park has three different gated areas, all connected by a commons area. The gated areas provide pet owners ease as their dogs interact with other dogs of about the same size. This is a great place for pet owners to socialize with other dog parents. You may even find yourself setting up “play dates” and meet up-times for your dog’s new BFFF’s (Best Furry Friend Forever).
Lime Creek Nature Center
Lime Creek Nature Center is a great spot to be adventurous with your dog and offers many activities that both you and your pup will enjoy. Spend a summer evening walking the trails to unwind after a busy day, or enjoy the weekend snowshoeing with your best friend by your side – no matter the season, Lime Creek is a perfect place to spend time with your fur baby.
Are you a proud owner of a 4-legged cutie? Share your favorite places to spend time with your dog(s) in #MasonCityIA by emailing Tessa at admin@visitmasoncityiowa.com