FIDO Friendly Spots

February 27, 2024
Amy Beadle

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In Springfield, we fully understand the love you have for your pooch. He’s not only your pet but he is part of the family. Since he’s part of the family doesn’t he deserve to have an awesome time in Springfield too? Of course he does…and we have just what you need to give him that awesome time!

Now let check out the list of Fido Friendly Spots for your four-legged family member to visit!

(Reminder: All these dog friendly attractions & businesses require your pooch to be on a leash and cleaned up after)

Many of our sites are Fido Friendly, however on the grounds only. Even though he can’t go inside with his family, he will love experiencing the history of Abe Lincoln, a lover of all animals, as well as the history of Springfield.

Fido Friendly Sites:

Lincoln Home Neighborhood

Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln’s New Salem

Illinois State Capitol Complex

The Illinois State Fair Route 66 Experience

Something we know he will love to do with you is visit one of our wineries or breweries. You can enjoy a drink in a relaxing environment, while he enjoys all the attention he gets from everyone, because he’s just so cute! Or how about grabbing a bite to eat on one of our pet friendly patios.

Brew + Wine:

Anvil & Forge Brewery (+dining/Fido outdoor only)

Buzz Bomb Brewery (first floor only)

Engrained Brewing Company (+dining)

Hand of Fate Brewery

Hill Prairie Winery

Obed & Issacs Microbrewery (+dining)

Springfield Beer Company

Outdoor Dining

Springfield Carriage Company

Brewski's Pub

And speaking of Obed's & Isaacs, the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month from May to September are reserved for man's best friend at Yappy Days in their beer garden. Local pet vendors and animal shelters will be at their beer garden. They'll also have live music going on as well.

Don't miss the party at Buzz Bomb Brewing Company on the last Sunday of the month from May-October as they host Dog Days of Summer. They'll be a DJ, treats for your four-legged companion and possibly and award.

If Spot needs some exercise, check out Springfield Park District's dog parks at Centennial Park & Stuart Park

Adventures await your doggie at SCHEELS. Man do they love dogs here! He will have a blast watching all the fish swim in the giant aquarium, find a new toy to take home as a souvenir, or just wander around with you as you shop and of course, love all the attention he gets!

Check out the list below for a few other store options.

Wild Rose, Big R, Farm & Home & Lowe's

Can you and your dog find Fido's Puppies? Fido is famously the Lincoln Family dog, who lived their Springfield home in the 1850's. Fido's "Puppies" will getting into mischief all around downtown, hiding among the sidewalks, on window ledges, and lounging on steps. The Fido's Puppies Sculpture Project was started with a goal to make people smile. We invite you and your four-legged friend to "hunt" for the figurines throughout the downtown neighborhood.

Hint: Look for Fido's pups at

4th & Capitol (INB) Artist: Erin Svendsen
5th & Washington (SAA Collective) Artist: Will Norris
6th & Madison (Union Square Park) Artist: Danny Brikshavana
7th & Jackson (across from Lincoln Home) Artist: Betsy Dollar
5th & Jackson (Bicentennial Plaza) Artist: Sam Brown

If you have a day packed with fun and he’s unable to go with you, no need to worry, we have a doggie day care that would love for him to visit. Pampered Pet Center is available 24 hours/7 days a week offering doggie spa packages, because he deserves to be pampered, right! They also offer overnight care, if needed. Find out more, here.

Lincoln Ghost Walk is a 90 min evening walking tour that brings you the history & mystery of Lincoln’s Springfield. Your pup is more than welcome to join, just make sure he remains on his leash.

Looking for a Fido Friendly hotel to stay in?? Click here for a full listing.