If you’re in Indianapolis and looking for the perfect day out with your dog, Rover has you covered. We talked to our community of dog people in The Hoosier State to get their recommendations for the best dog-friendly activities their city has to offer. This complete route includes a fabulous dog walk, a dog-friendly restaurant, and an ice cream shop. Your dog is ready for this! Read on for all the details you need.
For more dog adventures, check out our dog-friendly guides to cities across the country.
Total Distance: 1.7 miles / 33 minutes of walking
Start your day in Indianapolis on the Monon Rail Trail. For a manageable walk, we recommend joining at Canterbury Park near the vibrant Broad Ripple neighborhood, where the trail got its start. After a 1.5-mile stroll on the trail, stop to grab a bite to eat at Fire By The Monon, a local favorite restaurant.
From the trail, take a left onto E Coil Street and the restaurant will be on the right at the corner of Ferguson. If your dog isn’t tapped out on treats, then head to BRICS for some dog-friendly ice cream! Head east on E Coil toward Cornell Avenue and take a right. Turn left on E 64th and your destination will be on the right.
Dog's Day Out: Indianapolis
Monon Rail Trail via Canterbury Park
Address: 5510 Carvel Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
(Head north from Canterbury Park on Carvel Ave toward E 56th St, turn left on E 56th and turn right onto Monon Rail Trail)
The popular shared-used Monon Rail Trail stretches from the town of Sheridan in the north down to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this trail is now a great place to walk your dog!
Hours:
- Daily, 24 hours
Why we love it:
The elevated rail trail gives dogs a new perspective and trees and wildflowers offer lots of sights and scents!
While it’s one of the most popular urban bike paths in the country, it’s dog-friendly (as long as you use a short lead!) and is beautiful during all seasons.
Fire By The Monon
Address: 6523 Ferguson Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
This dog-friendly, family-friendly restaurant is a favorite for getting a bite after a stroll along the Monon Trail. They serve casual American food and have a great selection of local and regional craft beers.
Contact Info: (317) 252-5920
Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm
- Friday: 11am-11pm
- Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Why we love it:
Dogs dining here are treated like royalty. They get ice water in doggie bowls, a plate of “dog appetizers” (aka treats) and a slice of bacon offered for dessert!
The dog-friendly patio is separate from other patrons so you don’t need to worry about annoying non-dog-lovers.
BRICS
Address: 901 E 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Located right on the Monon Trail, BRICS stands for “Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station” and serves up 30+ flavors daily.
Contact Info: (317) 257-5757
Hours:
- Sun-Thurs: 12pm-9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm-10pm
Why we love it:
They offer dogs a ‘pup cup’ with a generous peanut butter drizzle!
The dog-friendly outdoor patio offers lots of opportunities for people watching – and dog watching!
More Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Activities in Indianapolis
You’ve taken the walk, but are hungry for more dog-friendly activities in Indianapolis. We’ve got you covered with our picks for dog parks in and around Indy.
