Grab the Leash! Here are Seven Evansville Area Places Your Dog Will Beg to Visit
Your Dog Has Been Waiting All Day for You to Say “W-A-L-K”
Most dogs might not know what you mean when you spell out W-A-L-K but they know EXACTLY what you mean when you grab the leash by the door and look at them with those floppy ears and say "Do you want to go on a walk?"
Well, today is National Dog Day, which means our four-legged family members deserve a little extra attention. And really, is there a better way to celebrate than grabbing the leash, getting outside and letting your dog sniff the same patch of grass for approximately seven minutes?
Luckily, the Evansville area has plenty of places where you and your pup can get some fresh air, stretch your legs and explore somewhere other than your usual route around the neighborhood. For people like me who live in an apartment complex who want to give their four legged friend more room to roam, you might want to save this list.
Here are a few places to consider for your National Dog Day walk or any day your dog starts staring at the leash.
Take in the Ohio River Along the Pigeon Creek Greenway
Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage (also known as the Evansville Riverwalk) is one of my favorite options if you want to get some steps in without necessarily feeling like you're going on a full-blown hike.
The Greenway includes paved multi-use trail sections running through Evansville, including a scenic stretch along the Downtown riverfront. Explore Evansville specifically includes the Greenway among its suggested trails for getting outside with your four-legged best friend.
This is a great option if your dog loves a longer walk and you get some pretty great Ohio River views along the way. It's also very clean so you don't have to worry about your dog picking up trash along the walk. I have never walked the entire thing but another good thing about Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage is there are several parking places along the path so you shouldn't have to walk miles back to your car.
Explore Nature at Howell Wetlands
For the dog who would rather sniff trees than sidewalks, head to Howell Wetlands on Evansville's West Side.
Howell Wetlands features more than two miles of trails, wooden walkways and bridges winding through 35 acres of wetlands. Even better for dog owners, Explore Evansville specifically lists Howell Wetlands as dog-friendly.
It's a nice choice when you want your daily dog walk to feel a little more like an adventure.
One important distinction, though: don't confuse Howell Wetlands with Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. While both are managed by Wesselman Nature Society, pets are not permitted on the trails inside Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve.
Make a Day of It at Burdette Park
If you have a dog with plenty of energy to burn, Burdette Park gives you room to stretch those legs.
One of the best options is the USI Burdette Park Trail, a three-mile paved trail connecting Burdette Park with the University of Southern Indiana campus. Explore Evansville lists dogs as welcome on the trail, and Burdette describes the route as a scenic trail for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Just keep in mind that Burdette's rules say pets are not allowed inside park buildings.
Give Them Some Off-Leash Time Downtown
Maybe your dog doesn't want a peaceful stroll. Maybe your dog wants to RUN.
In that case, Earthborn Holistic Dog Park in Downtown Evansville gives dogs a dedicated place to get some energy out. The fenced dog park is located at 324 NW Third Street and offers roughly 11,000 square feet of space for dogs to run and play.
This could be a fun National Dog Day stop if your pup would much rather make new friends than politely walk beside you.
Take a Shady Walk at the State Hospital Grounds
Another local favorite for a casual walk is Evansville State Hospital Grounds along Lincoln Avenue.
The sprawling green space has walking areas, mature trees and plenty of room for a slower-paced stroll. Local visitors regularly mention using the grounds for dog walking, and the shade makes this one especially appealing when Southern Indiana decides that summer isn't finished with us yet.
Head to Newburgh for a Riverfront Walk
And we can't leave Newburgh out of this. This is my favorite place to walk personally and it would be perfect to take your doggie too, just make sure he/she is ready for a nice workout!
Rivertown Trail gives you another chance to combine a dog walk with views of the Ohio River. The paved trail runs through historic Newburgh and connects parks, overlooks and areas around Downtown Newburgh.
It's an easy option if you want to turn the walk into a little outing especially around sunset.
Honestly, Your Dog Doesn't Care Where You Go
Here's the best part about National Dog Day: your dog probably doesn't need an elaborate celebration. A pup cup and a walk or maybe some extra pets and snuggles will make them the happiest ever.
They don't know it's National Dog Day. They don't know whether you picked the most scenic trail in Evansville. They certainly don't care how many steps your watch says you got.
They just know they love you and that you grabbed the leash.
So pick a trail, bring some water and waste bags, keep your pup leashed anywhere the rules require it, and let them stop to sniff as many things as their little heart desires.
Where is your favorite place in the Evansville area to take your dog for a walk? Let us know because I'm willing to bet there are a few hidden dog-walking gems around the Tri-State that deserve a spot on this list.
15 Pics That Prove My Dog Is Cuter Than Yours
Gallery Credit: Bobby G.
Adoptable Evansville Dogs That Could Star in a Disney Movie
Gallery Credit: Liberty
More From WDKS-FM
