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A Pet Lover's Guide to the Edwardsville and St. Louis, Illinois Area!

Welcome to your go-to pet-friendly guide to Edwardsville and St. Louis, Illinois. Whether you're a local or just visiting with your furry friend, this guide highlights the best pet-friendly parks, shops, services, and events the region has to offer. From scenic trails in Edwardsville to vibrant spots in St. Louis, you'll find everything you need to make the most of life with your pet by your side.

Pet-Friendly Businesses

  • SoCal Soul Plants and Gifts: This custom plant shop offers pet-friendly houseplants, succulents, tropicals, and cacti. It's located at 301 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, and they can be reached at (618) 581-5527.

  • Zoomies Pet Cafe: Zoomies Pet Cafe + Boutique at 5836-38 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109 is proud to be St. Louis City's first dog-friendly coffee shop where leashed pups are welcome inside. Created as a cozy community hub for dog lovers, Zoomies offers a full espresso bar, a charming boutique stocked with pet toys, treats, kids’ clothing, and home décor, and plenty of space to relax with or without a furry companion. Rain or shine, you can hang out in the indoor Studio, the outdoor patio, or let your pup burn off energy in the off-leash Barkyard (registration required). They can be reached at (314) 696-2003.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

  • Big Daddy's Edwardsville: Big Daddy's in downtown Edwardsville is a dog-friendly bar featuring a spacious beer garden and outdoor bar area. With eleven outdoor tables, it's the perfect spot for dog owners to relax with a cold drink and food with their pup. Big Daddy's is located at 132 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, and their phone number is (618) 656-9706.

  • Global Brew Tap House: Global Brew Tap House is a dog-friendly taproom located at 2329 Plum Street Suite 600, Edwardsville, Illinois 62025. Your pup is welcome to join you on the patio at a table with an umbrella. Choose from 50 different craft beer drafts, cocktails, wines, and bourbons. Food options include gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, charcuterie boards, wings, flatbread pizza, pretzels, tacos, and tater tots. They can be reached at 618.307.5858.

  • Taqueria Z: This Mexican restaurant with a dog-friendly patio offers street tacos, margaritas, and more. It’s a great spot to grab flavorful street-style eats and a refreshing beverage with your furry companion lounging by your side. The restaurant is located at 109 East Park St. Edwardsville, IL, and their phone number is (618) 307-5018.

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

  • Brent Leh Dog Park: Located just outside downtown Edwardsville at 328 Olive St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, this off-leash dog park was established in 2019 to honor local veterinarian Brent Leh. The park features synthetic turf, secure fencing, and a few pieces of agility equipment for active pups. A dog-friendly water station is available during warmer months, though it’s turned off in winter. It is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the park is also equipped with dusk-to-dawn lighting for early mornings and late evening visits.

  • City Park: Located at 101 South Buchanan Street, this park is shaded by trees and lined with benches. The bandstand hosts several events throughout the year, including Arts in the Park and the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival.

  • Delyte W. Morris Trail: Once an unused rail line, the Delyte W. Morris Trail is now a scenic spot to walk your dog in Edwardsville. It’s part of a growing network of more than 1,600 rail-trails supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming former rail corridors into vibrant public paths across the country. To reach the trail from I-270, take Exit 9 and go north on Bluff Road. At the stop light, continue straight ahead onto University Drive. Continue 1.2 mile and turn left onto Stadium Drive. Drive 1 mile to the small parking lot on the right.

  • Drost Park Maryville: Drost Park is a beautiful park with a seven-acre lake, several pavilions, about three miles of asphalt walking trails, boat ramp, barbecue grills, picnic tables, benches, playgrounds, and restroom facilities. It is located at E Division St, Maryville, IL 62062.

  • Joe Glik Park: Located at 710 East Lake Drive, this park includes a shaded, off-leash dog park, as well as 2,500 feet of trails, two fishing lakes, and spacious grassy areas for open play.

  • Leclaire Park: This dog-friendly park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Edwardsville, IL. In 5.8 acres, it includes a picnic and playground area, a lake, a lighted waterfall fountain, and more. It is located at 900 Hale Avenue.

  • Madison County Transit (MCT) Nickle Plate Trail: The MCT Nickel Plate Trail is Madison County’s longest and most diverse trail, stretching from rural farmland and shaded woods to suburban neighborhoods and historic landmarks. Along the way, it connects with several other trails, passes old rail sites and industrial relics, and showcases the region’s ties to agriculture, coal, and railroads.

    To reach the Glen Carbon Park & Ride Lot from I-270, take Exit 9/IL Route 157/Bluff Road and go south for 1 mile to the turn-in on the right. Trail access is to the north of the parking lot.

    To reach the Alhambra Township Park from I-55, take Exit 30/IL Route 140 and go east for 5.2 miles to the turn-in on the right. Parking is at the ball diamonds and trail access is at the southeast corner of the park.

  • MCT Watershed Trail: The MCT Watershed Trail follows a historic rail line built in 1868, the first to serve Edwardsville. This short, tree-lined trail connects with the MCT Goshen Trail, offers views of the Watershed Nature Center, and ends in downtown Edwardsville. Once part of the Illinois Terminal Railroad, it’s now a peaceful path perfect for a leisurely walk or ride.

  • Plummer Family Sports Park: Located at 3501 Sports Pk Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62025, this pet-friendly park has 83 acres of walking paths, baseball fields, and more.

  • Rock Springs Park: Rock Springs Rotary Park in O’Fallon, IL, is a scenic spot with wooded trails, open green space, and a fenced dog park where pups can run and play off-leash. It’s a great destination for walks, picnics, and relaxed outdoor time with your furry friend. Located about 30 minutes from Edwardsville, it’s an easy day trip for dog lovers. The park's address is 411 E. Fifth Street, O’Fallon, IL 62269, and the main phone number is 618-624-0139.

  • SIUE Nature Preserve Loop: This scenic 3.0-mile loop trail, located just off New Poag Road, winds through a wooded area and is considered moderately challenging. It features wide, grassy paths lined with trees and some narrower dirt trails that lead deeper into the woods. Popular for hiking, running, and walking, the trail still offers peaceful moments during less busy hours. The best time to explore is between April and October. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

  • St. John's Community Dog Park: St. Johns Community Dog Park is located at 11333 St John Church Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123, and is a fully fenced, pet-friendly spot where dogs can run, play, and socialize off-leash. It features separate areas for large and small dogs, convenient waste stations, and benches where owners can relax while their pups have fun. The park is open every day of the week from 6:30am to 7:00pm.

Pet-Friendly Recreational Areas

  • The Foundry: City Foundry STL is a vibrant mixed-use destination in Midtown St. Louis at 3730 Foundry Way St. Louis, MO 63110 that blends historic architecture with modern energy. It features a popular food hall with diverse local kitchens, unique retail shops, entertainment like Alamo Drafthouse and Sandbox VR, and creative office spaces. The outdoor areas are dog-friendly, making it a great spot to explore with your pup while enjoying some of the city’s best eats and events.

Edwardsville, Illinois and nearby St. Louis offer a fantastic mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities for pet owners. With plenty of parks, trails, pet-friendly patios, and community events, both cities make it easy to enjoy life with your furry companion. From scenic walks in Edwardsville to dog bars and urban spaces in St. Louis, it's a region where pets are truly part of the community.