Dogs, this article is for you (and until dog Uber is invented, bring your humans, too).
Visit the Paw-tio
Humans like to walk with dogs along the river in downtown Battle Creek, but make sure they stop at the nearby Griffin Grill & Pub.
Dogs are allowed on the Paw-tio, where tables are set up for ordering food. Have your human order one of the doggie specials, like the bark-chuterie board or a pup cup. While you chow down on peanut butter and cookies, the humans can enjoy a cold drink.
Hit a Home Run at the dog park
There’s plenty of space to run around in this fenced park. Even if you didn’t bring any toys with you, there are sticks to play with, since the park has trees for shade.
Humans are very sensitive to the sun, so make sure if your human looks overheated, they go sit at one of the tables in the pavilion. If you need a drink, go to the hydration station. Remember to share nicely!
Pretend you’re out in the wild by running up and down platforms or through tunnels — just like White Fang. If you are in training for competition, there are obstacles to test your agility.
Little dogs, don’t worry, there’s a separate space for you.
Hopefully your human has a strong throwing arm, because you’ll want to go the distance when chasing that ball.
Speaking of throwing, can you believe humans like to chase balls, too? That’s why there’s all of those diamond-shaped baseball fields right next to your park. It’s called Bailey Park.
The Battle Jacks play at the big stadium during the summer. The team mascot is a Jack Russell terrier and they even have a dog fetch the baseball bats to the dugout!
Look at the Battle Jacks schedule for Bark in the Park nights, when dogs are allowed into the game.
Springfield dog park
On the other side of town is the new Springfield dog park. Make friends at this fenced-in park. We know you get excited, so there’s a double-gate for entry to keep you from going on an unexpected adventure.
Bring a bowl so you can get a drink, or drink straight from the water spigot. If you’ve been to the Home Run Dog Park, the agility obstacles might seem familiar — they were designed by the same people. How fast can you run through the tunnel and over the platforms?
Be social in downtown Marshall
Walk along main street in downtown Marshall and grab a drink of water when you need it – store owners have thoughtfully left bowls out for you.
Your new favorite downtown store will be State Street Pawfitters. You’re going to need your leash on, mostly so your human can keep you from instantly snarfing down all the snacks you can reach. That’s considered rude.
The first thing you’ll notice at Pawfitters is the bins of biscuits and chew toys, then the bakery case full of fresh cookies, sausages and duck heads.
You’ll be begging for a treat, but the store offers more. There are stylish food dishes, toys and beauty products. Humans can buy signs that remind them how wonderful you are, even when you’re trying to yank their arm off to get to the duck heads.
After you get your treats, head to the Dark Horse beer garden, where your humans can get their own treats.
Get The Scoop on health
Your human can avoid you begging for treats at The Scoop, where there’s drive-thru service. But that would mean missing out on browsing holistic treats inside the store.
Look, we know you’re not a fan of the Scary Place, but the people there really want you to be healthy and happy.
The Scoop was opened by Dr. Pete VanVranken of Dickman Road Veterinary Clinic, to create a store where animals can get proper nutrition so they don’t have to go to the Scary Place too many times. Your human can get advice on all aspects of how to keep you in good shape.
