If your favorite travel companion has fur and four paws, Missouri offers plenty of dog-friendly places to explore. Enjoy a hike through the woods, relax in a park or savor a great meal on a patio surround by scenic views. No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to create fond canine-filled memories in the Show-Me State.
*Most of the following locations require pets to be on a leash. Leash-free areas are noted.
Nature and the Outdoors
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis – Get an up-close view of this St. Louis icon – the largest manmade arch in the world. Dogs are welcome on the park’s extensive walking paths, green spaces and riverfront.
Forest Park, St. Louis – This large urban park covers more than 1,300 acres, so there’s lots of room to roam. You’ll find 30 miles of hiking trails and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views.
Swope Park, Kansas City – Your furry friend can run free at the five-acre, off-leash Swope Dog Park. The area is divided into two fenced sections, one for large dogs and the other for their smaller counterparts. The 1,805-acre Swope Park features walking trails and picnic areas great for pet- and people-watching.
Fantastic Caverns, Springfield – It makes perfect sense that dogs are invited to come along on a tour of the country’s only drive-through cave – the caverns were famously discovered by a farmer’s dog. You and your dog can board a tram that navigates an underground world filled with intriguing rock formations.
Grindstone Nature Area, Columbia – Five miles of paved and gravel trails include side trails for leash-free exploring with your pup. The 199-acre park is filled with woodlands, prairies and limestone bluffs.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia – Hike through the Gans Creek area for a glimpse of a large cave system. Explore a rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and an underground stream at the “Devil’s Icebox.”
Joe Dice Swinging Bridge, Warsaw– Cross the upper Lake of the Ozarks on this historic 200-foot-long structure, now a pedestrian bridge. The bridge is located next to Drake Harbor where there’s trails, a boardwalk and picnic tables along the lakeshore.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, south central Missouri – Experience the beauty of the Ozarks and the first national park area to protect a river system. Your dog can join you in most outdoor areas of the park. They can also ride along in a canoe or kayak on the Current and Jacks Fork rivers but cannot be tied to a vessel while on the water.
Missouri Conservation Areas, statewide – Immerse yourself in nature at more than a thousand Missouri Conservation Areas across the state. Dogs are allowed in most of the areas with some restrictions during specific hunting seasons.
Missouri State Parks, statewide – Leashed dogs are welcome at all 93 Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites (but not inside buildings and in public swimming areas). The parks feature hundreds of miles of hiking trails through forests and fields, rock formations, lakes, streams, and picnic areas.
Dog-Friendly Art Parks
Citygarden, St. Louis – Follow winding paths through this three-acre urban park filled with modern sculptures, fountains and gardens. Located within walking distance of the Gateway Arch, the park includes a “meander wall” that provides plenty of seating.
Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis – This 98-acre outdoor museum includes more than 70 large-scale sculptures and walking trails. It’s a popular place for dog owners who are also art and nature lovers.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City – The museum grounds, including the giant shuttlecock sculptures and the 22-acre Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, are a favorite spot for walking dogs.
Other Dog-Friendly Attractions
Kansas City Fun Trolley Tours, Kansas City – Take your four-legged friend on a 90-minute guided trolley tour of Kansas City. See Union Station, the Historic River Market, The River District, the Crossroads Arts District and more from the comfort of an authentic trolley.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Springfield – Bring your dog along as you shop for all your outdoor gear needs at the original and largest Bass Pro Shops store. The nearly 500,000-square-foot store is dedicated to the beauty of the outdoors and includes nature exhibits, waterfalls and aquariums.
Branson Landing, Branson – Stroll down the 1.5-mile boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo and take in the choreographed water, fire and light show in the town square.
Drinks with Fido
Dozens of wineries and breweries across Missouri welcome dogs on their beautiful grounds, patios and decks. Sip a glass of local wine or beer while you enjoy the atmosphere and, at some locations, play games and listen to live music. Here’s a few suggestions:
Boulevard Brew Brewing Company, Kansas City – Pull up a seat in the pet-friendly beer garden and choose from a collection of signature beers in one the city’s iconic breweries.
Mother’s Brewing Company, Springfield – Have a beer “brewed with love” with your pup by your side at this popular craft brewery. The two-acre backyard has picnic tables, firepits and lawn games.
Log Boat Brewing Company, Columbia – The family- and dog-friendly environment at this college-town craft brewery’s outdoor area, called The Shipyard, includes games and special events.
Adam Puchta Winery, Hermann – Soak in the tranquil surroundings on the grounds along Frene Creek as you sample a glass of wine at the oldest-continuously operating family winery in the United States.
Dinner on the Patio
There’s also a spot for you and your dog on the patio at many Missouri restaurants, bars and coffee shops including:
Tamm Avenue Bar, St. Louis – Head to the Dogtown neighborhood (yes, you read that right) with your four-legged companion in tow for a Byrd & Barrel fried chicken sandwich and a cocktail or beer. The patio offers an old-school game room and fire pit.
Char Bar Smoked Meats & Amusements, Kansas City – Sample a modern take on Kansas City’s famous barbecue, then stay and play in one of the city’s biggest beer gardens – with a fire pit, bocce court, cornhole games, ping pong table and “adult swings.”
Café Cuso, Springfield – Savor the cuisine inspired by the food of Peru and the Andes on the shaded patio adjacent to one of the city’s oldest buildings on historic C-Street – an area filled with restaurants and shops.
Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar, Branson – Enjoy dinner on the screened patio at this favorite Branson eatery. Indulge in a craft cocktail and signature sandwich while your furry friend devours a pup patty.
Places to Stay with your Dog in Missouri
Dozens of hotels, resorts, cabins and campgrounds throughout the state allow pets. Be sure to check an accommodation’s website for its pet policy and make a reservation to ensure availability for you and your dog.
Missouri State Parks’ Cabins for Canines program offers select cabins, camper cabins, yurts, duplexes and fourplexes that allow up to two dogs.
Tips for Traveling With Your Dog
The best way to ensure a fun-filled adventure with your dog is to prepare in advance. The prep work you do before you embark on your journey will pay off in a big way. Here are some helpful tips to make a road trip with your dog as smooth as possible.
Before You Go
Update dog tags and microchips. New environments can make a dog want to roam around and explore. Hey, there are plenty of rocks they’ve never sniffed before! If the worst happens and your pet gets away, updated tags and microchips can help you find them.
Practice riding in the car. If your dog isn’t entirely comfortable riding in a vehicle, it’s a good idea to help them adjust before you take off on your vacation. Start with a short trip and build up to longer distances.
Cover your seats. Muddy paws and nails can do a number on your car’s upholstery. Using a cover will protect your seats from wear and tear. Investing in a hammock-style cover will not only keep your seats clean, but it can also keep your dog safe.
Book accommodations in advance. The last thing you want to do after a long day of travel is hop from one hotel to the next looking for dog-friendly place to spend the night. Many campgrounds allow dogs, but they can fill up quickly during peak times of the year, so be sure to check on availability and reserve a spot well before you head out.
As You Pack
Bring vaccination records. If you plan to stop at a dog park or dog-friendly venue, many require up-to-date pet vaccination records for entry.
Bring medications and a pet first aid kit. Don’t forget to pack any medications your dog takes regularly. It’s also a good idea to have a pet first aid kit to treat cuts, sores or rashes.
Bring familiar items. When you’re out and about, bring things from home to make sure your dog is comfortable in any environment. Water and food bowls are a necessity, but favorite toys, blankets and a bed are also welcome additions. If your dog is crate trained, bring their crate.
On the Road
Reward good behavior. While traveling, there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to behave with a little less decorum than one might hope. To combat this, be sure to pack treats and generously reward them when they make good choices.
Keep your dog entertained. If a dog tires from playing and exploring all day, they’ll have less energy to act up in public spaces. It’s simple math.
Take frequent breaks. Traveling with your dog means you’re going to have to stop more frequently than you might be used to. Give your pal the chance to stretch their legs, drink some water and take a bathroom break. (Be sure to bring some poo bags for easy cleanup.)
Do not leave your pet alone in a hot car. It’s not advised to leave your dog alone in the car at any time, but it can be life threatening to leave them alone in a hot car even for a short time. Have a human travel partner stay in the car with your four-legged passenger/ keep the car running while you step away so the air conditioner will stay on.