Traveling with your dog can be a blast, but it can also be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. After all, unless you’ve looked into it beforehand, you can’t guarantee that everywhere you go will be dog-friendly. That’s where a dog-friendly travel guide can help. If you’re planning to take a trip to the “Bluegrass State” with your dog, use this Kentucky dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

10 Dog-Friendly Activities in Kentucky

Sightseeing is a standard part of every trip, but not every landmark will welcome your dog. You may be able to use a doggie daycare for some things, but you also want to make sure you include experiences that both you and your dog can enjoy together. Check out some of these dog-friendly activities in Kentucky to see if any of them should make it onto your trip itinerary:

1. Kentucky Horse Park
2. Bernheim Arboretum
3. Lost River Cave
4. Buffalo Trace Distillery
5. Blue Moon Canoe & Kayak
6. Dinosaur World
7. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
8. Club K9 Dog Bar
9. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
10. Mammoth Cave National Park

1. Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park is located in Lexington, and it’s dog-friendly! Although your dog will not be allowed inside the restaurant or the museum buildings, they are allowed to join you on the grounds.

And, since this horse park is a working horse farm, competition facility, and educational theme park, that means there is still plenty of stuff for you and your dog to see and explore together. Your dog just needs to be leashed, in a carrying case, or crated and within your control at all times.

2. Bernheim Arboretum

Located in Clermont, the Bernheim Arboretum is a must-see for all nature lovers. The Arboretum and research forest span 14,000 acres. Although only 2,000 of these acres are open to the public, there is still plenty to see and do. Between 40 miles of trail, several exhibits, and expansive gardens, you will have more than enough to explore.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed and under your control at all times. The only place your dog can’t go is inside the buildings. But, since most of what you want to see is outside, you won’t be missing out on much.

3. Lost River Cave

Should your travels in Kentucky bring you near Bowling Green, consider spending some time at Lost River Cave. This is the only place in Kentucky where you’ll be able to go on an underground boat tour. The best part? Your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed and under your control.

In addition to a fantastic boat tour of underground caverns, there are also a lot of other activities outside of the cave. There are hiking trails that feature a waterfall and natural spring, a treasure mining station, and even a butterfly house. Your dog may not be allowed in the butterfly house, but they’re more than welcome around the grounds. You’ll even find drinking fountains for dogs along the trails.

4. Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is located in Frankfort, and it’s dog-friendly! It’s also the world’s most award-winning distillery – you just have to be of legal drinking age to enter. Your leashed dog can join you everywhere, except for the bottling building.

You’ll have to call ahead for a tour, since times, reservation requirements, and more will vary, but there are several tours available. You can tour the grounds, take a National Historic Landmark Tour, or even take a Ghost Tour of the paranormal areas! No matter what you and your dog like to see, there’s likely something for you at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

5. Blue Moon Canoe & Kayak

If you and your pooch are into water sports, consider setting aside some time on the water with Blue Moon Canoe & Kayak. This outdoor adventure outfit is located in Louisville and offers canoe, kayak, and bike rentals as well as guided tours of the Parklands of Floyds Fork, from April through October.

And, they’re dog-friendly! Your dog is welcome to join you on any of the rentals. A life jacket will be provided for you if you don’t have your own, but you’ll want to bring one for your dog. A well-fitting life jacket is an essential safety tip for swimming with your dog.

6. Dinosaur World

If you love dinosaurs and cool roadside attractions, and your Kentucky adventures will take you near Cave City, consider setting aside some time for Dinosaur World. In addition to locations in Florida and Texas, there is a Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky!

Life–size models of dinosaurs are dispersed throughout native vegetation for encounters in natural settings. Most of the path is paved and shaded. On top of a dino-themed playground, a big gift shop, and more, there are also interactive exhibits throughout. And, Dinosaur World is dog-friendly! Leashed, friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome everywhere in the park.

7. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo

If you’ll need to fill some time around Horse Cave, consider spending time exploring the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. This adventure park offers several exhibits, plenty of educational programs, activities like gem mining, and more. Your dog is welcome to join you throughout the park as long as they are leashed, friendly, and well-behaved.

Your dog is not permitted in the Outback or Land of the Lories sections, in the gift shop, or in the petting zoo, but is welcome to join you everywhere else. Just make sure you take them on a potty break before you go into the Mammoth Onyx Cave with them. Also, be aware that there are resident dogs that roam the park property, so make sure that your dog is open and comfortable with meeting other dogs, animals, and people.

8. Club K9 Dog Bar

If your travels will bring you into Louisville and you want a place where you and your dog can take a break with other people and their dogs, consider grabbing a pass for the Club K9 Dog Bar. You do need to register your dog and have a membership in order to enter, but daily, monthly, and annual passes are available, so you can still go, even if you are just passing through.

This dog park and dog-friendly bar is a stop that is mostly for dogs, with some space for humans to relax while their dogs play. There is an expansive all-weather area that is heated during the winter and 2 acres of fenced outdoor space. In addition to plenty of room to play and things to interact with, there is also a splash pool with fire hydrant and tennis ball fountains providing refreshing sprays during warmer months. There is also a dog wash station, so you can rinse off your dog before heading back out.

While the dogs are playing or just hanging out, the humans can hang out at the bar. A full bar featuring cocktails, wine, beer, and, of course, bourbon is available. Just make sure you have vet records ready and handy, so nothing keeps your dog from being registered or entering once you get there.

9. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

If your travels will bring you near Golden Pond and you and your dog want to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature, block out some time for the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This recreation area is 17,000 acres of land between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. There are 500 miles of trails to explore!

Your dog is welcome to join you on the trails as long as they are leashed and well-behaved, and you clean up after them. Your dog is welcome to join you if you explore the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm. However, they are only permitted to join you in a vehicle for the Elk & Bison Prairie.

If you really want to visit the Woodlands Nature Station, you can, but your dog will need to stay in one of the outside kennels offered there while you visit the facility. Although the trails are dog-friendly, the Visitor Center, Welcome Center, Planetarium, and cabins are not; pets are not allowed inside these facilities.

10. Mammoth Cave National Park

If you’ll be around Mammoth Cave instead and want to spend some time outside, you and your dog can check out Mammoth Cave National Park. Although pets are not allowed inside the caves, they are allowed to join you on the trails, provided they are leashed and well-behaved, and you clean up after them. The South Side Trails, which include Sloan’s Crossing Pond Walk, The Cedar Sink Trail, and Sand Cave Trail, are dog-friendly. There are also 37 square miles of backcountry for adventurous, experienced hikers.

If you do want to explore the caves while you are there, you can board your dog at the Mammoth Cave Kennels. It’s a good idea to bring along comfort items, a water bowl, and any other items your dog needs, as these are basic kennel facilities. If you are planning to stay in the park, the Woodland Cottages are dog-friendly lodging options.

6 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Kentucky

After a day full of fun and adventure, you will want to make sure you and your dog have a comfortable place to relax and rest up. Not every hotel welcomes pets, so you want to make sure you research places to stay ahead of time and book your room in advance. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Kentucky to jumpstart your research:

1. 21c Museum Hotel
2. Ashley Quarters Hotel
3. Best Western Plus Georgetown Corporate Center Hotel
4. Spark by Hilton Paducah
5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bardstown
6. Aloft by Marriott Newport on the Levee

1. 21c Museum Hotel

As you’re planning your trip, if you think you’ll need a place to stay in Louisville or Lexington, consider the 21c Museum Hotel. Both of these hotels are situated in great locations in each city. Plus, they have dog-friendly rooms available. You’re welcome to bring up to two dogs of any size with you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per stay, but you can leave your dog unattended in your room as long as they are well-behaved. Treats, bowls, and even beds are available when you check in, and there are relief areas around the hotels in both locations for your dog.

2. Ashley Quarters Hotel

Should you need a place to stay near Florence, take a closer look at the Ashley Quarters Hotel. This hotel allows you to bring up to two dogs of any size with you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per night and per pet, with a limit of $90 per week.

Easily accessible grassy relief areas are located near the hotel for your convenience. And, you can leave your dog(s) in your room unattended as long as they are quiet and well-behaved. Plus, there are some great attractions and several parks nearby for you and your dog to explore.

3. Best Western Plus Georgetown Corporate Center Hotel

If your travels will bring you closer to Georgetown when you need a place to stay, consider booking a room at the Best Western Plus Georgetown Corporate Center Hotel. You are permitted to bring up to two dogs up to 80 pounds with you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per night, and treats are available at check-in. You’ll have a ground-floor room so that you have easy access to the grassy areas along the sides of the hotel. But you cannot leave your dog unattended in your room.

4. Spark by Hilton Paducah

Should your trip plan require overnight stays near Paducah, consider reserving a room at the Spark by Hilton Paducah. This hotel is centrally located, just off Interstate 24. And, it has dog-friendly rooms available, where up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per dog, per night.

You cannot leave your dogs unattended in your room. There is a grassy relief area on the property and multiple green spaces nearby. Also, make sure you check the front desk when you check in and throughout your stay; there are dog treats available there.

5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bardstown

If your trip will bring you near Bardstown and you will need to stay somewhere overnight, look into La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bardstown as a possibility. This hotel is located right off E John Rowan Blvd (Highway 245) and has dog-friendly rooms available.

Up to two dogs, up to 75 pounds, are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per night with a maximum pet fee of $75 per stay. There is a grassy area on the property, and plenty of surrounding green space nearby.

6. Aloft by Marriott Newport on the Levee

If you’ll be planning to stay overnight near Newport, consider booking a room at the Aloft by Marriott Newport on the Levee. In addition to being close to the Ohio River and right across the bridge from Cincinnati, the Aloft has dog-friendly rooms available.

Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. And there is no additional pet fee. Pets stay for free at this hotel! When you check in, there will be food and water bowls available for your stay. There is no grassy relief area on site, but there are grassy areas nearby, in addition to Riverboat Row, which is a block away, and the Mansion Hill Neighborhood Park, which is a few blocks away.

6 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Kentucky

When traveling with your dog, you’ll want to pack some food and snacks for you both. And you can always stop at drive-thrus or convenience stores for some grub. But that can get boring, and it often means you miss out on the local flavor. Instead of missing out, consider stopping by these dog-friendly restaurants in Kentucky if your travels bring you nearby:

1. Doodles
2. The Sage Rabbit
3. Dizzy Whizzy Drive-In
4. Double Dogs
5. Proud Mary BBQ
6. Paducah Beer Werks

1. Doodles

Doodles is a restaurant in Lexington with a menu that features comfort food using locally-sourced ingredients. They serve breakfast and lunch. Plus, their patio seating is dog-friendly, and they’ll bring your dog some water for your visit. With plenty to choose from on the menu, there is something for everyone, whether you’re here for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

2. The Sage Rabbit

Also located in Lexington is The Sage Rabbit. This local favorite is chef- and family-owned and serves lunch and dinner throughout the week, as well as brunch on Saturdays. It’s a casual restaurant with a menu that features homemade flavor made from locally-sourced ingredients. From soups, desserts, pasta, and more, there is something on this menu for everyone. And their covered patio is dog-friendly. Plus, your dog will get water and a treat while you eat.

3. Dizzy Whizz Drive-In

If you find yourself in Louisville and needing something to eat, you can try stopping by the Dizzy Whizz Drive-In. Since you park and eat in your car, this restaurant is inherently dog-friendly. And if you’d rather sit outside, the patio is dog-friendly.

This is a classic drive-in that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They even have a dairy bar that features ice cream, shakes, and more. Whether you want the famous Whizzburger™ or something else, you’re bound to find something you like on this menu.

4. Double Dogs

Should your trip plan include traveling through Bowling Green, consider taking a break to grab some food and relax at Double Dogs. With menus full of sandwiches, burgers, salads, wings, and more, in addition to a ton of different appetizers and, of course, hot dogs, there is something here for everyone.

Plus, the outdoor patio is covered and dog-friendly. There are even heaters available for outdoor dining with your dog in the cooler months. Water is available, along with treats and plenty of attention. You can even order unseasoned chicken or hot dogs just for your dog. Your dog might even get to walk away with their own Double Dogs bandana!

5. Proud Mary BBQ

If you’re a fan of local barbecue and your travels will bring you into Lexington, consider swinging by Proud Mary BBQ. In addition to barbecue plates, ribs, pulled pork, and sides, the menu also has salads, sandwiches, seafood, appetizers, and desserts available. Plus, the outdoor section is dog-friendly!

Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the outdoor tables, while you enjoy some food and some views of the Kentucky River. There is even a dog menu with some options just for your dog!

6. Paducah Beer Werks

If you like to relax with good brews and food and you’ll be traveling through Paducah, consider taking a break at Paducah Beer Werks. This local favorite is known for its craft brews and delicious food. With a variety of appetizers, along with pizzas, flatbreads, burgers, paninis, salads, wings, and more, there is bound to be something on this menu for everyone. The Blossom Burger and Pepperoni Chips are often favorites and come highly recommended.

Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the outdoor tables. Outdoor tables are on a covered patio, and there are fans to help keep you and your dog cool. Water is provided, and there are plenty of menu options that can be modified for your dog (and they’ll bring out that food in a bowl for your dog, too). They even usually have dog treats that they make in-house.

Plan a Dog-Friendly Trip to Kentucky

This Kentucky dog-friendly travel guide is a good place to start, but it certainly doesn’t cover all the dog-friendly places Kentucky has to offer. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you check ahead of time to make sure it will welcome your dog as a visitor too.

If you’re headed to another state, check out a few of the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails, no matter where you and your dog choose to adventure!