When you want to travel with your dog, there are a lot of extra details to consider. You’ll have to pack extra supplies and plan your trip ahead of time to make sure you have dog-friendly places on your itinerary. As you start planning your trip, dog-friendly travel guides can be a big help. If you’re planning to head to the “The Cave State”, unofficially known as the “Show Me State”, with your dog, use this Missouri dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

6 Dog-Friendly Activities in Missouri

Unfortunately, not every place you drive by will be dog-friendly. But, by planning ahead, you can make sure you have plenty of dog-friendly attractions and stops you and your pup can enjoy together. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in Missouri to get you started:

1. Fantastic Caverns

These caverns are located in Springfield, and the tours happen in jeep-drawn trams. The ride-thru tour follows a one-mile route and lasts about 55 minutes. Not only does Fantastic Caverns live up to its name, but it is also dog-friendly.

After all, it was discovered by a dog back in 1862! Your leashed, well-behaved dog is welcome to join you on the tour. So, you and your pup can enjoy the splendor and beauty of the cavern’s natural features and scenery as you follow the path of an ancient riverbed.

2. Laumeier Sculpture Park

Should your travels take you near Saint Louis, consider stopping by the Laumeier Sculpture Park to explore. This 105-acre park features 60 large-scale outdoor sculptures, is open year-round to the public, and it’s free. It’s also dog-friendly! Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the Outdoor Galleries as long as they remain leashed at all times and you clean up after them.

You will want to check the calendar before you stop by to make sure there are no special events going on. Although the park is dog-friendly, dogs are prohibited at some special events, so you’ll want to make sure your dog is still welcome if there happens to be a special event going on when you plan to visit.

3. 66 Drive-In Theatre

If you find yourself near Carthage and are looking for a relaxing activity to add into your trip, why not try the 66 Drive-In Theatre? It’s inexpensive, relaxing, and your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are well-behaved. Because it’s an outdoor venue, it is not open year-round. Usually, the drive-in opens the first weekend of April and runs through mid-September.

Parking spaces are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you’re stopping by for a popular movie, you’ll want to show up early. You’ll also want to have cash on hand. Although plastic is accepted at the concession stand, the entrance is cash only.

4. Windy’s Canoes, Tubes, Kayaks, & Rafts

If you and your pup are outdoor adventurers who also love the water and find yourselves near Eminence, consider spending a day with Windy’s Canoes, Tubes, Kayaks, & Rafts on a float trip or two. You can even bring camping gear for a two- or three-day float!

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you in a canoe or kayak as long as they are well-behaved and you clean up after them. However, dogs are not allowed in the rafts. You will also want to call ahead and reserve your watercraft so it is sure to be available when you stop by.

If you know this is an activity you will want to do with your dog someday, start slowly, introduce them to canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, make sure they have a life vest, and more. These are all tips to take your dog paddling that can also help you get your dog ready for this activity.

5. Gateway Arch National Park

The Gateway Arch is a classic feature of St. Louis. If your travels will bring you nearby, the Gateway Arch National Park can be a fantastic stop to stretch your legs and take a walk. There are plenty of trails around the park with ample views of the arch and the Mississippi River.

Your dog is welcome to join you in outdoor areas as you explore, provided they are leashed and well-behaved, and you clean up after them. Make sure you have waste bags with you in case there aren’t waste stations. Your dog won’t be able to come into the museum, the courthouse, or inside the visitor’s center. But you can stop by the visitor’s center entrance desk to get your dog into the B.A.R.K. ranger program.

6. Fanning 66 Outpost & Feedstore

If you love quirky and unique souvenirs and your travels will bring you near Cuba, MO, plan to spend some time at the Fanning 66 Outpost & Feedstore. Not only is this stop considered a highlight along Missouri’s stretch of historical Route 66, and not just for the largest rocking chair in the world, but it also features tons of unique Route 66 items.

You’re bound to find the perfect souvenir! As a souvenir shop and a general store, you can also pick up snacks, including homemade fudge and gourmet popcorn, as well as functional items like kitchenware and other home goods. Plus, this stop is dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the store, provided they are leashed and well-behaved.

5 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Missouri

After a full day of fun adventure, you and your pooch will need a place to stay and get some rest. It’s important to find a dog-friendly hotel while you’re planning your trip and to book your room early. Most of the time, hotels offering dog-friendly rooms have a limited number available, and they can fill up fast! Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Missouri that could work for you:

1. Hilton Branson Convention Center

If you’ll need a place to stay near Branson, check out the Hilton Branson Convention Center to see if it’s the right fit for you. Although there is a pet fee, you are allowed to bring two dogs up to 75 pounds with you. The pet fee is an additional $100 per stay.

You’ll also have your pick of rooms, as all the rooms in this hotel are pet-friendly! As long as your dog is well-behaved, you can even leave them unattended in your room. Plus, your dog will receive a welcome package upon check-in that includes dog bowls, a dog bed, a dog mat, and a door sign indicating there is a pet in the room for use during your stay.

2. Moonrise Hotel

Should you need to stay overnight in Saint Louis, consider making a reservation at the Moonrise Hotel. At this hotel, you are welcome to bring two dogs of any size to stay with you. There is a pet fee, which is an additional $50 per stay and per dog.

This boutique hotel features a modern and quirky design for a sophisticated look and feel and is located in one of the most vibrant districts in St. Louis. You will want to call ahead and reserve your room because pet-friendly rooms are limited.

3. Hampton Inn St. Louis Chesterfield

Located near St. Louis in Chesterfield is the Hampton Inn St. Louis Chesterfield. At this hotel, you are welcome to bring up to two dogs of any size with you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per stay for 1-4 nights and $75 per stay for 5 or more nights.

All the rooms at this hotel are pet-friendly, so you’ll have your pick of rooms when you call to reserve. You will have to make sure you can take your dog with you when you leave the room, as they are not permitted to be left in your room unattended.

4. Benton Park Inn

Should your travel plans require you to stay overnight in St. Louis, consider booking a room at the Benton Park Inn. This quaint urban inn is a bed and breakfast located in the heart of Benton Park and has 3 guest rooms available. And, it’s dog-friendly. In fact, it has its own house dog, a rescue named Rosie, who is a lovable and sweet canine host. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay.

Plus, there is no additional fee. However, your dog cannot be left unattended in your room. There is a grassy relief area on the property, a 14-acre park across the street, as well as several other green spaces within walking distance of the inn.

5. The Wildwood Hotel

If your travels will bring you to Wildwood, Missouri, and you’ll want to stay overnight, The Wildwood Hotel is an option to consider. This boutique hotel is also only around a 30-minute drive from St. Louis, so it can be an option if you would prefer to stay somewhere a little outside the city. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay in one of the Standard Rooms. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per dog, per night.

5 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Missouri

You’ll pack plenty of snacks and food for your trip. But if you stick to only that and convenience stores, you’ll miss out on the local flavor and cool dining experiences. If you find yourself near one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Missouri around a meal time, consider stopping by to switch things up and keep it interesting:

1. Three Dog Bakery

You won’t find much in terms of human food here, as this food stop is all about your dog! The Three Dog Bakery is a must-stop for you and your dog if you’re near Kansas City. In addition to a staff that will welcome your pup with open arms, your dog will also be able to enjoy free samples.

There is a treat buffet available for bulk treat purchases, in addition to doggie spa products and even personalized cakes for your dog! There is certainly something for everyone, whether they walk on two legs or four.

2. Biggies

Biggies is a neighborhood bar and grill that is located in Saint Louis. In addition to a large and varied menu, they also have dog-friendly seating on the outdoor patio. No matter your taste, you’re likely to find the perfect fit at Biggies. Plus, your dog will receive a water bowl, so your dog can hydrate and relax with you while you enjoy a meal together.

3. Char Bar

If you’ll be in Kansas City, Missouri, or Parkville, and you enjoy good barbecue, plan to stop by the Char Bar. Known for its Southern-style barbecue and comfortable charm, this casual eatery and bar is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. From starters, sides, and salads to a range of barbecue sandwiches featuring pulled pork, brisket, chicken, turkey, ham, sausage, and more, you’re bound to find something you enjoy on the menu.

Plus, the outdoor tables are located on a shaded outdoor patio. When it’s too cold for the open outdoor patio, there is an enclosed, heated patio available. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the patio tables. Don’t be too surprised if the staff showers your dog with attention. They’ll bring your pup a water bowl, and perhaps some treats, too.

4. Friendship Brewing Company

If the weather is nice and you’re in Wentzville around a mealtime, consider stopping to rest and grab some food and drink at Friendship Brewing Company. You can go to the Downtown Wentzville location or the one in Flint Hill. This local favorite is an award-winning craft brewery that is also loved for its food from Caboose Kitchen.

You can get comfort food, like nachos, pretzels with beer cheese made in-house, burgers, wraps, mac and cheese bowls, wings, and more, including other appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the tables in the outdoor courtyard. The outdoor area has partial coverage, several tables, and plenty of space. Just make sure your dog is good with other dogs, as this is a popular stop for local dog owners.

5. Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes

If you’re a fan of burgers and your travels will bring you into Springfield around mealtimes, stop by Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes for refreshment. This restaurant has four locations around Springfield and is known for its wide menu of high-quality burgers, as well as its shakes, with or without alcohol.

Their menu also features a variety of appetizers, along with hot dogs, salads, and vegetarian options. Beer is available on draft and in bottles, and there are wine options, cocktails, and mocktails as well.

Plus, this stop is dog-friendly. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the tables on the outdoor patio. It’s not a bad idea to call ahead or join the waitlist via their website and get your name on a list for an outdoor table.

Plan a Dog-Friendly Trip to Missouri

Although this Missouri dog-friendly travel guide is a good start, it certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you find something you want to do or see, just make sure it’s dog-friendly or that you have a plan in place for your dog before it goes on your trip itinerary.

There’s no need for traveling with your dog to be stressful. By starting your research early and using dog-friendly travel guides, you can plan a stress-free trip that both you and your dog can enjoy together. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where your travels may take you!