Life on the road is better with pets! Whether you're traveling from afar or planning a staycation in your own backyard, this pet-friendly travel guide provided by Liv Hospitality ensures your next vacation will be paws-itively unforgettable.
Note: a friendly reminder that the locations listed below have some rules in place while still offering a wonderful travel experience for visitors and their pets.
So, pack your leash and get ready to explore the beautiful Black Hills with this list of pet-friendly activities!
Liv Hospitality
If you're looking for comfortable accommodations for you and your pet in either Rapid City or Deadwood, South Dakota, Liv Hospitality has you covered. These pet-friendly hotels boast high standards of comfort and convenient access to the area’s best hiking trails and major attractions. At Liv Hospitality, the staff goes the extra mile to provide amenities that you and your pet will absolutely love. Go ahead and bring along your furry friend and let Liv Hospitality spoil both of you!
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Downtown Rapid City
Take a stroll through downtown Rapid City and explore pet-friendly activities, outdoor patios and a variety of shops. Many surrounding restaurants and pubs offer outdoor seating areas for you and your pup. While you're here, head over to the Shops at Main Street Square, where your pets are welcome inside many of the stores. After shopping, grab a sweet treat for the both of you at Silver Lining Creamery and enjoy the Main Street Square fountain views from the spacious patio.
Hiking trails
When it comes to outdoor activities, the Black Hills of South Dakota has the ulti-mutt dog-friendly hiking trails and parks your pup will surely love. Trails such as M Hill (Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park), the Stratobowl or even Canyon Lake Park can be explored within an hour, while Custer State Park and Spearfish Canyon provide an all-day adventure. Whichever trail you hike or park you visit, you are guaranteed beautiful scenic views any time of the year.
Bar K-9 Dog Park & Bar
Where can you let your dog run wild indoors while you sip on a cold brew? The Bar K-9 Dog Park & Bar, of course! The Bar K-9 located inside the Rushmore Mall provides a safe, controlled environment where dogs can play and interact with other well-behaved furry friends. While your pup plays, head over to the bar and grab yourself a cold beverage. They also make pup-approved, non-alcohol beer, too!
Local pubs and breweries
Bottoms up! The Black Hills offers a variety of breweries, each with unique flavors but with one thing in common: They all love pets! The only rules are that your dog remains on their leash and be friendly and respectable (no barking). Stay local with Paddy O'Neill's Irish Pub, Lost Cabin and Zymurcracy Beer Company, or take a day trip to Crow Peak Brewing in Spearfish, South Dakota or Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer in Deadwood.
Reptile Gardens
For travelers looking to take a walk on the wild side, pay a visit to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City. The park is one of the only dog-friendly attractions in the Black Hills. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome in all areas except the Safari Room. You and your pup can enjoy the beautiful landscaping, check out the interesting reptiles and see most (if not all) of the shows offered at the park. Don't forget your camera!
Historic Deadwood
Head north to Deadwood, where pets are welcome all over town. Feel free to take a stroll on Main Street and stop in at any of the unique shops (many are dog-friendly). Most dining options that offer patio seating welcome your furry friend, too.
Spearfish Canyon
For travelers and their pets who are a little more adventurous, head to the Northern Black Hills and spend the day exploring Spearfish Canyon. Known as a hidden gem in the Black Hills, the Canyon boasts stunning views, waterfalls, hiking trails (most are pet-friendly) and thousand-foot-high limestone mountains.
