Traveling with your dog can be a fun trip for you both. It can also be really stressful because not everywhere you stop will be dog-friendly. Planning ahead is usually what makes the difference between a fun trip and one that is a nightmare. If you’re planning a trip to “The Sunflower State”, use this Kansas dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

4 Dog-Friendly Activities in Kansas

Dog parks can be a blast, but they’re not the only things you want to visit when you’re traveling. Instead, see if you can find some dog-friendly attractions to add some variety to your trip itinerary. Here are some dog-friendly activities in Kansas to consider including in your trip:

1. Lake Shawnee

Lake Shawnee is a manmade lake located in Topeka. In addition to plenty of walking trails and gardens to explore, there are also boat rentals for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them.

2. Chisholm Creek Pet Resort Pup Park

Chisholm Creek Pet Resort Pup Park is located in Wichita. It’s a dog park that also offers boarding facilities. This dog park has it all – sand for dogs that love to dig, agility equipment for dogs that love to climb and jump, a pond for dogs who love to swim, and plenty of room for dogs who love to run.

Although it usually requires a membership, you can call ahead of your trip for daily rates. Also, if you have some attractions you want to visit that are not dog-friendly, you can also inquire about boarding your dog here for a day or two. Your dog can have a blast in the dog park while you explore the things you can’t miss seeing where they won’t be welcome to join you.

3. Kansas Museum of History Nature Trail

The Kansas Museum of History Nature Trail is located in Topeka. The 2.5-mile trail has four sections. The trail winds through creek banks, native grasslands, woodlands, and across bridges with signage to provide context for the cultural and natural history. Also, it’s dog-friendly! As long as your dog is leashed and you clean up after them, they are welcome to join you as you explore.

4. World’s Largest Ball of Twine

If oddities and photo ops are your thing and you’ll be traveling near Cawker City, take some time to stop by the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. It’s over 10 feet tall and weighs in at close to 20,000 pounds. Not only is your leashed dog welcome to join you, but you can also add to this landmark if you bring your own twine.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Kansas

It’s important to have a place for you and your dog to stay during your travels. But, not every hotel is dog-friendly, so it is essential to do your research and book a room in advance. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Kansas to kickstart your research:

1. Residence Inn by Marriott Topeka

If you’ll need to stay overnight in Topeka, consider booking a room at the Residence Inn by Marriott Topeka. Dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $100 per stay.

You can leave your dog in your room unattended as long as they are quiet and well-behaved if you are not around. You will be charged for any damages they cause, so make sure they can handle it before you leave them behind. Although there is a grassy relief area and walking area on-site, there are no waste bags provided, so you will need to make sure you bring your own.

Since this is a chain, you may be able to find one near where you’ll need to stay if you won’t be in Topeka. Just make sure you check in with the individual hotel on their pet policy as it may vary from hotel to hotel.

2. Candlewood Suites Kansas City-Overland Park

If your travels will require an overnight stay near Overland Park, take a closer look at Candlewood Suites Kansas City-Overland Park. Up to two dogs, up to 80 pounds are welcome to join you for your stay at this hotel. There is an additional pet fee, which is $15 per stay as well as $10 per dog and per night.

The dog-friendly rooms are limited to specific Studio Queen and One-Bedroom Queen Suites. You are permitted to leave well-behaved and quiet dogs unattended in your room. A grassy relief area is on-site with waste baste provided. Also, there are dog treats available at the front desk.

3. Comfort Inn East Wichita

Should your travels require you to stay overnight in Wichita, consider reserving a room at the Comfort Inn East. At this hotel, two dogs of any size can join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $15 per stay. Your dogs cannot be left unattended in your room and there is a grassy relief area on-site.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Kansas

Although you can rely on the food you brought with you, fast food, and convenience stores, doing so can get boring. And, it also usually means missing out on the local flavor. If you find yourself near one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Kansas during your travels, consider stopping for a meal and some refreshment:

1. Bluejacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery

Although you won’t find much in the way of food here, Bluejacket Crossing is a great stop in Eudora for anyone who enjoys a good glass of wine. You can order a glass of something you know you like or you can stop by for a wine tasting to sample the local flavor.

And, your leashed, friendly, and well-behaved dog is welcome to join you outside and also in the tasting room. On top of that, the vineyard has cleanup bags and dog treats available at the bar in case you need them.

2. Pumphouse

Pumphouse is located in Wichita. This restaurant was once a gas station and has been converted into a bar and grill. The menu features everything from onion rings, burgers, and salads to pizza, beer, and more. Plus, they have a large dog-friendly patio where your dog can join you for your meal.

3. Woodyard Bar-B-Que

If BBQ is your thing and you’re near Kansas City, plan to stop by Woodyard Bar-B-Que for a meal or two. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this place has everything you could want when it comes to smoked meats. From pulled pork, brisket, and ribs to wings, burnt ends, sausage, ham, and more, this BBQ joint has what you’re craving.

They also offer sides you won’t want to miss like creamy coleslaw, chili, and cheesy corn. Plus, they’re dog-friendly. They have a large dog-friendly patio in the front and a dog-friendly garden in the back where your dog can join you as you chow down on delicious food.

Although this Kansas dog-friendly travel guide doesn’t cover everything, it is a good place to start when you’re planning a trip. If you find somewhere else you want to visit, just make sure you can verify that it is dog-friendly before it makes it onto your trip itinerary.

If you’re headed somewhere else, take a look at the other dog-friendly travel guides available. No matter where your adventures take you, here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails!