Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun. But, it can also be a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. After all, you can’t guarantee anywhere you randomly stop will welcome your dog. By planning ahead, you can make sure all the stops on your trip are dog-friendly. If you’ll be planning a trip to “Big Sky Country”, use this Montana dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Montana

When you spend some time planning your trip ahead of time, you can make sure there are plenty of things that you and your dog will be able to do together. Here are some dog-friendly activities in Montana to consider adding to your trip itinerary:

1. Burke Park

Burke Park, also known as Peets Hill, is an off-leash park located in Bozeman. It features a lot of open space where you and your dog can walk and run. There are plenty of trails available to explore.

The area is not fenced, so you will want to make sure your dog can handle being off-leash and will respond to your recall commands. You will also want to bring water with you.

2. Swan River Trail

If your travels bring you through Bigfork and you need to stretch your legs, the Swan River Trail could be worth the stop. The trail is two miles each way.

It starts at Bigfork Village and follows along the Swan River. The trail is relatively flat, an easy walk, and your leashed dog is welcome to join you as you explore.

3. Snowfill Recreation Area

The Snowfill Recreation Area is a 37-acre park located in Bozeman. This fenced off-leash dog park features two miles of trails for you and your dog to explore.

You should bring water with you, but there is a doggie drinking fountain on-site as well as a vault toilet. This park is a popular hiking spot throughout the year and is also popular for sledding in the winter.

4. Dee-O-Gee

Dee-O-Gee is all about your dog. This dog store is located in Bozeman and is a great stop for all your dog needs. As long as your dog is leashed and well-behaved, they are welcome to join you.

In addition to supplies, snacks, treats, and more, the store also has a DIY dog wash, offers dog grooming, and provides doggie daycare services. There are many benefits of doggy daycare, and this can be a good option if you need to make a stop where your dog can’t join you.

5. Greycliff Prairie Dog Town

Greycliff Prarie Dog Town is a 98-acre park located in Big Timber where you can observe packs of prairie dogs from a distance. Your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed, well-behaved, and you clean up after them. Make sure you bring your binoculars!

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Montana

After a day full of fun, you’ll want to make sure you have a place where you and your dog can relax and rest. Because not all hotels are dog-friendly and because dog-friendly rooms tend to get reserved quickly, it’s important to look into hotels before your trip and book your room early. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Montana to consider if your travels will bring you nearby:

1. Residence Inn by Marriott Billings

The Residence Inn by Marriott is located in Billings and is a dog-friendly hotel. Up to two dogs of any size can join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $45 for a 1-2 night stay and $90 for 3 nights or more.

There is a grassy relief area and waste station on-site for your convenience. You can also leave your dog unattended in your room as long as they are quiet and well-behaved when you are not around.

2. Best Western Desert Inn

If you’ll need to stay overnight near West Yellowstone, consider booking a room at the Best Western Desert Inn. This dog-friendly hotel allows up to two dogs of any size to join you and there is no additional pet fee.

You cannot leave your dog unattended in your room. There is a dog park located conveniently across the street. Both dog treats and waste bags are available at the front desk if you need them.

3. The LARK Bozeman

The LARK is a dog-friendly hotel located in Bozeman. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $35 per night and a $70 maximum.

You cannot leave your dog in your room unattended at any time. There is a grassy relief area on-site and there is also a park nearby. Upon check-in, you’ll receive a water bowl, a blanket, and a tennis ball for your dog.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Montana

Although you can always rely on the food you bring with you, fast food, and convenience stores, that can also get boring. It can also make you miss out on local flavors and experiences. Instead of missing out, consider grabbing a meal at these dog-friendly restaurants in Montana:

1. Bonsai Brewing Project

Bonsai Brewing Project is a festive brewpub located in Whitefish. They have seasonal small-batch beers and keep their year-round lineup fresh. In addition to brews, they also have a food menu with local favorites like chicken kebabs, coconut rice, burgers, and more.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you at the outdoor tables on the large garden-style patio. And, there’s a dog park nearby that you can visit before you go or when you’re done!

2. The Raven

If relaxing outside with gorgeous lakeside views is what you want and you happen to be near Bigfork, consider stopping for a meal at The Raven. In addition to a variety of beers on tap and cocktails available, they also have a menu with a lot of options and international inspiration.

Montana beer burgers, Baja fish tacos, pad Thai, yak meatloaf, Asian potstickers, and more are a few of the local favorites. Plus, their outdoor seating is on the deck, lakeside, and dog-friendly!

3. Lockhorn Cider House

Lockhorn Cider House is located in Bozeman. This family-owned local favorite is a craft cidery that features a wide variety of ciders. From Raspberry, Ginger, and Wine Barrel Reserve to Habanero, Semi-Sweet Apple, and more, there is something for everyone to try.

They also have a menu that features artisan charcuterie and cheese boards, Bison sausage plates, chocolate truffles, mixed nuts, hummus, and more. Plus, their outdoor benches or German-style tables are dog-friendly. As long as your dog is leashed and well-behaved, they are welcome to join you.

This Montana dog-friendly travel guide is a good starting point, but it doesn’t cover everything. If you find something else you want to see or do, just make sure it’s dog-friendly before it goes on your trip plan.

If you’re headed somewhere else, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to safe travels and wagging tails no matter where your adventures take you!