Traveling with your dog can either be a fun adventure or a stressful nightmare. Planning ahead is what can be the difference for your trip. Because not everywhere you might stop is dog-friendly, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you have dog-friendly places to stay, see, and eat. If you’re planning to head the “Cornhusker State”, use this Nebraska dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Nebraska

Making sure you have things you and your dog can do together on your travels can make for some of the best memories of your trip. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in Nebraska to consider adding to your trip itinerary:

1. Memorial Park

Memorial Park is located in Omaha. This large park contains monuments dedicated to members of the armed forces who were killed or recorded as missing during their service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

The park also includes the All-American Rose Society Garden. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the park as long as they are well-behaved, remain leashed, and you clean up after them.

2. Bryson’s Airboat Tours

If you and your dog enjoy aquatic adventures and your travels bring you near Fremont, consider booking a trip with Bryson’s Airboat Tours. The tours happen on a Panther airboat that can reach about 60 miles per hour as you explore the Platte River.

The tour can be personalized to you. So, if you’d rather take a slower tour to really take things in, you can. Your dog needs to be leashed and should be comfortable on boats. It wouldn’t hurt to bring along a life jacket for them. Although Bryson’s will have life jackets for you, they may not have the right size available for your dog.

3. Platte River State Park

Platte River State Park is located in Louisville, which is about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. There are hiking trails, a waterfall, two observation towers overlooking the Platte River Basin, a spray park, and more.

And, it’s dog-friendly. As long as your dog remains leashed, is well-behaved, and you clean up after them, they are welcome to join you as you explore the park.

4. Golden Spike Tower

Golden Spike Tower is located in North Platte and overlooks the largest railyard in the world. There is not much shade outside of the visitor center, but your leashed and well-behaved dog is welcome to join you.

Large dogs may not be allowed through the tower itself, but smaller dogs can be carried through the attraction. If you have a large dog, it would be worth calling ahead to get some more details on whether they would be able to join you if you tour the tower.

5. The Museum of the Fur Trade

The Museum of the Fur Trade is located in Chadron. This museum follows the North American fur trade throughout its history and the development of the United States. It contains over 6,000 authentic artifacts, some of which are over 125 years old. Your well-behaved and leashed dog is welcome to join you as you navigate the museum.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Nebraska

Because you can’t guarantee that any hotel you stop at is dog-friendly without planning ahead, it’s important to do your research. And, since dog-friendly rooms tend to be in short supply, especially during busy travel times, you want to make sure you book early so you know both you and your dog have a place to stay. Start your research with these dog-friendly hotels in Nebraska:

1. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites West

If you will need to stay overnight in Omaha, consider booking a room at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites West. In addition to an affordable room rate, this hotel is also dog-friendly. Two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $10 per dog and per night. A grassy relief area is located on-site and you cannot leave your dog unattended in your room.

2. Best Western West Hills Inn

Should you be planning to stay overnight in Chadron, the Best Western West Hills Inn is a dog-friendly option to consider. At this hotel, you are permitted to bring two dogs of any size to stay with you and treats are available at the front desk.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $12 per dog and per night. Dog-friendly rooms are on the ground floor with easy access to a large field. As long as your dog is well-behaved and quiet when you aren’t around, you can leave your dog unattended in the room.

3. Tru by Hilton North Platte

If you think your travels will take you to North Platte and you’ll need a place to stay, the Tru by Hilton North Platte is a dog-friendly option to consider. This hotel allows you to bring up to two dogs with a combined weight up to 100 pounds with you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $35 per stay. Dog-friendly rooms are located on the first and second floors, but your dog cannot be left unattended in your room. There are grassy relief areas on-site for your convenience.

2 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Nebraska

You can always rely on the food you bring with you on your trip. Fast food and convenience stores are also an option. But, sticking with only these can become boring and can also mean that you miss out on local flavors and favorites. If your travel will bring you near any of these dog-friendly restaurants in Nebraska, consider stopping by for a meal:

1. The Parthenon

The Parthenon is located in Lincoln. If you’re in the mood for some Greek-inspired food, it’s worth a stop. This restaurant has an extensive Greek-inspired menu with plenty of options for everyone. Plus, their patio is dog-friendly and a water dish and treats are provided for your furry friend.

2. Angus Burgers & Shakes

If you’re in the mood for some casual American food and you’re in Kearney or Omaha, consider making some time to stop by Angus Burgers & Shakes. From burgers and sides to salads, starters, non-burgers, and more, their menu offers a variety of delicious options.

Plus, their outdoor tables are dog-friendly. If you want to stop by, it may be worth calling ahead to make sure there is an outdoor table open for you and your pooch.

This Nebraska dog-friendly travel guide doesn’t cover everything that’s available, but it is a good place to get started. If you find other things you want to check out, just make sure you research them beforehand to determine whether they are dog-friendly.

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