Traveling with your dog can be a fun adventure or it can be a nightmare. Because not everywhere you go will be dog-friendly, planning ahead makes a big difference. If you’re headed to the “Peace Garden State”, use this North Dakota dog-friendly travel guide to start planning your trip.

4 Dog-Friendly Activities in North Dakota

Not all activities and attractions will welcome your dog. So, you want to make sure you have dog-friendly activities on your list for you and your dog to enjoy together; and, a plan in place if there are any activities in place your dog can’t do with you. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in North Dakota to consider adding to your trip plan:

1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in Medora and preserves three areas of badlands. It covers a natural protected area that you can explore with your dog. Although your dog is not permitted inside buildings, on trails, or in the backcountry, they are allowed to explore all other areas of the park with you as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

2. Fort Stevenson State Park

Fort Stevenson State Park is located in Garrison and is on the north shore of Lake Sakakawea. Your dog must be leashed at all times and you need to clean up after them, but they are welcome to join you as you explore the area. The park includes a prairie dog town, interpretive trails, a visitor center, and more.

3. Dakota Thunder – World’s Largest Buffalo

If your travels bring you near Jamestown, consider taking a break to stop at Dakota Thunder. At 26 feet tall and weighing in at 60 tons, this is the world’s largest buffalo monument. You can see it from Interstate 94 and it’s a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and take some pictures. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed.

4. Fargo Air Museum

The Fargo Air Museum is a great stop for fans of aviation. The museum features two large buildings filled with memorabilia and plenty of airplanes. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in North Dakota

After a day full of fun, you want to make sure you and your dog have a place to rest and relax. Not all hotels are dog-friendly and, if they have dog-friendly rooms, they are often booked quickly. So, it’s important to plan ahead and book a room early to make sure you have a place to stay that will welcome your dog. If you’ll need to stay overnight nearby, consider booking a room at one of these dog-friendly hotels in North Dakota:

1. Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites

Should you need to stay overnight in Fargo, consider making a reservation at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn & Suites. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay at this dog-friendly hotel. And, there is no additional pet fee.

There are treats available at the front desk. Two grassy relief areas complete with waste stations are available in the front and back of the hotel. Although your dog cannot join you in the water play-land, you can leave them unattended in your room as long as they are crated.

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites Grand Forks

La Quinta Inn & Suites Grand Forks is a dog-friendly option to consider. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. Also, there is no additional pet fee. There are grassy relief areas on-site with waste stations for your convenience. You cannot leave your dog unattended in your room.

Because this is a hotel chain, you may be able to find another one if you need to stay somewhere else overnight. Pet policies may vary by hotel, so make sure you are aware of any requirements, fees, or limitations for that specific hotel.

3. Microtel Inn & Suites

Although Microtel Inn & Suites is a hotel chain, the details for this dog-friendly hotel are for the one located in West Fargo. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay and there is no additional pet fee required.

Grassy relief areas with waste stations for your convenience are located on the hotel property. Also, you are permitted to leave your dog unattended in your room as long they are quiet and well-behaved and you leave a cell number with the front desk before you leave.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in North Dakota

Although you can always rely on the food you’ve packed, grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast-food drive-thrus, that can get boring and also make you miss out on the local flavor. Instead, take a break and have a bite at one of these dog-friendly restaurants in North Dakota if your travels bring you nearby:

1. Wurst Bier Hall

Wurst Bier Hall is located in Fargo and has outdoor seating where your dog is welcome to join you. In addition to plenty of craft beers, the Wurst Bier Hall also has a varied menu of bar food starters, veggie options, German cuisine, gourmet meats, and more.

2. Fireflour Pizza

If you love pizza and coffee and your travels bring your Bismarck, consider carving out some time for a meal at Fireflour Pizza. Their menu features authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas along with gelato and baked goods. They also have a wide, varied wine selection and a full espresso bar featuring craft coffee. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you in their dog-friendly outdoor seating area.

3. Stonehome Brewing Company

Also located in Bismarck is the Stonehome Brewing Company. In addition to their own line of craft beer, their menu also offers their own pizzas and pasta along with salads, starters, sandwiches, and more. Plus, there is plenty of outdoor seating on their patio where your dog is welcome to join you.

This North Dakota dog-friendly travel guide is a good place to start, but it certainly 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 itinerary.

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