Great Small Town to Visit With Your Dog This Summer

Explore the great outdoors and expect the unexpected from Columbia, Missouri this summer!

This small town is a great destination to get away from the crowds and really enjoy a vacation with your furry best friend. With 70 city parks, 50 miles of trails, and an awe-inspiring rockbridge – this town offers endless adventure in the great outdoors and beyond for travelers looking to visit with pets.

Where to Stay: Stoney Creek Hotel is 100% dog friendly and features special room types specifically for guests with pets. Originally these rooms were designed for and with the Barkley House of the University of Missouri’s Dept of Veterinary Medicine. The Barkley House is a long-term project of the University – their goal is to one day house a facility similar to the Ronald McDonald House, except for dogs! Their pet rooms are all on the lower level, making walks easy for guests. Each room features linoleum flooring instead of carpet, doggy dishes for food and water, and decor to match.

What to Do: With many pet-friendly distilleries in the area, be sure to stop by one like the Dog-Master Distillery. This spot isn’t just about the spirits — though those are pretty good, it’s also about the people and the friendships that develop along the way. As the name suggests, you can bring your dog(s), enjoy a well-crafted cocktail, relax, and play games. For a more adventurous outing, bike through the interconnected MKT Nature and Fitness Trail with your pup or hike alongside the Katy Trail for beautiful views of the Missouri River.