Dog-Friendly Activities in Kentucky

Bring Fido to Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY for a tour of the distillery. Most of the property is dog friendly, including the tasting area and gift shop. Dogs are not allowed in the bottling building. Tours range from a National Historic Landmark Tour to a Ghost Tour of the paranormal areas featured on "Ghost Hunters." Times, tastings, duration and reservation requirements vary by tour, so dog owners should check the website or call ahead before planning their outing.

The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is the state's largest state-owned tourist attraction. The park is dedicated to sharing Kentucky’s love of horses with the world, and hosts nearly one million visitors and 19,000 competition horses in 200 special events and horse shows annually. It's a working horse farm, educational theme park, equine competition facility, and equine office park all in one. Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on the park's outdoor grounds as long as they are leashed or confined to an approved kennel. If carried or confined to a wheeled kennel, pets are allowed to go into the gift shop, but they may not go inside restaurants or the Alltech Arena. Dog-friendly outdoor seating is available at the restaurants. Pets are allowed in the museum lobby but not in the museum exhibits, so visitors will need to take turns staying with their pets outside of these areas. Pets are not allowed to be left unattended in vehicles, roam without a leash, or tied-out on the grounds.

Dinosaur World is a dog-friendly attraction in Cave City, KY, where visitors can see life sized models of dinosaurs, or just enjoy a quiet encounter with the lifelike animals. Friendly dogs on leashes are always welcome! Nestled among a lush assortment of native vegetation, the dinosaurs are so believable that some visitors claim to see them moving through the shadows cast by the many native trees.

Leashed dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas of Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest in Clermont, KY. The arboretum and forest features more than 40 miles of pet-friendly trails through a variety of geographic settings which will delight you and your pup. Please leash and clean up after your pets.

Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum is a dog-friendly attraction in Horse Cave, KY. Hidden River Cave is located directly beneath the city and a main entrance is at 119 East Main Street in the center of town. Dogs are welcome but some features, particularly the suspension bridge within the cave, may not be suitable for every pet to navigate.

Ethereal Brewing is a dog-friendly brewery in Lexington’s Distillery District, and welcomes Fido both inside and outside. Pups are even treated to water bowls and snacks. Guests can sample an array of craft brews, from Belgian ales and IPAs to experimental barrel-aged releases, in a spacious, historic taproom with dart boards, TVs, and a breezy patio overlooking the creek. Food trucks can sometimes be found on site.

Brooks Hill Winery is a dog-friendly winery in Brooks, KY. Fido is welcome to join you inside the cozy tasting room or the spacious patio overlooking the vineyard. All wines are crafted on-site and guests are welcome to sample with flights, glasses, or by the bottle. Brooks Hill Winery also hosts regular live music events and collaborates with local food trucks. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food.

Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is a pet-friendly distillery in Frankfort, KY. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join you inside the taproom and alongside you on their distillery tour. Fido is also invited to relax with you on their concrete patio or at a picnic table on the lawn while you treat yourself to bourbon and rye whiskeys. Stop by on the weekend to enjoy cocktails and a bite from visiting food vendors. If you're lucky, you just may be greeted by the resident dogs or cats that roam the property.

Kentucky Down Under is a dog-friendly zoo in Horse Cave, KY, that the whole family can enjoy. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to tour the adventure park, but Fido must be kept on a leash. They offer educational programs, gem mining and more. Guests with dogs are asked to take Fido for a potty break before entering the Mammoth Onyx Cave. Please note that pets aren't permitted in the Outback or the Land of the Lories, and there are resident dogs that freely roam the property.

Get ready to drink some hooch with your pooch. Casey Jones Distillery produces award-winning whiskeys in Hopkinsville, KY. The distillery offers pet-friendly tours and tastings, giving guests an in-depth look at the production process. Fido is welcome to join you for a tour or tasting, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Please see their website for information on schedules and prices.

Visit the dog-friendly Mirror Twin Brewery in Lexington, KY. The brewery allows dogs outside on the pet-friendly patio, which even has a small fenced-in dog area. Pair your craft brew with a takeout pizza from the Rolling Oven Restaurant next door.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area occupies 17,000 acres of land in Golden Pond, KY. As the name suggests, this dog-friendly area of natural beauty is situated between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake and offers 500 miles of trails to explore. Pets are permitted on trails and in campgrounds but must be leashed and under control. Please clean up after your dog. Pets are allowed at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and you may also have your pet at the Elk & Bison Prairie in the vehicle only. The Woodlands Nature Station offers kennels for pets whose owners wish to visit the facility.

Mammoth Cave National Park in Mammoth Cave, KY, invites you and Fido to camp and hike at this beautiful scenic area. The dog-friendly South Side Trails are conveniently situated along the main road and include The Cedar Sink Trail, Sand Cave Trail, Sloan's Crossing Pond Walk. More adventurous travelers can head to the backcountry to explore 37 square miles of forest ridges, valleys, and scenic rivers. Though dogs aren't permitted in caves, pets may be boarded at Mammoth Cave Kennels and The Woodland Cottages offer in-park dog-friendly lodging. Visitors who bring Fido should be mindful of ticks, snakes and poison ivy.

Club K9 Dog Bar is a dog-friendly bar and dog park in Louisville, KY. This canine hangout features 2-acres of fenced outdoor space and a vast all-weather area that's heated during the winter months. Patrons can order beer, wine or a cocktail from the bar, while pooches play underneath the refreshing spray of fire hydrant and tennis ball-shaped fountains. Before hopping in the car, Fido can rinse off in the dog wash station. Membership is required and they offer daily, monthly and annual passes.

Braxton Brewing Company in Covington, KY is pet friendly. Dogs are welcome inside and out while you try a variety of rotating brews along with some pizza from neighboring Dewey's. For pups, they have dog treats made with their own beer malt. Please note that dogs aren't permitted on the rooftop area.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Middlesboro, KY is dog friendly and is described as the first great gateway to the west. There are many miles of trails and scenic features around the park to explore with Fido. You'll also discover lots of limestone caves and other interesting geological formations at this park. Dogs are welcome to join their owners throughout, as long as they are on a leash and all mess is cleaned up after them.

You and Fido can take the scenic route with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, KY. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on board this pet-friendly train ride that passes through Appalachia with views of rivers and open vistas. Trips last three hours and have the option for additional add-ons.

Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, KY is pet friendly. There are about 2.5 miles of nature trails to explore, featuring three blue holes, a spring and a diverse variety of urban wildlife habitats. Pets are welcome inside the park, but aren't permitted on tours. There are no kennels on the property and owners cannot leave pets unattended or in vehicles.

Although Fido isn't permitted inside the garden or building at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky in Lexington, leashed dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly Walk Across Kentucky trail. The two-mile paved path features seven geophysical regions of Kentucky with large informational signs explaining each along the walkway. The area contains 60 species of plant life and wildflowers, including some ancient trees aged between 200 to 400 years. Please ensure to clean up after your pets.

Dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly patio and lawn outside Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shekbyville, KY. This distillery is crafting the next generation of high-end heritage distilled spirits which you can enjoy on a relaxed afternoon beside your loyal canine companion. Sample a limited edition spirit, a hand-crafted cocktail, or choose a glass of bourbon, vodka, moonshine or brandy.