Dog-Friendly Activities in South Dakota

Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of amazing views and dog-friendly outdoor experiences in Custer, SD. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop allows pets and humans to explore the park and view the indigenous wildlife from the comfort of the car. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails where pets are welcome to join the fun. Set out on a hike along Black Elk Peak Loop, a seven-mile route with stunning views of the cathedral spires and Black Hills wilderness. Visitors should note that dogs are not allowed at designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations).

Pet-friendly Falls Park, sitting on 128 acres, is located on the banks of the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, SD. Enjoy captivating waterfalls from several viewing platforms, including a five-story observation tower. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Pet-friendly Bear Country USA in Rapid City, SD offers visitors a chance to view wildlife from the comfort of their own car. You and Fido will travel through several enclosures on the three-mile drive through the park and see black bears, elk, reindeer, cougars, bobcats, bighorn sheep, buffalo and more. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the drive-through park but are not allowed in Babyland, where the cubs live, and not allowed around the wildlife walkway area. They can be on a leash near the gazebo area at the end. The park is open seasonally from May through November.

Crow Peak Brewing Company is a dog-friendly microbrewery in Spearfish, SD, where Fido is welcome to join you at a table on the patio or inside their taproom with a fresh bowl of water. They brew three year-round beers including an American-style IPA, a blonde ale and a robust porter. You'll also find seasonal creations like a coffee IPA, the lemon farmhouse ale, chocolate stout, a chili ale and more. Food trucks and special events are hosted throughout the week.

Wall Drug is a dog-friendly iconic tourist spot and roadside attraction at one end of Badlands National Park in Wall, SD. They're famous for the free ice water, and pups are welcome inside the store. Be sure to snap a picture of Fido at one of their photo opportunities throughout the site such as the six-foot rabbit, the mini-Mount Rushmore, the buckin’ bronc, the life-size robot T-Rex, and, the ever-popular Giant Jackalope. Please note that dogs aren't permitted inside restaurants.

The World's Only Corn Palace, a pet-friendly roadside attraction in Mitchell, SD, welcomes leashed dogs to join their human companions inside the world's only corn palace. Each year, over 275,000 ears of corn are used to redecorate the Corn Palace with new themes and new designs, and intricate corn murals decorate the auditorium inside. Tours of this one-of-a-kind attraction are given daily.

Big Thunder Gold Mine is a pet-friendly attraction in downtown Keystone, SD. Experience this Black Hills Gold Rush legend with Fido and the family! They offer a mine tour, a museum, on-site gold panning, and claim panning. Dogs are welcome everywhere, including the gift shop and Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill's patio. Just be sure to keep your pup leashed and close to you.

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives is a pet-friendly attraction in Spearfish, SD. You can bring your pup along while you learn about the trout and explore the grounds. Leashed dogs are welcome as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after.

Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos is a pet-friendly old-time photography service in Keystone, SD. The staff is awesome and love shooting dogs in classic clothing.

WoodGrain Brewing Company of Sioux Falls, SD, is a casual dog-friendly micro-brewery where Fido is welcome both inside their warm, comfortable taproom and on the outdoor patio. Servers are happy to provide you with complimentary dog treats and water bowls. They specialize in high-quality craft beer using the freshest local ingredients whenever possible, including locally grown hops and barley. Snacks, such as pretzels, pub mix and meat sticks are available, and you’re also welcome to bring in your own food or order from a nearby restaurant.

Take your pup on a trip on the pet-friendly Badlands Loop Road, one of America's most surreal roads that spans 39 miles in Wall, SD. The curvy roads take you around the amazing rock formations that will make you feel like you're driving on a different planet.

Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail is a pet-friendly hike in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This moderate to strenuous hike is just over 1.5 miles in length out-and-back and takes visitors along an enchanting trail with unusual rocky outcrops along the way. This hike is a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you're driving along Needles Highway. Dogs must remain on a leash as the area is frequented by a variety of animals, including mountain goats.

The Pioneer Auto Show, located in Murdo, SD, is dog friendly and offers car, tractor and motorcycle tours. They also offer a tour of Prairie Town. Fido is also permitted inside the gift shop, but not allowed in the café.

Glacial Lakes Distillery is locally-owned, dog-friendly distillery and tasting room in Watertown, SD. Fido is welcome to relax with you at an outdoor table on the patio, or check out the tasting room and store. Try their handcrafted cocktails using Glacial Lakes spirits, like The Bronx, Between the Sheets, or The Espresso Martini while you're there.

Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, SD is the seventh-oldest national park in the country. This pet-friendly park is home to an array of wildlife including bison, elk and prairie dogs. Leashed pets are welcome on the Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista Nature Trails. Pups may also join human companions at the Ranger Campfire Programs. For the safety of your pet and the wildlife, pets are not permitted in the backcountry. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and may never be left unattended.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams and lakes. Fido is welcome to hike on any of the dog-friendly trails, however, dog owners should be aware that some trails are bike and horse friendly, too. Pups are not allowed in every campground, so guests should check the website for restrictions before planning their stay. The National Forest is open to the public free of charge. Some activities, campgrounds and parking areas do charge fees.

Fido can walk amongst prehistoric giants at the pet-friendly Dinosaur Park in Rapid City, SD. The park, open to the public since 1936, is free to explore. Dinosaur Park's hours vary seasonally, so make sure to check the website before planning your outing. Dogs are not allowed inside buildings. All pups must remain leashed.

Take a drive to the pet-friendly Needles Highway in Custer, SD. This spectacular trip through ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen and rugged granite mountains can't be missed if you're visiting South Dakota. The name comes from the needle-like granite formations that sprout out of the ground.

Lost Cabin Beer Company, located in Rapid City, SD, is pet friendly! You're welcome to bring Fido with you to enjoy the patio or hang out inside as there is no food prepared on the premises. Their tap list includes amber lagers, hazy IPAs, ales, saison and wheat beers.

Check out pet-friendly Devil's Gulch in Garretson, SD. Supposedly where Jesse James jumped the canyon, this middle-of-nowhere spot in South Dakota is a breath of fresh air and home to a lovely trail that leads to a picturesque gulch next to Split Rock Creek. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after to preserve the cleanliness of the creek.