Everyone loves to go on vacation, including your four-legged friends. We put together our best advice for a dog-friendly getaway.
But first, here are a few ground rules. While all of the businesses listed below are dog-friendly, they all agree on a few things: always clean up after your pet, always have your dog on a leash (unless otherwise stated), remember to pack water for them and please be sure your dogs are current on their vaccinations.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get on to the fun stuff.
Day 1
You just arrived in the Black Hills, and both you and your companion need somewhere to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. First, pull into the Founders Park parking lot and take a nice, leisurely hike up Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park (the locals lovingly refer to it as “M-Hill”), located right in the center of Rapid City. Depending on the route you choose, you can expect to spend anywhere from one to three hours hiking.
After that, you’ll definitely be ready for some food. Check out the Family Food Truck Night every Tuesday night in the summer at Cayon Lake Park (fido will need to be leashed).
After some great food and a few drinks, it’s time to head to bed. Search pet-friendly lodging using filters here on the 'Stay' page.
Day 2
After waking up and letting your pup outside, head to Tally’s Silver Spoon for an excellent breakfast on their outdoor patio. Or, you can pack breakfast and head to your next destination. Jump in the car and enjoy the scenic drive to Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. The trailhead for Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) starts at Sylvan Lake. It’s a hike both you and your dog will remember for a long time to come. Lasting about four hours round trip, you will be hiking to the tallest point between the Rockies and the Swiss Alps. Feel free to take your dog to the summit, but be warned—to get there you will have to traverse some fairly steep stairs. At the summit, take your time enjoying the 360° view of the Black Hills. Plan to stay a night or two or more. There is so much to discover in Custer State Park. A stay in one of the dog-friendly cabins at Sylvan Lake or Legion Lake Lodge is a great reward to yourself and your furry friend. After a relaxing night, wake up to the clean pine-scented air and get hiking.
Day 3
Wake up early and head to the Northern Black Hills, where the communities of Deadwood and Spearfish welcome you - and your dog!
Any of the three trails mentioned near Spearfish will surely fill up your morning. Spearfish Canyon has numerous trails. However, not all of them are dog-friendly. For those looking for an easy hike to a gorgeous destination, we recommend the Roughlock Falls Trail. Clocking in at around one mile one-way, this trail has minimal incline or hazards along the way and ends at the picturesque Roughlock Falls State Nature Area.
If you are a little more adventurous, a hike to Devils Bathtub is a morning well spent. Lasting at least 1.5 hours (but extendable to as long as you want), this hike is challenging and visually pleasing to all that make the trek. But be warned, you will very likely get wet. Be sure you have good hiking boots and nothing that will get ruined by some water. You’ll probably want to pack some old towels with to dry off your pup before getting back in the car.
Lastly, we have the ’76 Trail. Although it’s one of the shortest hikes in the canyon, at only ¾ of a mile in length, the steepness makes this the hardest one on our list. Ascending 700 feet over a half mile, this hike will reward you and your canine friend with a breathtaking view of Spearfish Canyon.
Once you’ve completed the last hike of the morning, you've most likely worked up an appetite. Spearfish has several great offerings you may want to visit. If you’re looking for a nice lunch on a dog-friendly outdoor patio, stop by the Red Water Cafe' and indulge in their eclectic menu offerings. If a light, early dinner with a large drink selection is more to your tastes, the Spearfish Creek Wine Bar opens at 4 p.m. and has two patios for you to enjoy some chill time. There’s a strong possibility you’ll be graced with some local musical talent, too.
If you want to stay in this beautiful area, I'd suggest Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort. This beautiful property offer all kinds of amenities; golf course, outdoor pool, convenience and gift store, meeting space, restaurant, RV campsites and cabins too - and of course they're dog friendly!
Should you choose to visit the historic town of Deadwood, you don’t even have to leave town to feel like you are taking a hike. The northern anchor of the George S. Mickelson Trail is located in this dog-friendly town at the Deadwood Trailhead. This easily traveled trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. It is South Dakota's first rails to trails project, providing 109 miles of varied and scenic terrain for hiking, bicycle, and horseback riding - right down the middle of the Black Hills. Persons aged 12 and older are required to purchase a trail pass. It's $4 for a day pass or $15 for an annual pass. Most trailheads have self-registration sites where you can buy on an "honor" basis. These fees help support the maintenance of the trail.
Another great trek is The Homestake Trail. It is a must-do as it connects Lead and Deadwood. You will either begin or end this hike at the Lead Dog Park. This gold-mining town of Lead is just three miles from Deadwood and is filled with old "gold" history while it is building scientific new history! A stop at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center will fill you in on this remarkable mountain town.
If you're looking for a beautiful hike but not as long, Friendship Tower is a nice short hike just north of town that offers excellent views of the area. Friendship Tower was dedicated in 1919, and it is still a favorite of locals and visitors alike. You can climb the tower, and there is a picnic area too. For in-town dining, stop at Saloon #10 with your four legged buddy for good food, good drinks and a fun atmosphere.
By the time you are done with a day of exploring, both you and Fido will be ready for a comfortable room to relax in. There are some properties in Deadwood that are dog-friendly. Stop by the Deadwood Welcome Center to find out who and where they are located. Feel free to wander down Main Street, browsing the shops (many are dog-friendly), and most dining options that offer a patio or sidewalk seating welcome you and your 4-legged companion, too.
Day 4
The next stop on the list truly surprised me when I found out about. Nestled in the Heart of the Black Hills is Hill City, or as I like to now call it, the "Dog Mecca of the Black Hills". Within this small town are 22 businesses that allow dogs on or in their grounds.
You can easily gain access to the George S. Mickelson Trail here at the Burlington Northern Hill City Trailhead. Other options include The Centennial Trail, Dakota Point, Spring Creek, and Flume Trailheads are all located around Sheridan Lake, just a few miles east of town.
After your hike, you’ll surely be ready for lunch and I recommend stopping at the Alpine Inn for an authentic European lunch menu. Your dog is more than welcome on their veranda as you partake in some excellent food and drink options. Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to go shopping.
The Handbag Store, opened in 2013, is your destination for handbags, jewelry, scarves, caps & kid items. If you prefer history, be sure to take your dog to Everything Prehistoric/The Museum @ Black Hills Institute. Packed wall to wall with fossils, gems and other prehistoric goodies, both you and your companion are able to enjoy the entire museum and gift shop together. Round your trip out with some contemporary art from local artists at the Warrior’s Work & Ben West Gallery. As long as your dog is leashed, well-behaved and has good taste in art, they are more than welcome to be in the gallery. For a complete list of the businesses in Hill City that allow dogs, be sure to read to the end of this post.*
Back in the car and ready for dinner, you have a few choices in Hill City. Stop at either Prairie Berry Winery or Naked Winery and dine on their outdoor patio while enjoying some of their locally sourced and crafted wines.
No matter which of these communities and hikes you and your best friend choose to explore, we are positive it will encourage you to return to the Black Hills again and again to discover more! There are hundreds of places and trails - no way we can mention them all here. Plan your next trip soon!