Life
Dog-Friendly Activities in 417-land
Grab a leash and your favorite furball for an afternoon outing at dog-friendly spots in southwest Missouri. Restaurants offer water on the house while you handle the table scraps.
By Shannon Hoffmann and Katie Pollock Estes
Apr 01 2019 at 6 p.m.
Restaurants
Andy's Frozen Custard
Multiple Springfield locations
Cool off with a sweet treat from the custard kings, like the 417 Sundae, available for a limited time at Springfield Andy's. Bonus: They offer pup-sized cones upon request. Photo courtesy Andy's Frozen Custard.
Aviary Cafe
Two Springfield locations
Stay refreshed on the Aviary Cafe patio with a mimosa in hand. Choose your desired juice flavor to pair with California champagne. Photo courtesy Aviary Cafe.
Bambino's Cafe
Two locations in Springfield
Bring the family and your pup to Bambinos and load up on what seems like endless carbs of pasta and bread, or the ziti. Photo courtesy Bambinos Cafe.
Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar
Multiple Springfield locations
Big Whiskey's patios are perfect for a date with your best bud. Relish in the warm weather while snackin' on some buffalo chicken dip and brews. Photo courtesy Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar.
Café Cusco
234 E Commercial St, Springfield
Spice up your afternoon with the leche de tigre (a spicy shrimp shot) from Café Cusco and then mosey on over to the nearby shops and brewery.
Civil Kitchen
107 Park Central Square, Springfield
Enjoy the Park Central Square views with your best pup while unwinding with the brown bear from Civil Kitchen. Photo courtesy Civil Kitchen.
The Coffee Ethic
124 Park Central Square, Springfield
Relax on The Coffee Ethic patio while sipping on an Indian Summer for a morning pick-me-up with you furry friend by your side. Photo courtesy The Coffee Ethic.
Bark Yard
3110 E. Cherry Street, Springfield
Bark Yard is a membership-based hangout for dogs and dog people. Bark Yard also offers doggy daycare and boarding seven days a week. Photo courtesy Bark Yard.
Galloway Station
1281 E Republic Rd, Springfield
Test out the recently updated menu at Galloway Station while enjoying live tunes and a patio meal with your pup. Photo courtesy Galloway Station.
The Grotto West Coast Grill
301 E Battlefield Rd, Springfield
Feast on the pork carnitas pizza at The Grotto while your curious dog eagerly awaits table scraps.
Harbell's Grill and Sports Bar
315 Park Central W, Springfield
Hit up Harbell's downtown on a sunny afternoon to satisfy your hunger with the BLT hot dog. Photo courtesy Harbell's Grill and Sports Bar.
Springfield Brewing Company
305 S Market Ave, Springfield
Enjoy a meal with your pup on Springfield Brewing Company's lofted patio. While you're there, enjoy the classic bloody mary with a Tabasco salt rim, garnishes and some Brew Co. beer. Photo courtesy Springfield Brewing Company.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Multiple Springfield locations
Culver's
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Multiple Springfield locations
Lindberg's Tavern
318 W Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803
McAlister's Deli
Multiple Springfield locations
Pita Pit
Multiple Springfield locations
Outdoor Activities
Bark in the Park
950 E Bennett St, Springfield, MO
Head to Phelps Grove Park for the annual fundraiser benefiting Cruse Dog Park. Pet families enjoy live music, a dog walk, demos, treats, a dog paw print station and more!
Bass Pro Shops
1935 S Campbell Ave, Springfield
Wander around the vast Bass Pro Shops with your favorite furball along side of you. Don't forget the leash!
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
2038 West State Hwy 86, Lampe
For an additional $4, you can enjoy the scenic views and waterfalls along the Dogwood Canyon Nature trail with your trusty sidekick. Photo courtesy Dogwood Canyon.
Cruse Dog Park
2100 W Catalpa St, Springfield
Aside from the fence, its total freedom for the pooches at Cruse Dog Park! Test it out for a day for $10, or register for $25 annually. Proof of vaccination is required.
Fantastic Caverns
4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield
Fantastic Caverns was founded by John Knox's dog chasing a critter, so its only fitting that people-friendly pups on leashes are allowed on the underground tours. Photo courtesy Fantastic Caverns.
Galloway Creek Greenway
Trailhead across from Pershing Middle School, 2713 E. Seminole St., Springfield
Test your doggo’s endurance by letting them race down the trail with you, poke around in Galloway Creek, sniff around the entrance to Sequiota Park’s cave (but don’t go inside!) and then do it all again on the way back. Photo courtesy Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
Jordan Valley Park
635 E. Trafficway St. Springfield, MO
The water feature at the center of Jordan Valley Park—located in downtown Springfield—is popular among families who need a place to cool off on hot days. Photo courtesy Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
National Tiger Sanctuary
518, State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke
As long as they're on a leash, dogs are welcome to attend walking tours with their human and see the lions and tigers. Photo courtesy National Tiger Sanctuary.
Crescent Hotel & Spa
75 Prospect Ave, Eureka Springs
Spend your weekend in Eureka Springs at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa. Enjoy the outdoors, night life and ghost tours. Pets are allowed for $25 per night per pet.
Chateau on the Lake
415 N State Hwy 265, Branson
This lakeside resort in Branson allows dogs (or cats) under 25 pounds in select rooms on the third floor for a one time fee of $50. Other restrictions may apply.
Frisco Highline Trail
W Kearney St, Springfield
You and your pup are sure to enjoy this scenic 35-mile walking trail for an afternoon stroll.
Mikes Unique Collectable and Antique Flea Market
3335 W Sunshine St, Springfield
Get your antique shoppin' on at Mikes Unique Collectable and Antique Flea market. Have a small pet? They're welcome too.
Pet stores
Multiple locations
Hit up stores like Petsway, PetSmart, All About Dogs & Cats, All Pet Supplies and more and spoil your furry friend with toys and treats.
