Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Springfield, Missouri | KOA

Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Springfield, Missouri | KOA

Springfield, Missouri, has many historical places, fun activities and adventures, making it an incredible vacation spot. Around the city, you can explore the beauty of the Ozarks and enjoy tons of other entertainment. Springfield is also pet friendly, so if you want to bring your dog, there are many fun places and restaurants to check out. 

5 Top Springfield, Missouri, Dog Activities

For those who love traveling with their pets, Springfield is a great place to visit. The city has many dog-friendly activities, allowing you and your furry friend to explore the area together. You can see everything from gorgeous flowers to incredible caverns and bring your dog for the ride.

1. Bark Yard

The first place you should check out in Springfield is the Bark Yard. This location is just for dogs, with a 3.5-acre outdoor play space. The space allows your dog to run and play off-leash, exploring dog toys and mulch paths throughout the property. The park's play spaces are divided into sections for large and small dogs so that dogs of all sizes can safely romp outdoors. During warmer months, you can also visit the outdoor bar and patio on-site for snacks, meals, drinks and dog treats. 

2. Fantastic Caverns

A farmer and his dog first discovered this geologic site in 1862. Five years later, 12 women from Springfield became the first group to explore the underground area. Now, visitors can explore the caves with driving tours. Jeep-drawn trams pass through the cave structures, allowing visitors to view the beauty of the caverns without endangering the delicate rock formations. Dogs can follow in the footsteps of the original four-legged visitor to this cave system, but they must be on leashes and remain in the trams. 

3. Springfield Botanical Gardens

Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful blooms and flora scattered throughout this expansive park. Volunteer organizations maintain the gardens, and the park includes plants all year round, with seasonal varieties adding color and interest. During your walk through the area with your dog, you can visit the Grey/Campbell property. The 1860s farm site has a two-crib barn, kitchen granary, outhouse and Liberty School. 

4. Sequiota Park

This park, with a name that means “many springs,” gives your doggo a chance to explore the outdoors and release some energy. On the park grounds, you can explore a playground and walk the area trails. The park also has a sheltered picnic area where you can have lunch outdoors. In the center of the park, you can stroll around a beautiful pond. Along the pond's edge, you can see the entrance to the iconic Sequiota Cave, home to a colony of endangered gray bats. The cave is only accessible by water through scheduled tours. 

5. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

Another outdoor space you can explore with your dog is the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. This 7.5-acre area within the Springfield Botanical Gardens has a moon bridge, koi lake, tea house, meditation garden and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. It is a great place to take in the beauty of nature with your pet. You can view artful Japanese sculptures along the garden path and relax on benches to take in the scenery.

4 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Springfield

Springfield also has many pet-friendly restaurants and bars. These locations have outdoor patios where you can sit with your furry friend while you drink a beer or savor a meal. 

1. Tie & Timber Beer Company

If you are looking for a delicious beer, check out this craft beer brewery. The bar has traditional and adventurous brews for any palate. Some offerings are available year-round, while others change with the seasons, so there's always something new. The site also often hosts live music for an entertaining way to spend a few hours. Your dog can hang out on a leash with you in the outdoor beer garden. This bar does not serve food, but there are many other delicious restaurants nearby, and the taproom brewery allows visitors to order takeout from nearby locations and bring it here to eat with their brew. 

2. Wire Road Brewing Co. 

This location hosts another area bar with many beer varieties, kombucha, seltzers, cider and wine. You can also order from an extensive coffee menu. While the bar does not serve food, it usually has a few food trucks parked outside, and you can view an online schedule to discover what foods are available when you come. Food trucks offer a wide variety of options, from Jamaican cuisine to breakfast foods. The outdoor patio gives you and your pet a comfortable place to hang out during your visit.

3. Cafe Cusco

This Peruvian-inspired restaurant is located in one of the oldest historical buildings in Springfield. An artist restored the building in 2010, and it now has a beautiful historic flair with Peruvian decor. The extensive menu has choices for everyone, and the food brings delicious flavor. The restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan dishes, making it an excellent place for any visitor. During the warmer months of spring through autumn, the restaurant opens a pet-friendly patio where you can dine and enjoy a view of Springfield's historic Commercial Street District. 

4. Andy's Frozen Custard

This quick-service frozen dessert business began in Missouri in 1986. It now has locations across the United States, with seven near Springfield. Drive-thru and walk-up windows make visiting with a pet easy. If you are craving a frozen treat, you can choose from various options, from classic vanilla or chocolate cones to fun delights like strawberry shortcake sundaes. All custard and toppings are made fresh daily in stores for a delectable dessert every time you visit. 

Bring your furry friend to Springfield/Route 66 KOA Holiday

Bring Your Furry Friend to Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday

If you plan to bring your dog along on your Springfield vacation, you will need a pet-friendly place to stay. Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday is the perfect destination for you and your pet. All site types, from RV Sites to Tent Sites, allow pets. You can also access the KampK9 dog park area where your pup can run and play. If you want to bring your pet on vacation, reserve a site at Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday today. 

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