- Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park does not have any dog-friendly trails. However, dogs are allowed at the scenic outlooks, so you can still drive through the park and make stops at these overlooks where your dog can stretch his legs and maybe snap a photo in front of the beautiful landscape. We visited the park in July and the temperature was 102 degrees, so even if the trails were dog-friendly, the scenic outlooks were about all Max and I could handle because of the heat. Some of the outlooks have short walkways to a better view and you will notice from the signage that dogs are not even allowed on these walkways. So we mainly stuck to the perimeter of the parking lots.
2. Lunch in Rapid City
Rapid City is about one hour from Badlands National Park. This mini city offers a lot to walk around and explore. First, head to Paddy O’Neil’s Irish Pub, where you and your dog are allowed both outside on the patio and inside where there is air conditioning. Since it was a very hot July day, we opted to sit inside in the cool A/C. They immediately brought Max a water bowl. I ordered chicken wings to start and Max enjoyed eating all the carrot sticks that came with them. After lunch, we walked around downtown and checked out all the statues of the presidents. Rapid City is known as the “city of presidents” because dispersed downtown are lifelike statues of every single US president! Lastly, we headed to The Cookie Shop, where I ordered an ice cream cookie sandwich and a single scoop of vanilla ice cream for Max!
3. Stay at Battlecreek Camping Resort
Only about 20 minutes away from Rapid City is Battlecreek Camping Resort, where you have many glamping options. You can stay in a tent, yurt, or hobbit house/hygge! We stayed in an adorable little hobbit house. It has air conditioning/heating, and a cozy bed and living room space. Outside, you have your own firepit surrounded by string lights. A few feet away is the Bathroom House, which has 5 individual bathrooms that each have its own shower. Also on site is a very small, but fenced in dog area and a cool spaceship you can check out. We really enjoyed a peaceful, quiet glamping experience here. You can check them out on instagram @battlecreekcampingresort
4. Mount Rushmore
The next morning, you want to head to Mount Rushmore, which is about 30 minutes away from Battlecreek Camping Resort. It costs $10 for parking/entry. Leashed dogs are welcome, but only a few feet into the entrance. It is enough that I could see Mount Rushmore and snap some pictures, but if you had someone else with you, you could take turns watching your dog while the other person went further into the park. After visiting the park, we drove down the mountain to the city, Keystone, that sits below it. I got a smoothie and a breakfast sandwich at Grapes and Grinds. Dogs are allowed in the large patio area, but not inside the cafe. However, someone very nicely came outside and took my order! He even brought Max a pup cup! Right behind the cafe is a dog park called “Barkmore,” where Max ran around and had a potty break before we hit the road. On your way out of Keystone, you will pass by Custer State Park. We did not have time to check it out, but this is another dog-friendly activity you could explore!
5. Bear Country USA
I saved the best for last! Only 20 minutes from Mount Rushmore is Bear Country USA. This is a drive-through and walk-through park that offers up close views of black bears, elk, reindeer, cougars, buffalo, and more! We spent an hour and a half on this three mile drive. Car doors and windows must remain closed at all times, but Max absolutely loved this experience. We had several bears walk right up against our car and he was loving it! This was a very cool, unique experience and I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. After driving through the park, you can either exit the park or you can park your car and enjoy the walk-through part. However, dogs are not allowed on the walk-through, so I sat that part out. I think this was Max’s favorite part of the whole trip.
