Discover Montana
Welcome to the wide-open spaces and breathtaking landscapes of Montana, a dream destination for pet owners and their furry friends. With diverse terrain ranging from Rocky Mountains to rolling plains, there's something for both outdoor enthusiasts and serenity-seeking pet parents. In this guide, you'll find a treasure trove of pet-friendly places to explore, activities to indulge in, and memories to make across the state.
The Great Outdoors
There's plenty of room to roam in Montana's expansive outdoors, perfect for pets who love nature's playground. The state offers numerous hiking trails, public parks, and lakes for you and your pets to explore together. Head to the Missoula area, where you can traverse the scenic trails at Blue Mountain Recreation Area or the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Another pet-friendly option is the Paws Up hiking trail in Greenough, where four-legged friends can relish the open wilderness.
Great Falls is home to multiple dog parks that allow your pet to run off-leash, like the Electric City Water Park, Pleasant Park leash-free area, or the famed Giant Springs State Park. For water recreation, visit Hyalite Reservoir near Bozeman or Whitefish Lake State Park to enjoy leisurely days of canoeing or swimming with your pet.
Pet-friendly Places
Throughout Montana, you'll come across plenty of pet-friendly establishments catering to your furry friends. Stroll through downtown Billings, where many shops and restaurants welcome pets with open arms. Enjoy lunch at pet-friendly dining spots like The Sassy Biscuit Company or Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill, and peruse locally owned pet boutiques like Dee-O-Gee or MoAV Coffee House.
In Missoula, the Hip Strip offers unique shopping experiences and pet-friendly establishments. Stop for a coffee and made-from-scratch crepes at Clyde Coffee, where your furry companion is welcome to join you on the patio. Several Missoula breweries are also pet-friendly, like The Dram Shop and Gild Brewing, so treat yourself to a pint while your pet enjoys some lounging and people-watching.
Exploring the State
Montana offers an abundance of attractions and must-see locales that welcome pets. From historical landmarks to world-renowned national parks, you'll have no shortage of experiences to share with your four-legged companion. Visit Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, where you can walk your pet on a leash along the park's pet-friendly trail system, explore the historic Fort Missoula, and enjoy a picnic with your pet at any one of Montana's picturesque rest areas.
While larger national parks like Glacier may have some restrictions for pets, there are still plenty of opportunities for exploration. National forests throughout the state allow pets to accompany you, and you can even bring your furry friend to the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, provided you stay within the pet-permitted areas. Whether you're an adventure-seeker or a leisure-loving pet parent, Montana's vast expanse of pet-friendly attractions and activities ensures a memorable experience for all.