Pet Friendly Parks and Monuments
Rapid City Parks
From off-leash dog parks to quick in town hikes, Rapid City packs a lot of punch within city limits to keep you and your dog busy and happy. Boasting over 20 miles of trails, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park is a patch of urban wilderness that’s fun to explore. Located next to Dinosaur Park is the trail system of Skyline Wilderness Area that takes you through ponderosa pines and presents more stunning views of the city skyline and beyond. For some off-leash fun head to Robbinsdale Park where you’ll find a walking path with room to roam, or Braeburn Dog Park where you’re dog can swim in Rapid Creek and make lots of friends. While pets must remain leash at Canyon Lake Park, it’s a fun stop to make with your pup. You can stroll along the path at the waters edge, play in the grass, or just sit back and relax and take it all in. Memorial Park is another great option to explore. You’ll find memorials and exhibits like a piece of the Berlin Wall scattered throughout the park.
Badlands National Park
Dogs are allowed in Badlands National Park, but there are some restrictions. Dogs are not allowed in the public buildings like the visitor center or on the hiking paths and backcountry areas. They can join you in the developed areas though like the campgrounds, picnic areas and other locations open to motorized vehicles. The parks scenic back roads like Old Northeast Road present a great opportunity to explore with your dog.
Custer State Park
There are countless adventures waiting for you and your pup in Custer State Park. A windows up drive along Wildlife Loop Road, floating and swimming in the cool waters of one of the parks many mountain lakes, and hitting the trails for fresh sights and smells.
Crazy Horse Memorial®
Leashed pets are welcome to explore the covered porch, the veranda and outdoor areas with their owners at Crazy Horse Memorial®, however they are not permitted to accompany you on the bus to the bottom of the mountain or in the restaurant and snack shop area. They can go into the Welcome Center, Indian Museum of North America©, Theater, and Gift Shop, but they are not allowed to walk on the floors. So you must either carry your pet or put them in a stroller to tour the complex with you.
Mount Rushmore Memorial
Due to the high volume of visitors that come to take in Mount Rushmore, they do not allow pets past the entrance of the main visitor area. However, the location does get you close enough to snap a few photos of your pup in front of the famous faces. They do offer pet exercise areas at each end of the parking garage where leashed pets can let out a little energy.
