BringFido’s Best of Nebraska

Posted by Lauren Barker

Looking for the dog-friendliest things to do in Nebraska? Well, you've come to the right place. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the most dog-friendly places to visit in the Cornhusker State, as well as the rest of the country. In the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, you'll find our collection of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. You can order a copy today for just $10.00 (a savings of 63% off the retail price) when you use the discount code BEST.

Read on to learn about some of the Nebraska attractions that rose to the top of our list this year.

Best Dog-Friendly Brewery

Photo by @a_benes_ag

Code Beer Company has cracked the cipher to unlock the most dog-friendly brewery in Nebraska. Situated in a century-old building in the Telegraph District of Lincoln, this taproom showcases a selection of fine beers brewed in the 15-barrel brewery, and welcomes dogs inside and out. Beer buffs can point out the mango, strawberry and pineapple undertones in Decode That!, one of 12 beers on tap. Next to the human bar, dogs can browse toys, water bowls and more in a section dedicated to them. Turn this trip into a bar crawl with a visit to one of our favorite bars that welcome dogs inside, 1867 Bar.

When you’re ready to call it a night, crawl into bed at Hyatt Place Lincoln Downtown Haymarket.

Most Dog-Friendly State Park

Photo by @olivethebluemerle

The most dog-friendly state park in Nebraska, Fort Robinson State Park invites two- and four-legged tourists to unearth a treasure trove of local history and beauty. The park offers more than 60 miles of pristine pine ridge trails to hike with your dog, crystal-blue lakes teeming with bass, and scenic drives through 22,000 acres of prairies. Leashed pups are welcome on all trails, including the popular Red Cloud Butte Trail, which offers picturesque views of Lovers Leap Butte.

You won’t have to look far for a place to lay your head after visiting Fort Robinson. The state park campground allows canine campers, and Fort Robinson State Park Cabins have been renovated to accommodate modern traveler needs without sacrificing their rustic charm.

Most Dog-Friendly Attraction

Photo by Facebook.com/OmahaDogBar

Omaha Dog Bar in the historic Little Bohemia neighborhood is the most dog-friendly attraction in Nebraska. This membership-based community combines an indoor/outdoor recreation area for canines with a bar and eatery for humans. Dogs have free roam of 5,000 square feet indoors and 10,000 square feet outdoors of well-maintained, completely fenced space. There’s also an outdoor area for timid and small canine guests. While pups romp around and meet the other “pawtrons,” people can grab domestic and local craft beers, wine, cocktails, coffee drinks, and homemade sodas. Food is also available from the kitchen and visiting food trucks. Day passes are available for $10, annual memberships are $249, and monthly memberships are $40.

After a day of play, head a few blocks north to relax at Magnolia Hotel Omaha where pets stay for free and are welcomed with treats at check-in.

Most Dog-Friendly Campground

Photo by Ogallala KOA Journey

You’ll be in the heart of Nebraska’s “Cowboy Country” when you and your pup stay at Ogallala KOA Journey. Located right off Interstate 80 and only nine miles from Lake McConaughy, this most dog-friendly campground in Nebraska is easily accessible and convenient to many outdoor activities in the area. Water dogs can join you while you fish, swim, or rent a pontoon boat from Big Mac Marina. Best of all, this KOA offers two fully fenced Kamp K9 dog parks, and several RV sites offer Paw Pens, private enclosures with grass and waste stations where pups can stretch their legs right at your campsite. Pets of any size are permitted for no additional fee.

Best Dog Park

Photo by @cuban_bull_terrier

L.E Ray Dog Park in Grand Island, known by locals as “Dog Island,” is surrounded by water, which pups can access via sandy beaches. Located just a couple of miles off I-80 in rural Nebraska, this convenient park makes a great place to let Fido stretch his legs if you’re embarking on a road trip. Visitors can walk around the lake on the shady pet-friendly pathway and share a picnic together. The best dog park in Nebraska also has a separate area for small dogs to play safely.

For an affordable stay within strolling distance of the park, book a room at Boarders Inn & Suites and Conference Center. Humans can enjoy the tasty breakfast and canines will love the ample green space.

Top Trail to Hike With Your Dog

Photo by Facebook.com/PlatteRiverStatePark

Situated between Lincoln and Omaha, Fido can get his tail on a trail at Platte River State Park in Louisville. The main pathway through the park is the Platte River State Park Trail Loop, which meanders beneath trees alongside the river and features a pretty waterfall en route. This top trail to hike with your dog in Nebraska is under seven miles and rated moderate due to steep inclines along the way. Water-loving pups can float along a different pathway in a canoe or kayak on the Platte River Water Trail close to the mouth of Decker Creek.

Treat your pooch to a unique camping experience at Tentrr State Park Sites, featuring pre-pitched tents, a dog-friendly walking trail, and water access.

Best Pet-Friendly B&B

Photo by Facebook.com/whisperingpinesbb

Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast in Nebraska City offers two options for pet travelers on a trip to The Cornhusker State. Roost in the Barn provides seclusion away from the main house in a converted barn with easy access to six acres of gardens. Victoria’s Wine Cellar is in the basement of the main house and features regal furnishings and its own separate entrance off the deck. Four-legged guests receive a pet package with a bag of homemade natural treats, waste bags, and a protective cover for furniture at Nebraska’s Best Pet-Friendly B&B. During the day, Fido can play off leash at nearby Wildwood Dog Park.

Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast permits dogs of any size for an additional fee of $20 per pet, per night.

Can’t Miss Dog Event

Photo by Facebook.com/NebraskaHumaneSociety

Take a stroll through The Cornhusker State on the Annual Walk for the Animals, Omaha’s largest dog-friendly event, and Nebraska’s can’t miss dog event of the year, which raises money for Central Nebraska Humane Society. After your walk down The Keystone Trail, pay a visit to the Vendor Village and chat with local rescue groups, take part in a silent auction, check out the adoption parade and refuel with a pint and a bite to eat at the beer garden.

For an affordable stay nearby, book a room with your pooch at Days Inn Grand Island I-80. Outside, Fido can sniff out the grassy relief area.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Life’s “ruff.” Photo by Linda Segerfeldt

If our Best of Nebraska preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!

Have you visited Nebraska with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by iStock/dageldog.