Benny‘s Blog: Dog–friendly Adventures in Columbia, MO

Hey, friends, it’s Benny here to tell you about our recent trip to Columbia.

Saturday: Dog Park & MIZZOU

Our first stop of the trip was at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area Dog Park. They have several different areas for dogs. I had fun running around a big open area. There was a dog that ran a little faster than I would prefer; I like to be the fastest dog in the park. There were parts of the park that were a little muddy, but that doesn’t bother me at all.

Benny at Twin Lakes Recreation Dog Park
Benny at Twin Lakes Recreation Area Dog Park
Benny on the MU Campus

We had a few issues getting our room at the Staybridge Suites Columbia. The first keys didn’t work, the second opened the room, but it hadn’t been cleaned, and finally the third try was a charm and we were able to get into a clean room. There is a $75 fee to have a dog, which is pretty typical of Staybridge Suites, unfortunately, but it is nice to have the space they offer.

Staybridge Suites Columbia
Staybridge Suites Columbia
Benny at the Staybridge Suites Columbia

Sunday: Another Dog Park & a New Trail

On Sunday morning we went to another dog park, Garth Nature Area Dog Park, right when it opened. Unlike the dog park the day before, we were the only ones there. The fenced in area for dogs is 3 acres and includes a pond. I loved sprinting around by myself!

Benny at Garth Nature Area Dog Park
Benny sprinting around the dog park

Our next and final stop in Columbia was the Hinkson Creek Trail. The trail is 7.5 miles total, but we went from Capen Park to Grindstone Nature Area and back (with a little exploring by the creek), which was a little over two miles. We saw lots of people and dogs, some who got to run around without a leash. I can’t be trusted without a fence, so I had to stay on a leash.

Benny on the Hinkson Creek Trail
Benny on the Hinkson Creek Trail
Benny on the Hinkson Creek Trail
Benny by Hinkson Creek

We had fun in Columbia. I have another dog park to explore and lots of other places to hike next time we are in the area!

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