Parks, Patios, and Pampering for Pups
- "Parks, Patios, and Pampering for Pups" originally appeared in the June 2024 "Animal" issue of COMO Magazine.
One of the many favorable things about our fair city is how pet friendly we are. There are ample things to enjoy, and many places allow us to bring our favorite furry friends along for the fun. For starters, Columbia Parks and Recreation oversees over more than 3,700 acres of parkland, maintains seventy-five parks, and over sixty miles of trail.
Open space, parks, and trails provide opportunities to enjoy the extensive natural beauty of Columbia.
We want to help you navigate some of these, pointing you in the right direction for all the fun as well as other needs such as dog washes and dog friendly patios. It’s all listed right here so you can get involved in all the pet-friendly locales.
While there are many dog parks — including some leash free areas — there are also many miles of trails to enjoy with your pups. (Just remember that there’s a leash law. Pups must be on a leash for the safety or others and your furry friend. If you’re not sure if the spot you go to is leash-free, assume it is not.)
NORTH COLUMBIA
Dog Park:
- Garth Nature Area (leash free area)
Dog Wash:
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Route B Car Wash
- Buchheit North
Dog-friendly patios:
- Sonic Drive-In
- D & D Pub and Grub
SOUTH COLUMBIA
Dog Park:
- Grindstone Nature Area (leash free area)
Dog Wash:
- Treats Unleashed
- Green Meadows Car and Pet Wash
- Buchheit South
- Lizzi & Rocco’s
Dog-friendly patios:
- Como Smoke and Fire
- Deuce Pub & Pit
- Honey Baked Ham
- Dairy Queen
- Your Pie
- Park Restaurant & Bar
- McAlister’s Deli
- Pierpont General Store
- Pappo’s Pizzeria
- D. Rowe’s
- Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro
CENTRAL COLUMBIA
Dog-friendly patios:
- Glenn’s Cafe
- Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar
- Beet Box
- Cafe Berlin
- Logboat Brewing Company
- McNally’s
- Range Free
- Broadway Diner
- Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
- Shiloh Bar & Grill
- Main Squeeze
- Billiards on Broadway
- Campus Bar & Grill
- Uprise Bakery
- El Oso Mexican Grill
- International Tap House
- Lakota Coffee
- Sake Japanese Bistro & Bar
- Mugs-Up Drive In
- Yogoluv: Frozen Yogurt & More
- Starbucks
- Noodles & Company
- Several spots in the North Village Arts District and the Arcade District.
EAST COLUMBIA
Dog Park:
- Indian Hills Park
Dog-friendly patios:
- Stadium Grill
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Culver’s
- Panera Bread
- Noodles & Company
- Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
- Starbucks
WEST COLUMBIA
Dog Parks:
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area (large leash free area)
- Cosmo Park (designated off-leash area)
Dog Wash:
- Lizzi & Rocco’s
- Petco
Dog-friendly patios:
- Culver’s
- Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen
- Andy’s Frozen Custard
- First Watch
- Truman’s Bar & Grill
- Chick-fil-A
- Shakespeare’s Pizza
- Just Jeff’s
- Sports Zone
- Five Guys
- Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant