Springfield, Missouri is the Birthplace of Route 66 (named here in 1926!) and sits slap-dab in the geographic center of the USA, so there’s a good chance you’ll cruise through on a cross-country road trip. But ease off that gas! We recommend overnighting to enjoy the many dog-friendly kicks here…

MOST UNUSUAL DOG-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

We have to begin with the FANTASTIC CAVERNS – unique in terms of cave attractions in that dogs are welcome to take the eerie underground tour with you, for it was a dog that first discovered the caves back in 1862, out on a stroll with his Ozarks’ farmer master! Five years later 12 bold Springfield women answered an ad for cave explorers and, by flickering lantern-light, began to discover the wonders within. Their names are still clearly etched in black on a protruding rock. Since then the caverns have been home to Prohibition parties, high school proms and live bands with over 1,000 toe-tappers in attendance.

“Along the roomy, brightly lit passageways, visits can see thousands of speleothems – cave formations that include stalactites and stalagmites, tiny soda straws, cave pearls, massive columns and flowstones, each one like no other, and all created by water a drop at a time, taking us back through the ages to a day when no human footstep was heard here.” Fantastic Caverns Website

Gives me a little shudder just thinking of that!

Dogs and owners ride up front in the tour guide’s buggy with the rest of the visitors rattling along in the trolley behind. The temperature is a comfortably cool 60 degrees year-round and the geologically and historically fascinating tour takes about an hour, with rides leaving every 20-30 minutes. Opens handily early at 8am but best to check the website for seasonal closing hours. Price: Adults $23.50 Dogs Free. Optional group photograph from tour: $12

• There are over 6,500 caves in Missouri, aptly known as The Cave State!

NOTE: I must confess that Bodie was a little spooked trundling through the darkness so this is not for the faint-hearted dog, or human for that matter – I did get a little nervous myself, imagining him bolting and disappearing down some bat-lined crevice but every time tour guide Joey gave him a friendly pat his tail popped out from between his legs and started wagging again.

If you think your dog might do a Scooby Doo and jump gibbering into your arms at the first bump, the area surrounding the caverns is so lovely it’s worth the 20 minute drive from town. Bring a coffee or a snack from the cafe options listed below and you can sit at a shady picnic bench and then go exploring the idyllic trails…

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY SHOPPING/INDOOR-OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

Welcome to the original and frankly jaw-dropping BASS PRO SHOPS – at 500,000 square feet it’s the biggest Outdoor World in existence, complete with waterfalls, alligators, stuffed animal displays and this friendly black bear greeting you at the door…

Inside Bodie sniffed the toe of his rather more ferocious cousin…

Exploring Bass Pro feels like a cross between being out in the wilds and visiting an amusement park – there’s just so much to take in from the soaring foliage-draped ceilings to the freshly-made fudge counter. There’s even a museum showcasing Jesse James’ revolver and holster. I must confess the vast Hunting department did leave me a little queasy but the Homes section offered light relief with its range of lotion dispensers in the shape of Golden Retrievers and puppy motif bath mats!

On a rainy day you could seriously give your dog a good sheltered walk in here and then purchase a steaming beverage from the cafe and settle in front of the roaring fire – complete with wrought iron ‘man with dog’ motif on the ember screen…

Bass Pro Shops is located at 1935 S. Campbell and open 364 days a year 7am-10pm Mon-Sat and 10am-6pm on Sunday. Telephone: 417-887-7334

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

THE AVIARY has the prettiest little hitching post at the entrance – handy for when you step inside to announce your desire to partake of a crepe at one of the sidewalk tables. We chose the Hen & Pine (bulging with enough chicken to share with my pal and drizzled with tarragon pesto cream) though next time I’m keen to try the Green Goddess salad (artfully stacked/sliced apple interspersed with camambert) and saving room for a desert of Lemoncello crepe with marshmallow fluff!

Of course when you are with a dog all you can do is peer in with longing to the beautifully-decorated interior… But do try to nip into the restrooms where you are invited to scribe a message on the Post-It Notes provided and stick it on the wall for a little impromptu inspiration. I went for my tried & tested Sophia Loren quote: ‘Better to regret the things you’ve done than the things you haven’t.’ And on Bodie’s behalf: ‘The more I learn about people the more I like my dog,’ from Missouri native Mark Twain.

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY COFFEE IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

I want to recommend two coffee shops: The first is THE COFFEE ETHIC, connected to the colorfully hip Park Central Library with its impressive array of international magazines. It has a dog-friendly front terrace overlooking the square and a cool masculine vibe with an abundance of open brickwork.

• Park Central Square is home to the first Wild West shoot-out! In 1865 a disgruntled poker player named Davis Tutt took a pop at Wild Bill Hickok (played by Howard Keel in the Doris Day movie Calamity Jane!), his shot missed but, at 75 yards, Hickok turned and responded in kind, sending a bullet straight through Tutt’s heart.

The second more feminine French-inspired EUROPEAN CAFE at 207 Park Central East is where you can relax with a Cafe au Lait and a Parisienne pastry – or, in our case, the most delectable Austrian Apple Strudel!

BEST FOOD TRUCK IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

I may be a tad biased but I have to say the LONDON CALLING PASTY COMPANY food truck at 836 N Glenstone Road is great – not only is there a real deal Doubledecker Bus and glossy red telephone box to play/pose in, you will also find a tempting selection of Cornish Pasties. They were sold out of Original so the young chap from Tring (Hertfordshire UK) recommended the Chicken Tikka Masala filling and, in turn, I recommend it to you – be assured it’s not too spicy and really adds a tasty new flair, especially teamed with lashings of Lavender Lemonade! (Bodie opted for the Chicken Pot Pie flavor.)

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY TREAT IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

Neither Bodie or I had tried Frozen Custard before but we heard ANDY’S was legendary and boy was it as silky-smooth and delicious as promised. They even offer free Pup Cones for your dog. I’ve never seen Bodie’s tongue extend to such a great length lapping at the cool vanilla and when it came to the cone, things took a decidedly unicorn-esque turn…

WHERE TO STAY WITH YOUR DOG IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

This may be a picture only a dog-owner would appreciate but I hope it also conveys the leafy quaintness of the BEST WESTERN PLUS COACH HOUSE. Set off busy Glenstone Road (just one minute from Andy’s Frozen Custard, six minutes from London Calling) it’s surprisingly peaceful and all the rooms are ground floor so you can pull up directly in front of your door and roll straight in – great after a busy day sightseeing or driving. We actually considered staying a second night because it was one of those places that induces a sigh of ‘at home’ relief, all for about $80 a night.

BEST PLACE FOR YOUR DOG TO STAY & PLAY IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

I have to always give a shout out to CAMP BOW WOW as they are such a godsend for road-trippers – once you are registered with one branch they can send through your dog’s info to your next stop and so there’s no issue with personality testing or queries over vaccination records. It’s such a tonic for Bodie to be able to romp with his furry pals and he always sleeps extra soundly after a visit.

BEST STOP ON ROUTE 66 IN SPRINGFIELD MISSOURI

I’m mentioning this last but the SPRINGFIELD VISITOR CENTER could be your best first stop when you arrive in town – the lovely Hubert is on hand to offer a wealth of information about Historic Route 66, gift you sightseeing maps and cute mementos and will even snap a pic of you and your pup in the mock Fifties diner set-up. (Doing the Hound Dog is optional.)

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly Springfield Missouri!