Since it is getting to be spring, I decided to post about something about the great outdoors. Billings is not exactly a dog friendly town, in fact we have no free “real” free dog parks. However, I thought I would share with you a few places I have found to take my dog (Drifter)and wear her out.
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Most people know or have heard of River Front Park, they have lots of trails (some paved some not) and the park covers a fairly large area. Dogs are supposed to stay on a leash in this park and as always you must clean up after them. Some downfalls to this park are all the misquitos and there are usually a lot of people there and therefore you must be pretty obidient to the park rules.
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=riverfront+park,+billings+mt&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&ei=MBPmSbhRnq60A6reoKwE&ll=45.747941,-108.521919&spn=0.024736,0.077248&z=14
Very near to Riverfront, but in my opintion 10x better for dogs is Norms Island. This park is accross South Billings Blvd and about 1/4 before Riverfront. Most of the usuers of this park have dogs and though I don’t recall wether there is a sign stating that dogs must be leashed I have seen several dogs running happy and free along with their owers. There are several miles of trails and some small water areas as well as the Yellowstone River if your dog is a swimmer (Be very careful of the river, especially in the spring).
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=norms+island,+billings+mt&sll=45.747941,-108.521919&sspn=0.024736,0.077248&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=45.739945,-108.54003&spn=0.01237,0.038624&z=15
Coulson park is a great place to access one of Billings paved trails. The park also has lots of open area and river access. To get to Coulson park take the S 27th St. exit and head west then take a left at the T, then a left on Belknap and a quick right on Charlene. Follow Charlene to where it deadends into a parking lot. From Here you can let your dog play in the field or river, or take off either north or south for a walk/run on the paved trail along the river. Check out Bikenet.org for more info.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=coulson+park,+billings+mt&sll=45.739945,-108.54003&sspn=0.01237,0.038624&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=45.795357,-108.477201&spn=0.024715,0.077248&z=14&iwloc=A
Another great park to play or to hop onto the paved trails is Two Moon Park just off of Bench Blvd near the Ice skating rink. Again lots of trails, river/water access for your dog to swim and tons of sticks to throw. Use your descrestion because dogs are supposed to be leashed. I usually wander off the trail a ways and head by the river to where its a little more desolate and let me dog run and play in the river. Also, since the paved trail travels right along this park this is a great spot to hop on and use the paved trails.
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=two+moon+park,+billings+mt&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,15086543397147214057&ei=EhbmSey7DpyKtgPF6_mjBA&ll=45.811841,-108.457675&spn=0.012354,0.038624&z=15
Probably the least busy park I frequent is Couburn Hill. Head up Courburn Rd like your heading to the Pictograph Caves and take a right on Sweet Medicine Rd. This deadends into a parking lot. There are lots of trails but becareful because there are a lot of cliffs! Not a good place for clumbsy dogs or people. However there are lots of open fields and tons to explore. Due to the lack of people I have had no problems having my dog off her leash at this park.
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=two+moon+park,+billings+mt&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,15086543397147214057&ei=EhbmSey7DpyKtgPF6_mjBA&ll=45.760398,-108.453298&spn=0.012365,0.038624&z=15
The Rims. Anywhere from Zimmerman Park to the area between the old armory and Black Otter trail is full of trails(both dirt and paved). Again, be very careful of cliffs and rattle snakes. Dogs should be on a leash but there is tons of room to run and usually the area is not too croweded.
According to several sources, Grey Cliff Prarie Dog Town near Lake Elmo has a dog park however rumor has it that it costs $5 a pop and you still must have your dog on a leash at all times. Also I’ve heard of some kennels having dog parks that are open to the public for a fee.
Cheif Plenty Coups State Park, The Pictograph Caves and most the parks in town are great places to take your dog to get out, run and explore, however they all require leashes.
Well, hopefully you have some new ideas of where to take your 4 legged friend to get some fresh air and exercize. Have fun and be safe. If you have any other ideas of great places to take yoru dog please post in the comments section.
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