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Dog Park At Gallatin County Regional Park (13 Acre w Pond)

About

Imagine the perfect place where your pet can experience total freedom. The Gallatin County Regional Dog Park is a spacious, fenced-in oasis covering about 13 acres (5.3 hectares), located in the western part of Bozeman. It is more than just a place to walk your dog; it is part of a massive recreational complex in the USA, where nature harmoniously blends with well-thought-out infrastructure.

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Gallatin County Regional Park Dog Park. Source: Kupi.com AI
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Here, dogs can run off-leash to their heart's content, socialize with other pups, and even practice their dock-diving skills from the pier. The highlight of the location is a dedicated pond where four-legged friends can cool off on hot days. The park is fully enclosed by a reliable fence, ensuring the safety of the pets and peace of mind for their owners.

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The area is integrated into a larger 87-acre park, offering visitors scenic walking trails and bird-watching zones. Its cleanliness, maintenance, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make this a must-visit for any traveler who doesn't leave their furry companions behind.

Contacts

For more information about the park's operations or to contact the regional park administration, you can use the following contact details:

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Address3900 Baxter Ln, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
Phone+1 406-587-8404 (Gallatin Valley Land Trust), +1 406-582-3178 (Park Office)
Emailinfo@gvlt.org
Official Websitehttps://gvlt.org/featured-trails/gallatin-regional-park/

What to Do

There are activities for everyone here. Four-legged visitors have 13 acres of open space at their disposal, perfect for playing chase, training on agility equipment, or honing their skills at dock-diving from the pontoon. After some active play by the pond, you can go for a joint walk along the gravel trails, which span over 5 kilometers within the regional park.

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Dog owners will appreciate the comfortable benches and a small pavilion providing shade. If you are visiting with the whole family, be sure to check out the neighboring themed playground featuring dinosaur figures where children can participate in improvised "fossil digs." During the winter, the park becomes a hub for cross-country skiing and sledding down the groomed hills.

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It is important to remember the rules: owners must maintain control of their pets and always pick up after them (bags are usually available in special dispensers). Since there is limited shade in the open areas, it is recommended to bring plenty of water for both yourself and your furry friend on sunny days.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach this popular recreation spot is by car, as it is located on the western edge of the city. The main paved parking lot is situated off Ferguson Avenue; it is the most convenient option and is equipped with accessible parking spaces. There are also additional entrances from Oak Street and Davis Avenue, which feature large gravel areas that can accommodate even those traveling with a trailer.

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Public transportation in this area is limited, so the best options are a taxi from the city center (about a 10–15 minute ride) or a personal vehicle. If you prefer an active commute, the park can be reached by bicycle from residential neighborhoods via dedicated paths and sidewalks. Keep in mind that gravel areas can be muddy after rain, so it is a good idea to bring something to keep your car interior clean after walking your pet.

History & Facts

The development of this space was made possible through close collaboration between local authorities and non-profit organizations such as the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. This project reflects the unique culture of Montana, where the harmonious coexistence of people, pets, and wildlife is a top priority. The park was designed as a multifunctional area capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly growing urban population.

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Interestingly, the dog area is part of a larger 87-acre regional park. The entire zone was created with the preservation of the natural landscape in mind, which helped protect the habitat for local waterfowl. The presence of ducks in the ponds, which visitors love to watch, is a result of this environmentally conscious approach during construction.

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Over the years, the park has evolved into a true social hub. A strong community of dog owners has formed here, who not only walk their pets but also participate in volunteer events to maintain and improve the grounds. This location is often cited as a hallmark of friendly Bozeman.

Time Needed

To give your pet enough time to run and swim to their heart's content, while you enjoy a stroll and the mountain views, you should plan to spend between 1 and 3 hours. If you are only planning a short stop to let your dog stretch its legs during a long road trip, 45 minutes will be sufficient.

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For a complete experience, we recommend combining playtime in the fenced area with a walk along the loop trails around the ponds. If you are visiting with the whole family, set aside extra time to explore the nearby playground and picnic areas, which make this spot an excellent choice for a full family outing.

Working Hours

The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The lack of strict time constraints allows you to choose the most convenient time for a visit: whether it's early morning for an active workout before the workday or late evening for a peaceful stroll under the Montana stars.

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The park is open year-round, but before visiting on holidays or after heavy snowfall, it is worth checking the official website to ensure there are no temporary restrictions related to maintenance.

Nearby

Exploring the area around the regional park will help you better experience the atmosphere of a city where modern comfort is closely intertwined with the spirit of adventure. After an active session with your pet, you can visit local eateries or explore historical sites.

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NameDistance (km)
Sidewinders American Grill3
Bozeman Cannery4.5
Rialto4.7
MSU Duck Pond Spring4.7
Revelry4.7
The Story Mansion and Story Park5.1
Heating Plant5.1
Bozeman Northern Pacific Station-19095.2
Montana Ale Works5.4
Fort Ellis Historical Marker9.6

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