3-Day Dog‑Friendly Road Trip: DFW → Kansas → Iowa → Nebraska

Day 1: DFW → Topeka, Kansas

Morning: Depart the Dallas‑Fort Worth metro area early, taking I‑35 north. Stop at the pet‑friendly Lake Ray Roberts for a quick walk and water break for the dogs and teenagers.

Afternoon: Continue to Topeka, arriving by mid‑afternoon. Explore the Kansas State Capitol (dogs are welcome on the grounds) and let the teens enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Topeka Zoo (leashed pets allowed on the outdoor areas).

Evening: Check in to the pet‑friendly The Graduate Topeka or set up camp at the nearby Topeka KOA. Dine at a local restaurant with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, then unwind with a short stroll along the Riverfront Park.

Day 2: Topeka → Des Moines, Iowa

Morning: Head north on I‑70 and US‑75, stopping at historic Council Grove for a brief walk and a bite at the pet‑friendly café. The scenic prairie views are perfect for photos.

Afternoon: Arrive in Des Moines and visit the Des Moines Art Center (dogs can stay on the patio while you explore). Continue to the State Capitol Building grounds for a relaxing walk.

Evening: Stay at the pet‑friendly Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown or camp at the West Iowa KOA just outside the city. Enjoy dinner on the Des Moines Riverwalk, where leashed pets are welcome.

Day 3: Des Moines → Omaha, Nebraska

Morning: Depart early, crossing the Missouri River via I‑29. Stop at the Fort Atkinson State Historical Park for a short hike with the dogs and a history lesson for the teens.

Afternoon: Reach Omaha and explore the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (dogs on leash) and the lively Old Market district, where many cafés offer outdoor seating for pets.

Evening: Camp the night at the pet‑friendly Morrison Ranch KOA just west of Omaha, or stay at the Best Western Plus Omaha Airport which welcomes dogs. End the trip with a sunset walk along the Lauritzen Gardens grounds.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kansas State Capitol – 1.5 hrs – $0 entry
• Topeka KOA – 1 night – $45
• Des Moines Art Center – 2 hrs – $12 (adult), $6 (teen), free for kids
• Hampton Inn Des Moines – 1 night – $130
• Fort Atkinson State Historical Park – 1 hr – $5 parking
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – 30 mins – free
• Morrison Ranch KOA – 1 night – $50
• Fuel (≈ 1,300 miles total) – 13 gallons/100 miles, 34 gal @ $3.80 – $129
• Meals (family of 4 + dogs) – $45 per day × 3 – $135
• Pet fees (hotels & campgrounds) – $10 per night × 3 – $30
• Entertainment & Miscellaneous – $60
• Total Estimated Cost: $586

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in Lincoln, Nebraska to visit the Sunken Gardens and the Nebraska State Capitol. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the overnight stay in Omaha and head straight back to DFW after lunch, using the Des Moines KOA as your final night to reduce driving time.