Our most recent expedition was to an incredible roadside attraction in the small town of Cottonwood, Idaho. About two hours away from Pullman and just a small jaunt through the Camas prairie from Lewiston, Idaho, the Dog Bark Park Inn was a place we’d wanted to stay at for years. After passing by on a road trip to Utah, we found this wonderful and largest beagle dog replica in the world! Also a B&B, we were lucky enough to stay there in the heart of the big dog.

Run by an incredibly genuine, artistic and quirky couple named Frances and Dennis who set out to create this “Noble and Absurd Undertaking” over a dinner party more than 15 years ago, Dog Bark Park Inn features large beagles made out of wood and one huge beagle that you can rent for the night.

When you enter the Dog Bark Park gift shop you can see a mini replica of the dog and see where the sleeping area, loft and bathrooms lie. Hint: it’s pretty obvious since it’s a dog. The “brains” in the top are the loft, the belly of the beast is the bedroom and the bathroom runs right down the tail end.

The artists who run the Dog Bark Park Inn create hundreds of wooden dogs in all shapes and sizes. The Beagle B&B we stayed in was adorned with these adorable carvings and everything inside the big dog was dog themed, specifically beagles.

From the homemade cookies to magazines and board games like Beagle-O-Poly, it was the perfect place to take Shiloh; I think he knew he was inside a giant version of himself!

Cottonwood may be a small town with only a population of around 900 people, but it is also surprisingly home to a very fascinating destination. The Monastery of St. Gertrude exists just a few winding miles along the hills surrounding Cottonwood.

A gorgeous, idyllic and silent location with incredible architecture and beauty, I felt as if I’d been transported to another world.

How could this stunning, working monastery exist in the middle of the Camas prairie?

Back at the beagle motel, we had a nice picnic and enjoyed the peaceful summer sunset.

At night, we saw the incredible band of stars called the Milky Way (you can’t see it in Pullman) and we saw several shooting stars. In the morning, the light morning dew had opened thousands of delicate blue flowers which hadn’t been around the day before. What an incredible place to spend time!

Have you ever driven down Highway 95 in Idaho and seen the Dog Bark Park Inn? It’s one of a kind; you should check it out someday!

Photos: Elizabeth Adan

By Elizabeth Adan

Elizabeth Adan is a Freelance Writer, Publicist and Brand Ambassador. Aquaberry Bliss is a unique outdoor lifestyle site dedicated to expanding your world and inspiring your creativity. When Elizabeth isn’t traveling, you’ll find her writing, hiking or gardening. Find Elizabeth on Twitter @stillaporcupine and on LinkedIn.