Sweet Willy, the World's Largest Beagle
This towering 30-foot-tall beagle is actually a quirky bed and breakfast where guests sleep inside the dog's body. Created by chainsaw artists, it features canine-themed decor and is accompanied by Toby, a smaller 12-foot beagle. It is a quintessential piece of American roadside Americana.
- Admission
- Free to view and photograph from the outside; lodging rates apply for overnight stays
- Hours
- Exterior viewing is accessible 24/7; visitor center and gift shop hours vary seasonally
- Duration
- 15-30 minutes for photos and gift shop
- Parking
- Free on-site parking lot
- Access
- The grounds and gift shop are wheelchair accessible, but the interior of the beagle lodging requires climbing stairs
Read more
Created by chainsaw artists Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, Sweet Willy is a 30-foot-tall beagle that serves as a unique bed-and-breakfast guesthouse. Known officially as the Dog Bark Park Inn, this iconic roadside landmark has welcomed novelty-loving travelers to north-central Idaho since 2003.
Guests enter the giant dog from a private deck, finding a cozy two-story interior filled with dog-themed decor, hand-carved folk art, and a sleeping loft in the beagle's snout. The surrounding grounds feature a gift shop, visitor center, and a gallery of whimsical wooden animal carvings.
Beyond its status as a beloved kitschy landmark, Sweet Willy represents the classic spirit of American roadside architecture. It offers a memorable photo opportunity for highway travelers and a truly one-of-a-kind overnight stay for dog enthusiasts.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Book your stay well in advance, as the single-unit guesthouse is highly popular and often books up months ahead.
- ◆ Stop by the onsite gift shop to browse and purchase unique, hand-carved wooden dogs created by the owners.
- ◆ Even if you are not staying overnight, visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds, take photos, and meet the artists during business hours.
- ◆ Look out for Toby, a smaller 12-foot-tall beagle companion statue standing right next to Sweet Willy.
Heads Up
- ◆ The guest room is accessed via a steep set of outdoor stairs, which may pose accessibility challenges for some visitors.
- ◆ Overnight accommodations are seasonal, typically operating only from April through October.
Common questions
Can you go inside Sweet Willy?
Yes, the interior of the giant beagle functions as a two-bedroom bed and breakfast guesthouse that guests can book for overnight stays.
Are dogs allowed to stay at the Dog Bark Park Inn?
Yes, responsible pets are welcome to stay with their owners in the beagle-shaped suite with prior approval and a small nightly fee.
Can you take pictures with the giant beagle if you aren't staying there?
Yes, the public can access the grounds to take photos with Sweet Willy and visit the onsite visitor center and gift shop without booking an overnight stay.
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