Dog-Friendly Activities in Minnesota

Bring your dog for a hike along the gorgeous waterfalls at the pet-friendly Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN. This recreation area has hiking trails through the woods and doggy access to the Mississippi River. An off-leash permit is required to gain admittance. Bring quarters for parking meters.

August Schell Brewing Co (Schell's Brewery) is a legendary brewery in New Ulm, MN, with a dog-friendly biergarten. Schell's was the first brewery in the Minnesota to start producing craft beers. They brew IPAs, lager, cream ale, porter, sours, wheats, seasonals, and more. Check their website for current events like Puppy Patio Parties!

Dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, MN. This area is known as a hiker's paradise, with miles and miles of trails that lead to views of the Sawtooth Mountains and lots of picturesque lakes. There are also overlooks at Shovel Point and waterfalls at Baptism River to enjoy. Fido should be kept on a leash for the duration of his visit and, please remember to clean up after him

Dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Whitewater State Park in Altura, MN. This 2,700-acre park is popular among visitors who enjoy hiking and fishing. There are several different trails dotted around the park, including a couple of self-guided trails like the Trout Run Creek Trail and the Meadow Trail. Fido can join you on a leash, as long as you clean up after him.

LuceLine Orchard is a pet-friendly attraction in Watertown, MN. They have seven different varieties of apples, loads of pumpkins, gourds, squash and a variety of foods with their own unique apple twist. With 80 acres of woods and wetland, walkers, runners, bikers, horse riders, bird watchers and leashed dogs will be entertained for hours. Hours are updated during the season.

Bring Fido to the 16-acre Dakota Woods Dog Park in Rosemount, MN. Pets will find plenty of room to exercise in this massive, fenced dog park featuring lots of wooded trails and double gates for added security. Bring water, and please note that a daily or annual dog pass is required.

Visit the pet-friendly Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors, MN. This recreation area is home to spectacular waterfalls, a river gorge and lots of Lake Superior shoreline. There are 20 miles of trails along the Gooseberry River leading to scenic views. The paved trail in the park will lead to the Gitchi Gami State Trail. Dogs are welcome to join their owners as long as they are on a leash under six feet and all mess is cleaned up after them.

Battle Creek Dog Park is a spacious fully-enclosed 35-acre park for Fido to enjoy in Maplewood, MN. This plentiful space is free to use and visitors do not need a permit. The park has miles of wooded trails & walking paths, plenty of shaded areas and two small ponds where your pet can swim. Allow your companion to swim, explore and play off leash in this beautiful open area. There is no water at this site (except for the ponds) so visitors should also bring a bottle of drinking water.

Visit the pet-friendly Bauhaus Brew Labs in Minneapolis, MN! Well-behaved pups are welcome both outside and inside, so bring them down to keep you company and make new friends. This brewery takes a unique look at classic German-inspired beer styles, skewed slightly by a sense of play and adventure. Their flavor-forward beers are crafted to surprise and delight without taxing the palate. They also have a rotating food truck schedule, so make sure to check their website!

The Mill City Farmers Market is a dog-friendly activity in Minneapolis, MN. This outdoor market takes place on Saturdays from May through October. Fido can help you shop for homemade dog treats, fresh flowers, produce and art including handmade ceramics, jewelry, and baskets. Live music adds to the ambiance and there are live cooking demonstrations for kids and adults. Dogs are welcome at the uncovered Chicago Mall area of the market and should be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. No dogs in the train shed. Water is available for dogs at Barkley’s Bistro and the market’s information booth.

Bring Fido to explore the centerpiece of the revitalization of the historic West Side Milling District, the dog-friendly Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis, MN! This recreation area is situated on the water and features grassy areas, a walking path, a drinking fountain and a paid parking lot. Dogs must be on a leash for the entirety of their visit to Mill Ruins Park.

Visit the pet-friendly Zenith Bookstore in Duluth, MN. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this popular bookstore as they browse the large collection of gently used and new books. They also stock greeting cards, journals and fun book-themed merchandise.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Nerstand, MN. The park is comprised of the largest remnant of big woods vegetation in Minnesota and features picturesque waterfalls, over one hundred varieties of wildflowers, hiking trails and more. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times during their visit.

Lake Bemidji State Park in Bemidji, MN is dog friendly. You can bring Fido with you to enjoy the preserved spruce-tamarack bog and the shoreline of Lake Bemidji. There are 11 miles of trails that weave through areas of maturing pine, aspen and hardwoods. The bog area of the park can be explored on the boardwalk, which takes a mile hike to get to. Dogs are welcome on a leash under six feet, as long as owners clean up any mess that they leave behind.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park in Onamia, MN, is dog friendly. The area encompasses 9,000 years of history, which can be discovered on the Touch the Earth Nature Trail and the Landmark Trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on the 35 miles of secluded trails around the park, taking you and Fido to a river, lake, and beaver pond overlooks.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly Great River Bluffs State Park in Winona, MN. The best time of year to visit the area is fall, when the trees change an astonishing array of autumnal colors for miles around. The easy trails lead to scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley and the foliage. You can bring Fido with you on a leash under six feet, as long as all mess is cleaned up after him.

Black Beach Park is a dog-friendly waterfront park and beach in Silver Bay, MN. Your dog is welcome to join you on the beaches or in the water, on this 31.6 acres of Lake Superior's North Shore public beaches. This area has quickly become a local and tourist 'hot spot' in Silver Bay, so leashing your dog is recommended.

Moose Lake Brewing Company is a dog-friendly taproom located in Moose Lake, MN. You and Fido can enjoy a craft beer at an outside table on the lakefront patio. Although Moose Lake Brewing Company doesn't have a kitchen, they often host local pizza vendors and sell small snacks like meats and pretzels. Patrons are also welcome to bring outside food from local restaurants.

The Bloomington Off-Leash Recreation Area in Bloomington, MN is a dog's dream! This 25-acre dog park features a very large grassy area, hills, trees, separate fenced areas and even a pond for those pups that like to swim. A dog license is required to use the park.

Minnesota Park Point is a pet-friendly three-mile long beach in Duluth, MN. Park by the airport and stroll along the beautiful sand, or walk the trail through the boreal forest. This place is popular with dog-toting locals looking for a pleasant hike. Highlights include beach-combing, birdwatching and exploring the ruins of the old Minnesota Point lighthouse. Pups must remain leashed at all times.