Dog Friendly Hiking Trails 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.

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

Leashed dogs are welcome at Green Giant Statue Park, a pet-friendly attraction in Blue Earth, MN. You and Fido can explore the park's walking paths and take a photo with the largest Jolly Green Giant Statue in the world. Fido can also accompany you inside the nearby welcome center.

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.

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.

You and Fido can explore around the pristine lakes and pine forests at Scenic State Park, a dog-friendly recreational area in Bigfork, MN. There are 16 miles of trails that weave around the park, some of which, like the Chase Point Trail, lead to stunning views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes. Dogs are welcome throughout the park on a leash, as long as owners clean up any mess that they leave behind.

Visit pet-friendly Bde Maka Ska Park, the largest link in the Chain of Lakes, featuring three beaches and a variety of water recreation activities in Minneapolis, MN. This park also has a walking trail, a picnic area and tons of open fields, making it a great place to hang out with your pooch. Dogs must be kept on a leash and be cleaned up after.

Dog-friendly Duluth’s Lakewalk in Duluth, MN, consists of nearly eight miles of paved pedestrian and bicycle trails. Stretching from Bayfront Park to Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park), leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you along this trail. In certain sections, the path leads walkers and their canine companions alongside beautiful Lake Superior Shore. Mutt Mitts are provided at regular intervals. Please be sure to clean up after your dog.

Dogs on a leash are welcome at Myre-Big Island State Park in Albert Lea, MN. The 16 miles of pet-friendly trails at the park lead visitors through wet lowlands, oak savanna and grasslands. You may spot outlines of the city in the distance from some parts of the trail. Pet owners are reminded to clean up any mess that's left behind by their pups.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area located in Jordan, MN. The park features a few miles of paved trails that allow most people and their dogs to enjoy the views across the river, and a number of rugged trails for the more adventurous explorers and their owners. Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on a leash for the duration of their visit. To preserve the cleanliness of the area, please clean up after your pet.

Rice Lake State Park in Owatonna, MN is dog-friendly. Bring Fido to explore five miles of hiking trails in the summer and three miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails in the winter. The area is home to abundant wildlife, especially waterfowl. During the summer, enjoy a picnic at one of the shelters, and rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the shallow waters of Rice Lake with your pup. Camping options are also available.

Battle Creek Regional Park is a large dog-friendly open area in Maplewood, MN, which is popular with families and pet owners. Accessible through the parking lot at the City of Saint Paul's Battle Creek Recreation Center, this expansive park has a summer aquatic center, pavilion, playground, and paved hiking and biking trails. Allow Fido to accompany you for a family picnic, sports games on the large open field or take a casual stroll along one of the trails. Cross over to the east entrance to access the off-leash dog park.

Take Fido to visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River and the many historic sites at the dog-friendly Itasca State Park in Park Rapids, MN. This park features over 30 miles of hiking trails which are ideal for Fido. Dogs are also welcome on pontoons which are available to rent for a relaxing sightseeing opportunity. Hike together on the Itasca Fire Tower Trail for views of the park from above. Or, share a peaceful moment at Preacher’s Grove, where the sun shimmers through historic red pines at sunset. Finish up your visit on the Wilderness Drive through the pines.

Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, MN is a 4,900-acre, dog-friendly recreation area. Being the largest park in Three Rivers, amenities include a nature center, an off-leash dog area, a disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, a swimming pond, mountain biking, camping cabins and much more. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as eagles, sandhill cranes, deer, bluebirds, beavers, loons, trumpeter swans and hawks. Fido must be leashed except when playing in the off-leash dog exercise area.

The Central Lakes State Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Osakis! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Central Lakes State Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Lions Park is a dog-friendly community park in Chaska, MN, featuring two off-leash dog areas, a playground with a separate toddler area, ball fields, tennis courts, a volleyball court, a shelter, restrooms and picnic tables. You can walk on the pathways with your leashed pup, as long as you clean up after him. There's also an ice rink in the winter.

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park, MN is pet friendly. Home to 20 abandoned granite quarries, there are plenty of interesting things to see at this park. Leashed dogs are welcome on the hiking trails, where you can explore scenic woodlands, open prairie and wetlands. There are also picnic areas with tables and grills throughout the park. Please note that pets are not permitted in buildings, swimming areas or quarries.

Visit the pet-friendly Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, MN. The main attraction of this recreation area is Devil's Kettle waterfall, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock and goes off into two pools. There are nine miles of trails for you and your dog to explore together, including a mile-long self-guided nature trail. Pups must be leashed at all times, and remember to clean up after them.

The Central Lakes Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this dog-friendly "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Alexandria! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Central Lakes Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage, MN is pet friendly. The main attraction of the park is High Falls, the largest waterfall in Minnesota. A boardwalk will lead you and your pooch to a great view of the water cascading over the rocks. The park lies within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation, is bordered by Canada on the north and east, and is just one mile from Lake Superior. You are welcome to bring your dog with you to enjoy the four miles of trails around the rest of the park, as long as they are on a leash under six feet. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that their pets leave behind.