Minnesota is a dog-friendly state, with off-leash parks dotted all over the Land of 10,000 Lakes. While many are popular destinations, you’ll find a few hidden gems and a unique take on this theme in Minneapolis. Many sites offer swimming experiences for your pup. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor places. After all, Duluth is one of the oldest cities in the country.
The 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minnesota
1. Park Point Beach
Busy location
Lots of other amenities
Cold swimming in Lake Superior
Rental buildings on-site
Beautiful scenery
2. Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area
Very popular area
Stunning scenic views
Three-dog limit
Garden and walking path
Plenty of dog-friendly restaurants nearby
3. Meeker Island Dog Park
Unfenced play area
Three dogs max
Check the status for seasonal highwaters
Located at northernmost lock-and-dam
Pets 4 months or older
4. Unleashed Hounds and Hops
🗺️ Address:
📍 200 East Lyndale Ave N Minneapolis, MN
🕐 Open Times:
Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Monday – Closed; Tuesday-Friday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.; Saturday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
💲 Cost:
Free for owners; pets, daily, 5x, or annual memberships
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, with pets under control at all times
Pre-registration with proof of vaccinations
Indoor/outdoor dog park, taproom, and eatery
Small dog area available
Reservations highly recommended
5. Battle Creek Dog Park
Fully fenced
Swimming is available in small ponds
35 acres
Wooded and prairie habitats
No cleaning products on-site
6. Matoska Park
Public restrooms
Reservable gazebo
4 acres of shoreline
Walking trail
7. Loring Park
🗺️ Address:
📍 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN
🕐 Open Times:
6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
💲 Cost:
A daily or annual permit required
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, in designated areas and under control
Fully fenced
Designated area part of the larger park
Night lights
Three-dog maximum
Lots of nearby dining options
8. Alimagnet Dog Park
Heated shelter
Night lights
Fully fenced
Swimming in pond
7 acres
9. Dakota Park Dog Park
Small dog area
Fully fenced
Off-street parking
Part of the larger park
Clean up after your pet
10. Lake of the Isles Off-Recreational Area
Small dog area
Night lights
Fully fenced
Street parking only
1.87 acres
Conclusion
Not only is Minnesota dog-friendly, but its parks have owners in mind too —with amenities to keep you warm when the temperature dips below freezing . You’ll find that most places have similar vaccination requirements and limitations on the number of pets under one handler. It’s par for the course. However, we suggest visiting the site’s website for updated rules before getting your excited pup in the car .
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Featured Image Credit: Liudmila Bohush, Shutterstock