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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Taproom is a dog-friendly craft brewery in Duluth, MN, where Fido is welcome in the expansive outdoor areas including a heated patio and “The Yard.” Guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers, pilot releases, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic options. The brewery often hosts live music, food trucks and other special events.

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

Bring Fido along on a pet-friendly carriage ride through Minneapolis, MN with The Hitching Company. This magical horse-drawn carriage ride will take you along the cobblestones of Main Street and show you the skyline of Minneapolis. With all of the charm, elegance and nostalgia that only a horse-drawn carriage provides, landmarks you may see include Merriam Street Bridge, historic homes of Nicollet Island, Downtown Minneapolis Skyline and Hennepin Avenue Bridge. Have your ride narrated by your friendly and knowledgeable local carriage driver, or sit back and enjoy the sights in peace as you talk amongst your group. The choice is always yours! Dogs are welcome for no additional fee.

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.

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.

Talking Waters Brewing Company is a dog-friendly brewery in Montevideo, MN, that welcomes Fido inside the taproom or on the covered outdoor patio. They handcraft and serve a variety of styles of beer including sours, IPAs, lagers, stouts and also hard lemonade. They don't serve food, but sometimes have food trucks on site and delivery is available from nearby restaurants.

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.

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.

Bring Fido to explore the pet-friendly Franconia Sculpture Park in Shafer, MN. Dogs are welcome at this outdoor attraction, providing they are non-aggressive and socialized.

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.

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.

Visit the pet-friendly Little Thistle Brewing in Rochester, MN. This brewery and taproom is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious brew with your leashed pooch. Craft beer favorites include the Dop It Like It's Bock, Jam On Both Sides, Med City Beet Sour and Golden Unicorn NA. They also have a rotating food truck schedule, see their website for more details.