BringFido's Guide to Northwest Minnesota

Q: Where can I take my dog in Northwest Minnesota?

Bring your dog to pet-friendly Northwest Minnesota. Fido can trot across stepping stones, wander over a log bridge or paddle across the exact spot where the mighty Mississippi River begins on the Mississippi Headwaters Trail in Itasca State Park. Prefer to ride? Cruise along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, a lovely 54-mile road named after the legendary lumberjack, that will help you and your dog explore the area just like he did. Then, bring your furry best friend to Bemidji for an artsy stroll downtown. Bemidji Sculpture Walk is an outdoor art gallery that features a rotating collection of sculptures, which are free to tour with your Terrier.

Q: When should I visit Northwest Minnesota?

Take time out at Trapper’s Landing in Walker, MN. During the summer, guests with pets can go on an adventure in a kayak or on a paddleboard around Leech Lake. But, the real highlight happens when temperatures drop. Four-legged guests are invited to join their owners for a stay inside an ice fishing house that sits directly on the ice. This unique pet-friendly rental includes eight ice fishing holes, an ice scoop and all the gear you need to catch fish on the icy lake from the comfort of your own cozy space.

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Posted 7/18/2023 by Billy Francis

It’s time to venture with your Vizsla off the beaten path in Northwest Minnesota. This incredible region in the Land of 10,000 Lakes boasts stunning pet-friendly state parks where mighty rivers are born and a legendary lumberjack stands tall. Angling Alsatians can take guided fishing tours here and even sleep on top of the ice with a line dangling below. Mr. Minnesota, Paul Bunyan, never traveled anywhere without his four-legged companion, Babe the Blue Ox, so why should you? Bring the whole pack on an unforgettable adventure to the great Northwest of Minnesota.

Things to Do

“Having a blast at Lake Itasca.” Photo by @mattnielsen1089

Drop a line through the ice, get out on the water and walk in the footsteps of Paul Bunyan in Northwest Minnesota with your mutt.

Fall in Love with Lake Itasca

Fido can trot across stepping stones, wander on a log bridge or paddle over the exact spot where the mighty Mississippi River begins on the Mississippi Headwaters Trail in Itasca State Park. While you’re there, hike together on the Itasca Fire Tower Trail for beautiful views from above. Or, enjoy a laid-back tour through the pines from the comfort of your car on the Wilderness Drive. Lake Itasca Tours welcomes friendly dogs on their daily narrated tours on the same route that guides Ozawindib and Schoolcraft took in 1832 on their expedition to discover the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Paul Bunyan’s Pawprints

According to legend, Minnesota’s many lakes were created by Paul Bunyan’s giant footprints. Cruise along the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, a lovely 54-mile road named after the legendary lumberjack, and explore the area just like he did. Along the way, hike a section of the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Then, snap a picture of your pooch next to Paul’s arrow sticking out of the ground. From the byway, hop on a section of the Heartland State Trail, one of the first rail-to-trail projects in the U.S., and stop at the Paul Bunyan Statue to take a picture of your pooch sitting in his giant hand.

Dogs Dig Detroit Lakes

Fido won’t be the only fish out of water as he begins his Detroit Lakes tour by sniffing out 30 colorful fish sculptures placed at a variety of landmarks around town. After he’s spotted all the sculptures he can, let him loose at the local pooch hangout, DL Dog Park. Then, check out the winding woodland trails at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. When you’re finally ready to make a splash, enjoy a day on Detroit Lake in a pet-friendly pontoon rental from J & K Marine.

Having fun with Paul Bunyan. Photo by BringFido/Melissa Halliburton

A Sculpture Walk in Bemidji

Bring your furry best friend to the “First City on the Mississippi” for an artsy stroll downtown. Bemidji Sculpture Walk is an outdoor art gallery that features a rotating collection of sculptures, which are all free to tour and admire with your pooch. Along the way, take a detour to Nymore Dog Park and let her cut loose with other canine art critics. Before she’s too pooped, swing by the area’s most famous sculptures, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Whether you believe the townsfolk who tell you the lumberjack was born in Bemidji or not, be sure to take a memorable picture of your pooch with these funky sculptures next to the lake.

Cast a Line with your Canine

World-class fishing with your Weimaraner awaits whenever you visit Northwest Minnesota. Scout the area’s best angling spots in a durable kayak rental from Crow Wing Kayaks in Crosslake. This watersports company will be happy to drop off pet-friendly kayaks, paddleboards and lake floats to local spots and offer a courtesy ride if you’re planning a river excursion. If you want some help finding the best place to catch walleye, reserve a day of fishing with You Bet! Fishing Guide Service in Park Rapids. This pet-friendly fishing guide service will help you catch walleye, northern pike and more. They also host guided ice-fishing adventures in winter.

Take a State Park Tour

From stunning lakes and meandering rivers to pretty prairies and pine forests, this portion of The Gopher State is full of exceptional pet-friendly state parks to explore with your pup. After your photoshoot with another Paul Bunyan statue, explore more of Lake Bemidji State Park by going for a stroll on the boardwalk and taking a tour on 11 miles of trails through maturing pine, aspen and hardwoods. Over in Glyndon, you and your pooch can wander on the easy Prairie View Trail at Buffalo River State Park and witness one of Minnesota's finest and largest remnant prairies up close. If you’re visiting Williams, zip over to Zippel Bay State Park on Lake of the Woods for an awesome coastal walk.

Places to Stay

Strutting on the dock of the bay. Photo by @ruttgersbemidji

Spend time on the water with your loved ones at a resort or hunker down in a cozy cabin far from the crowds in this beautiful region.

Hang Out at a Historic Resort

Located near the entrance to Lake Bemidji State Park, Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge has been entertaining guests, including public figures like Woodrow Wilson and Cindy Crawford, for over 100 years. This historic resort invites four-legged guests to start the day with a morning stroll along the natural beach. Then, hop in one of the kayaks together or rent a boat and go fishing with your furry first mate. At dinnertime, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeside patio and can even join you on the rooftop terrace. Pups are permitted in the resort’s cottages, cabins, and in the Cedar Lodge.

Akeley on High

Paul Bunyan isn’t the only one who can see from above the treetops in Akeley. Fido is invited to watch the sunrise over serene surroundings every morning at the Castle Tower with a View. With hardwood floors for easy cleanup and lots of green space to discover, this secluded spot was made for travelers with pets. After sunset, take your Castle S'mores kits down to the fire pit for an evening under the stars in the shared backyard.

Pet-Friendly Ice Fishing Houses!

Take time out at Trapper’s Landing in Walker. During the summer, guests with pets can go on an adventure in a kayak or on a paddleboard around Leech Lake. But, the real highlight happens when temperatures drop. Four-legged guests are invited to join their owners for a stay inside an ice fishing house that sits directly on the ice. This unique pet-friendly rental includes eight ice fishing holes, an ice scoop and all the gear you need to catch fish on the icy lake from the comfort of your own cozy space.

Check out these rustic but cozy digs in Cuyuna. Photo by Facebook.com/truenorthbasecamp

Cuyuna is Calling

Nestled in an active iron range, Cuyuna is the “pawfect” destination for outbound hounds thanks to its abundance of mountain bike trails and other outdoor activities. True North Basecamp makes a great hub to hang out at between adventures. Spend a few nights in a vintage-inspired lakefront cabin with access to pet-friendly trails outside, pitch your own tent in a lakefront campsite or experience glamping with your dog in a cozy cabin tent. During the day, take a hike to nearby Miner’s Mountain at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for a view from above, or pick strawberries with your pooch during the season at Elm Island Berry Farm.

The Farm by the Lake

Stars and fireflies are the main sources of illumination at the Jack Pine Cabin in Bagley, when the sun sets. Guests who enjoy a rustic vacation among nature will love this cabin with a shared bathhouse, a picnic table for outdoor dining, a fire ring and charcoal grill outside, and nature trails through the surrounding woodland to explore with your dog.

Make Memories at Madden’s

Discover 4-star luxury with your four-legged friend at Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd. Guests with pets can enjoy walks together in the designated dog walking area or on Wilson Bay Beach, before dining with their pup on the pet-friendly patios of the property’s Parfecto Pizza, 19th Hole Deck, Mission Point and Madden Bros. Market. Then, take the “pawty” back to a multi-bedroom house, golf villa or sunrise villa on the water.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

You don’t have to love dogs to work here, but it helps! Photo by Facebook.com/BemidjiBeer

Bring your furry best friend to Northwest Minnesota to join you as you sample local libations at breweries, distilleries and wineries or hang out on some of the best pet-friendly patios in the North Star State.

Sip a Flight with your Furry Friend

Pups are welcome at umbrella tables on the pet-friendly patio at Bemidji Brewing. Here, you can sample some of the region's best brews and soak them up with bar snacks if you’re feeling peckish. There’s usually a whole host of “pawtrons” on the patio that will keep your pooch company while you get the scoop from the locals about where to head next.

Dog-Friendly Dining in Detroit Lakes

If you’re looking for dog-friendly indoor dining in Northwest Minnesota, look no further than Zorbaz. This casual bar and eatery chain started life in the summer of 1969 and has remained popular ever since. Not only can you hang out on the pet-friendly patio with your pooch, but you can also head inside to dine together. While you enjoy Mexican-American fare, pups can hydrate with a bowl of water and can snack on unseasoned chicken, too.

Show Fido’s True Spirit!

Far North Spirits is the northernmost distillery in the contiguous United States and about as northwest as you can go in Minnesota. Bring your dog along to this hangout near the border of Canada and sample Minnesota Rye Whiskey, Anna’s Garden Gin and more on the Adirondack chairs outside.

“You’re the lucky one!” Photo by @wardrobe_concierge

You Lucky Dog!

Lucky Dogs invites the people of Bemidji to “Sit. Stay. Eat.” Outside, you’ll usually find the local canine community soaking up the summer sun on the pet-friendly patio alongside their owners. Whether you eat meat or avoid it, you’ll find your favorite hotdog with all the fixin’s at this staple.

Relax on a Delightful Patio

Located on the edge of Paul Bunyan State Forest, Forestedge Winery welcomes visitors to the region to sit back and enjoy elegant fruit wine on the charming pet-friendly cobblestone patio surrounded by lush gardens. Afterwards, check out artwork by local Minnesota artists in the gallery inside.

Cookout with your Canine

Minnesotan meat lovers are big fans of Butts & Bunns BBQ in Hackensack. This seasonal barbeque joint serves up brats and kraut, mac and cheese, and other smoked favorites to the people and pups hanging out on the pet-friendly patio.