Minneapolis Dog Parks Perfect for Catch and Fetch
If you’ve ever been to the Twin Cities, you’ll know there’s no shortage of dog-friendly places to visit, from excellent Minneapolis dog parks to welcoming hotels and restaurants.
But if you’ve never visited this part of the country, here’s a list that will guide you through all the must-visit Minneapolis dog parks.
7 Minneapolis dog parks you should visit with Fido
1) Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park
925 Franklin Terrace, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park is a 1-acre Minneapolis dog park where locals love hanging out to let their pets play or to meet new people.
It’s just a stone’s throw away from Riverside Park. You’ll find the entrance on Franklin Terrace and West River Parkway.
This off-leash dog park is completely fenced, so you don’t need to worry about your dog’s safety.
Frequent visitors say the park is big enough to accommodate rambunctious and energetic dogs but small enough for you to keep an eye on your pets.
It’s primarily an open field, and the ground is covered with wood chips, so it’s mostly dry.
The park is cleaned regularly, and locals pick up after their pets as well.
You can visit the park’s website for more information about local events.
2) Lake of the Isles Off-Leash Dog Park
2845 W Lake of the Isles Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Like all the other Minneapolis dog parks you’ll find on this list, Lake of the Isles Off-Leash Dog Park is fenced and well-maintained.
It also has a designated area for small dogs, which makes playtime much safer for your fur baby.
You’ll find this dog park on the south side of the lake, between West Lake of the Isles Parkways and West Lake Street near the soccer field.
Visit the park’s website for important announcements and more information about local events.
3) Loring Park
1382 Willow St., Minneapolis, MN 55403
The off-leash dog park at Loring Park is located in the north corner.
This 0.22-acre dog park is completely fenced. What it lacks in space, it makes up for an excellent location.
It’s just a stone’s throw away from local businesses that you and Fido can visit after playing at the park.
Local dog lovers who frequent the park say it’s regularly kept clean. Water and waste bins are also available on-site, so all you have to bring is your dog’s bowl and poop bags.
4) Lyndale Farmstead
3845 Dupont Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55409
Perhaps one of the most relaxing among all the Minneapolis dog parks is Lyndale Farmstead.
There are plenty of benches and shade structures on-site where you can sit and enjoy peace and quiet with your dog.
The ground at this off-leash dog park is crushed granite. If your dog’s paws are sensitive to this kind of surface, you can choose to visit the other dog parks on this list.
According to the park’s website, granite was chosen as the park’s surface to prevent it from washing into the stormwater system during storms.
You’ll find the entrance to the dog park on Dupont Avenue South. Street parking is available on Bryant Avenue or West 38th and West 48th streets.
5) Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park
5399 Minnehaha Park Drive S Minneapolis, MN 55417
We’re sure your dog will love all of the Minneapolis dog parks we have on this list, but none truly compares to the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park.
This beautiful sanctuary boasts 6 acres of space where your dog can run around and play. Canines also have access to the Mississippi River, where they can frolic in the water.
There are also plenty of sticks to go around—perfect for a game of fetch.
Visit the park’s website for more information about local events.
6) St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park
700 St. Anthony Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55418
Imagine walking around a vast open space or sitting under a tree with your dog. You can experience that at St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park.
This Minneapolis dog park is spacious and clean. Trees dot the area, so it’s nice to take a long walk around it.
7) Victory Prairie Off-Leash Dog Park
4701 Russell Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55412
By far, the simplest among all the Minneapolis dog parks you can visit is the Victory Prairie Off-Leash Dog Park.
The local community loves this 2.62-acre dog park, and dog lovers often gather here to catch up and pet each other’s dogs.
There’s plenty of space for games, exercise, and socialization. The park is also regularly cleaned and maintained.
Things to remember before visiting Minneapolis dog parks
1) You need a permit
All dog owners need to secure a permit before dogs can enter any of the off-leash dog parks on this list.
The annual permit for Minneapolis residents costs $38 per dog and $27 for each additional dog. Meanwhile, non-residents need to pay $66 per dog and $33 for each additional dog.
You can check out the Minneapolis parks website for more information about securing a permit or renewing one.
Daily permits are also available. You just need to pay $5 for each dog.
2) Bring poop bags and plenty of water
Although some Minneapolis dog parks provide poop bags, it’s still best to bring your own supply in case the park runs out.
Pack your dog’s bowl and plenty of water as well, so you can prevent doggie dehydration.
3) Keep an eye on your dog
If you’re bringing your fur baby to Minneapolis dog parks that offer access to the Mississippi River, make sure he doesn’t get too far into the water.
You also need to make sure your dog doesn’t poop in the water.
Why you should bring your dog to Minneapolis dog parks
There are so many dog-friendly destinations in Minneapolis.
Hotels that welcome canines like the Hewing Hotel, Hyatt Centric Downtown, and Moxy Uptown are only some of the accommodations you should check out.
You’ll also find dog-friendly restaurants like The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, Aster Cafe, and Pat’s Tap.
There is no shortage of fun to be had in the Twin Cities. So don’t miss a chance to check out these beautiful destinations with your dogs.
