Few things are more enjoyable than letting your pup run off the leash and watching them chasing another dog or playing fetch in the water. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of places to take your pooch to burn off some energy while having the time of its life. Great off-leash dog parks exist in the Twin Cities, up north, and in the suburbs. Some require permits, while a few are free.
While Minnesotans embrace the winter, you’ll also see some indoor venues. After all, temperatures below zero with corresponding wind chills are not out of the ordinary for the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
The Top 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minnesota
1. Victory Prairie Off-Leash Dog Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 44701 Russell Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. (The main park stays open until midnight.) |
| 💲 Cost: | Daily or annual pet permit required |
| 🐕 Off-leash allowed?: | Yes, with your pup on sight and under control |
2. Gateway Dog Park
3. Lake of the Isles Off-Recreational Area
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 2845 W Lake of the Isles Parkway, Minneapolis, MN |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Park open until midnight) |
| 💲 Cost: | Daily or annual permit required |
| 🐕 Off-leash allowed?: | Yes, as long as you keep your pup under control |
4. Meeker Island Dog Park
5. Carlson Dog Park
6. Park Point Beach
7. Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area
9. Unleashed Hounds and Hops
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 200 East Lyndale Ave N Minneapolis, MN |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Closed; Tuesday-Friday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | Free for humans; Pet permits include daily, 5-use, or annual memberships |
| 🐕 Off-leash allowed?: | Yes, as long as your pup is in sight and under control |
10. The Paw
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1741 Premiere Drive, Mankato, MN |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Saturday; 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Sunday: By reservation only |
| 💲 Cost: | Varies with the pet service |
| 🐕 Off-leash allowed?: | Yes, for pups under control in designated areas only |
Conclusion
We’ve only scratched the surface of the fun off-leash dog parks in Minnesota. Many small towns and park districts have other places to run your pup. Make sure to be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet. We are so grateful these places exist. We can’t think of many better ways to provide valuable mental stimulation and socialization opportunities for your canine best friend.
Featured Image Credit: Roman Seliutin, Shutterstock
