10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minneapolis, MN to Visit in 2026
Doris Richards would probably be surprised to learn how her concept of the doggie park took off in the United States from its humble roots in Berkeley, California, in 1979.1 According to The Trust for Public Land, there are 841 dog parks across the country.2 Surprisingly, Boise, Idaho leads the pack with 14 sites. However, Minneapolis and the surrounding area have plenty to offer.
Our list includes local favorites. Park rules usually require proof of vaccinations and offer clean-up guidelines. We begin with an unconventional but must-see place to take your canine companion.
The 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minneapolis, MN
1. Unleashed Hounds and Hops
| ️ Address: | 200 East Lyndale Ave N Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | Monday: 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: | Annual membership, 5-use, or daily permits |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, but pets must be under the handler’s control at all times |
- Amenities: indoor-outdoor dog park, taproom, and restaurant
- Must pre-register online with proof of vaccinations
- Designated small dog area
- Reservations highly recommended
2. Cedar Knoll Park
| ️ Address: | 2541 Nevada Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Often called Cedar Knoll Dog Park
- Benches on-site
- Large, forested area
- No water on-site
- Doubled-gated entrance
3. Meeker Island Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 471 Mississippi River Blvd N Saint Paul, MN |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to 11 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas only |
- Unfenced play area
- Three dog maximum
- Occasional high-water closures
- At the northernmost lock-and-dam on the Mississippi River
- Open to pups 4 months or older
4. St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 700 St. Anthony Parkway, Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Cost: | Annual or daily pet permit required |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Fully fenced-in park
- Good for long runs
- 2.17 acres
- Muddy at times
- Lighted grounds
5. Lyndale Farmstead Off-Leash Park
| ️ Address: | 3845 Dupont Avenue S, Minneapolis MN |
| Open Times: | Dog park: 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Cost: | Daily or annual pet permit required |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Repurposed parking lot
- Not muddy with the fast-draining substrate
- 0.62 acres of open land
- Benches on site
6. Lake of the Isles Off-Recreational Area
| ️ Address: | 2845 W Lake of the Isles Parkway, Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | Dog park: 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Cost: | Daily or annual pet permit required |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, pets must be under the handler’s control at all times |
- On-street parking
- 1.87 acres
- Fenced-in park
- Designated small dog area
- Lights for nighttime use
7. Gateway Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 4th Avenue S and 11th Street S, Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Kid-friendly
- Fenced-in park
- Clean grounds
- Minneapolis pet license required
8. Victory Prairie Off-Leash Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 44701 Russell Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | Dog park: 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Cost: | Daily or annual pet permit required |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Often gets heavy use
- Fenced-in park
- Picnic tables and benches on-site
- 2.62 acres of open grasslands
9. Loring Park
| ️ Address: | 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Cost: | Annual or daily pet permit required |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, in designated areas only |
- Three dogs maximum per handler
- Fenced-in park
- Lights for nighttime use
10. Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area
| ️ Address: | 5399 Minnehaha Park Drive S Minneapolis, MN |
| Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to midnight |
| Cost: | Annual or daily pet permits required |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
- A must-see if just for the views
- Extremely popular park
- Next to National Park Service (NPS) land, which is not off-leash
- Located near the water
Conclusion
There’s probably no better way to socialize your pup than bringing it to a dog park. However, it behooves pet owners to avoid taking aggressive canines to these places. That includes people and other dogs. Several of the parks on our list have designated areas.
Remember your manners and follow all requirements to ensure everyone has a good time!
Related Read:
Featured Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
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Since 2009, Chris has written on a variety of topics. Her motto with all of her writing is “science-based writing nurtured by education and critical thinking.” She specializes in scientific topics, with a special love for health and environmental topics, and of course, pets of all shapes and sizes.
Chris lives happily with her husband and three cats in the land of 10,000 lakes, writing, wining, and boating as much as she can. She and her husband, Norm, were awarded the State of Kentucky Colonel Honor for their restoration work at Mammoth Cave National Park.
