Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minnesota You Can Visit Today

Share

dog walking in the park

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.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

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: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Daily or annual pet permit required
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, with your pup on sight and under control
  • 2.62 acres of open grasslands
  • Fully fenced
  • Benches and picnic tables for owners
  • Popular park that sees a lot of use

2. Gateway Dog Park

️ Address:   4th Avenue S and 11th Street S, Minneapolis, MN
Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, if under the handler’s control
  • Minneapolis pet license required
  • Clean grounds
  • Well-supported by users with doggie bags and community water bowls
  • Fully fenced

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 10:00 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
  • Lighted areas for nighttime use
  • Small dog area
  • Fully fenced
  • 1.87 acres
  • No on-site parking lot

4. Meeker Island Dog Park

️ Address:   471 Mississippi River Blvd N Saint Paul, MN
Open Times: Sunrise to 11:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, for pets are under control and in designated areas only
  • Open to dogs 4 months or older
  • Located at the northernmost lock-and-dam on the Mississippi River
  • Check the site updates before you go for closures due to high waters
  • Three dog limit
  • Unfenced play areal

5. Carlson Dog Park

️ Address:   2541 Nevada Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN
Open Times: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, if under the handler’s control
  • Seating for owners available
  • A large, forested area
  • No water available on-site
  •  Secure gated entrance

6. Park Point Beach

️ Address:   45th Street and Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, MN
Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, for pets under control in designated areas
  • Gorgeous views
  • Rental facilities on-site
  • Frigid waters of Lake Superior
  • Other amenities available for owners
  • Popular park with lots of traffic

7. Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area

️ Address:   5399 Minnehaha Park Drive S Minneapolis, MN
Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to midnight
Cost: Daily or annual pet permit required
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Dog-friendly shops and restaurants in the nearby area
  • Walking path and garden for leashed pets only
  • Three dogs per handler max
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Quite busy during the summer

9. Unleashed Hounds and Hops

️ Address:   200 East Lyndale Ave N Minneapolis, MN
Open Times: Monday: closed; Tuesday to Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 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
  • Reservations highly recommended
  • Small dog area
  • Online pre-registration with proof of vaccinations submitted before you visit
  • Restaurant, taproom, and indoor/outdoor spaces

10. The Paw

️ Address:   1741 Premiere Drive, Mankato, MN
Open Times: Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Varies with the pet service
Off-leash allowed?: Yes, for pups under control in designated areas only
  • Indoor-outdoor experience available
  • Proof of vaccinations, a must-have
  • Retail pool shop on-site
  • Self-serve bathing station for a complete doggie spa experience
  • Pups of all skill levels welcome

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

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.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit By: Roman Seliutin, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Marigold Shocks Her Owner By Delivering 17 Irish Doodle Puppies in a Single Day

The one question vets hate hearing as they ultrasound expectant canine mothers is “how many puppies are there?” The reason is that, on...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Out Adventuring (March 12, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Gets Reoccurring UTIs (March 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

DIY Repellents for the Dog Who Thinks Everywhere Is His Toilet

Dog urine and everything nice have a complicated relationship. One thrives, the other suffers, and if you’re reading this, you already know which...

More related

Ask Dr. Paola- Burps, Rolling in Dirt & Begging (June 30, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

5 Best Electric (Invisible) Fences for Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just because you don’t want or can’t have a physical fence in your yard doesn’t mean you need to deal with your dog...

How Strong Is a Husky’s Bite Force? PSI Measure & Facts

The Husky is a domesticated dog that closely resembles a wolf, so people imagine that it can have a pretty powerful bite force....

Do Dogs Like Kisses? Communication, Signs & Alternatives

Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, providing unconditional love and companionship. You might be tempted to return the same favor to...

Keep reading

What Is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food? Pros, Cons, & FAQ

If your dog is allergic to proteins or struggles with inflammatory bowel disease, you have probably heard about hydrolyzed protein dog food. Meat is one of the most common allergens found in dog food, which often leads to itchiness and...

dog eating from bowl in kitchen

Can Dogs Eat Limes? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Disclaimer: Before changing your dog’s/ cat’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before, especially when it comes to human food, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every dog/cat is different and requires an individual...

Can Dogs Eat Limes

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Recipes & What to Know

Sweet potatoes are a favorite for humans and their canine friends. Their nutritional profile is safe for canines when used as an occasional treat. Understanding how to cook sweet potatoes for your dog is crucial for getting the most out...

cooked sweet potato

How Much Does Dog Food Cost in 2026? Average Prices & Buying Tips

Pet food has experienced an inflation rate of about 1.97% per year since 1997. Back then, you could buy the same amount of dog food for $20 that you would need to spend more than $30 on today. Therefore, we...

pouring dog food

How to Choose a Dog Food: 5 Vet-Approved Tips & Advice

As crucial as it is for your pet’s health, picking the best dog food is rarely easy. Several exceptional products are available, but wading through the complicated labels, brand messages, and marketing tactics can leave even the savviest consumer confused...

young woman shopping for pet food

Are Watermelons Good for Dogs? Nutrition Facts & Feeding Tips

As the weather gets warmer and your dog starts to pant, you may be looking for a refreshing treat that will cool you both down. If you’re snacking on a juicy watermelon, your dog might be begging for a piece....

watermelon-pixabay

Can Dogs Eat Papaya? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing more refreshing than eating a variety of fruit. One delicious fruit is the papaya! Of course, as a dog parent, you don’t want your furry friend to miss out on the fun....

Can Dogs Eat Papaya

9 Best Dog Foods for Weight Gain in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

We hear a lot about canine obesity and foods to help our dogs lose weight. There’s a good reason for it, given that an estimated 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight.1 But what if your dog has...

white boxer dog eating

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter