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