Minnesota Dog Parks

Minnesota has nice dog parks of many varieties and sizes, with different topography, indoor/outdoor options and leash rules. Depending on where you stay in Minnesota, nearly 50 options for exercising your dog exist. Be sure to read and understand all posted rules and purchase the proper permits (if necessary) before bringing your dog to any park. Always bring bags with you to clean up your pooch's mess.

  1. Fenced or Unfenced

    • Several dog parks with a fence are available throughout Minnesota to a dog owner. If you are taking your dog to a park that is not fenced in, make sure your dog is not prone to running off and responds to your voice commands. That will prevent you from losing him if he finds something to chase or is tempted beyond the barriers of the park. Arlington/Arkwright, Burnsville, Coon Rapids and Elm Creek are all completely fenced dog parks for your dog's roaming pleasure.

    Fees and Permits Required

    • Certain dog parks in Minnesota require a permit to take your dog there. The Burnsville dog park and the Dakota County dog park require a permit. Eden Prairie parks, all six of them, require a city license. The reserves and regional parks of Osseo, Maple Grove and Independence have a yearly fee or a daily pass option. Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor in Shoreview and Whitney Park and Wilson Park in Saint Cloud do not require a permit or fee.

    Hours of Operation

    • Most dog parks in Minnesota open at sunrise year-round and close around 9 or 10 p.m. Certain parks, such as Cleary Lake and Lake Sarah, operate from 5 a.m. to sunset.

    Off or On Leash

    • Most dog parks in Minnesota are off-leash, requiring the owner to maintain responsibility for their dog's interaction with other dogs and whereabouts. Parks that are listed as off-leash include Arlington/Arkwright, Coon Rapids, Egan Park, all Ramsey County parks and Woodbury. Bring a leash for your dog in case other owners are not maintaining responsibility and control of their dogs.

    Seasonal

    • With certain areas of Minnesota completely under snow and ice for only part of the year, they are put to good use during the off-season. There are four hockey rinks that become dog parks in Eden Prairie from April to October. They include Crestwood Park, Edenvale Park, Homeward Hills Park and Nesbitt Preserve Park. Edenvale is the only park that requires leashes.