SPRING AND SUMMER  

Camping is a quintessential summer activity in Minnesota. Sleep under the stars or rent a cabin with your favorite pup at some of these spots. While you’re there, go hiking, fishing, biking, soak up nature, and more. 

With easy access to the Central Lakes State Trail near downtown Fergus Falls, Swan Lake Resort and Campground offers amenity-loaded cabins (select cabins are dog-friendly) or ruff it in a tent in one of their large campsites.

In Duluth, Fond du Lac Campground is located along the majestic St. Louis River. Cast your reel from the campground’s fishing pier or take advantage of the site’s fantastic water access with your boat, canoe, or kayak. If fishing doesn’t wag your tail, consider a bike ride with your pup into town on the nearby Willard Munger State Trail.  

In the Brainerd Lakes Area, Gull Lake Recreation Area sits at the outlet of a gorgeous chain of lakes abundant with walleye, bass and more, making this an excellent spot to kick back and catch a few fish with your favorite furry angler. The clarity of the water also makes for excellent, worry-free swimming. Explore Gull Lake’s dog-friendly hiking trails to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, including deer and bald eagles.​ 

The Lebanon Hills Campground is just minutes away from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For city slickers vacationing with your pooch, the park is the best of both worlds: rustic campgrounds, world-class outdoor recreation, and easy access to all the Twin Cities' more urban charms. This campground features extensive hiking trails through lakes, woods and prairie, and as an added bonus, the neighboring Lebanon Hills Regional Park has some of the metro’s best mountain bike trails.  

In Zumbrota, the Shades of Sherwood Campground and Waterpark along the Zumbro River offer many amenities for travelers. Plan and bring a human friend to dog-sit at your campsite while you check out the water park. You might find yourself hanging around the campground’s picnic tables and building yourself a fire in one of the provided rings, or you could explore the nearby hiking and bike trails.   

There’s always something happening in the summer, so you don’t have to leave your friend behind. Some popular dog-friendly events are the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, Edina Art Fair, Sociable Cider Werks' Summer Market, and Minnesota Renaissance Festival.  

Stock up on fresh produce, flowers, and other goods at a local farmers market. Many are dog-friendly; just check their website for specific guidelines. You may come home with specialty dog treats or toys for your favorite pup. 

Summer is patio season in Minnesota, and many restaurants offer dog-friendly patios, including popular spots like Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room in Minneapolis, Forager Brewing in Rochester, Pub 500 in Mankato, The Gnome Craft Pub in St. Paul, and more. 

FALL 

We can't think of a better way to soak up Minnesota’s fall colors than hiking alongside your four-legged BFF. With a diverse mixture of rugged and paved trails for seasoned hikers and novices alike, Eagan’s Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a favorite of many Twin Citizens. And at 2,000 sprawling acres, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again. Start at the visitor center to check out its sustainable vegetative roof and head in any direction from there. You and your pal will enjoy weaving around lakes at every turn. 

Smack dab in the middle of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Fort Snelling State Park boasts 18 miles of hiking trails to give you and your buddy those middle-of-nowhere feels without leaving town. Be sure to make the trek to Pike Island: A mile and a half of gravel trails will take you to the eastern end, where Spot can dip his toes in the place where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet.  

With five waterfalls and 18 miles of hiking trails through aspen, cedar, spruce and pine forests, Gooseberry Falls State Park is a must-see. The rocky shoreline of Lake Superior is a can’t-miss, too. If you’d like to take more than one day to soak up this memorable area of our state, dogs are welcome at Gooseberry Falls’ campsites.  

Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester features paved and natural trails through restored prairie, quarry, man-made caves, and an oak savanna. And even though you’re only a few minutes away from downtown Rochester, you and your pup will feel miles away from everything within the 300 acres of this peaceful park.  

At Buffalo River State Park in Moorhead, explore one of our state’s largest prairies, known for its variety of birds and other wildlife. Its 12 miles of hiking trails take you along the lovely Buffalo River.  

Nestled within 540 acres of wilderness, Northland Arboretum in Brainerd features nearly 12 miles of jack-pine savannah, marsh and prairie terrain for all skill levels. Rover will love sniffing his way through the designated doggy trails of this peaceful park.  

Rock climbers have lots of craggy Sioux quartzite to grab onto at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, a historic quarry that'll also appeal to hikers, bikers, and families who appreciate a walk through the native tallgrass prairie near the park's 533-acre bison pasture.  

Do all the fall things with your pup at apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome at many spots, including Minnesota’s Largest Corn Maze at the Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Shakopee, Collegeville Orchards in St. Joseph, LuceLine Orchard in Watertown, and Whistling Well Farm in Hastings.  

October goes to the dogs with Barktoberfest at Inbound BrewCo, Dog-toberfest at Saint Paul Brewing, Howl-O-Ween in St. Louis Park, and more. 

Fall is the perfect time to sit on a patio, enjoy the cooler weather, and soak up the fall colors. Some popular spots to sit out with your pup are The Freehouse in Minneapolis, Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley, The Drive-In in Taylors Falls, and Canal Park Brewing Company in Duluth. 

WINTER 

When it comes to winter, the Twin Cities area is a winter wonderland. Outdoor hiking trails and dog parks are a hit, and many of them even have heated shelters and night lights. Some popular spots in the Twin Cities are Oakdale Nature Center in Oakdale, William O’Brien State Park in Marine on St. Croix, Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul, Battle Creek Regional Park in Maplewood, or strolling around the many lakes within the area. 

Or seek out cozier playtime indoors, like at Stone Mountain Pet Lodge in Blaine, which transforms from a doggy daycare and boarding biz into an indoor dog park some weekends (check website for schedule). On the opposite side of town, Dog Day Getaway in Apple Valley regularly offers off-leash indoor playgroups for small dogs and puppies on Sundays. Unleashed Hounds & Hops in downtown Minneapolis ups the ante with its unique indoor dog park, lots of draft beer lines, and plenty of comfort food.

If your pup prefers life on a leash, there are plenty of local shops that welcome pets inside with open paws: think bookstores, boutiques, and bike shops. Dogs are welcome in many taprooms and breweries throughout the metro area, just check the business’ website before your arrival for their rules. 

For a winter must-do that’s warm and low impact, we found a hidden gem in Mankato: a dog-friendly indoor swimming pool at The Paw. Swimming is a terrific, joint-friendly way to get your dog some exercise year-round. The Paw keeps its doggy-paddle-approved pool at a comfy 85 degrees, and its range of depths (10 inches to 4.5 feet) means it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned swimmers alike. Life jackets are available, too. The Paw offers group swims for party animals and private time for dogs who prefer exclusivity. Occasionally, it even holds swimming lessons and dock-diving instructions. 

A dog-centric winter in Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Duluth for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon or skijoring events at Canterbury Park in Shakopee and the Skijor Loppet in Minneapolis. Other dog-friendly events include photos with Santa at Rosedale Center and Mall of America and the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival in Minneapolis. 

Many restaurants offer indoor dining options for dogs in cold weather in their enclosed patios or dedicated indoor dining spaces. Some popular spots include The Block in St. Louis Park, In the Loop Coffee Co. in Minneapolis, and Unmapped Brewing in Minnetonka. 

Find dog-friendly accomodations, including campsites, resorts and hotels.