Dog-Friendly Guide to Minneapolis: Things to do in Minneapolis with a Dog

Minneapolis offers plenty of tail-waggingly fun dog-friendly activities for those looking for a dog-friendly retreat with a perfect mix of urban exploring and outdoor adventures. This dog-friendly guide to Minneapolis will reveal the city's top destinations for you and your pet pal to discover together.

Get ready to start planning an unforgettable trip in dog-friendly Minneapolis. Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Minneapolis or need a reliable Minneapolis pet sitter, read on to find out more!

Best dog parks in Minneapolis

Every good boy and girl needs a place to run free! These dog parks let your dogs burn off energy and make new friends:

Minnehaha Dog Park

Located along the Mississippi River, this off-leash dog park has wooded trails, open fields, and a river for a refreshing splash.

Location: 5399 Minnehaha Park Dr S, Minneapolis, MN

St. Anthony Parkway Dog Park

This off-leash dog park features a spacious, fenced-in area with wood chips, shady spots, and plenty of room to run.

Location: 700 St Anthony Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Lake of the Isles Dog Park

Another off-leash dog park, this one is located in a beautiful part of the city and provides separate grounds for large and small dogs.

Location: 2845 W Lake of the Isles Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Dog-friendly restaurants in Minneapolis

Want to grab a bite? These dog-friendly restaurants in Minneapolis should be on you and your dog's must-visit list:

Stray Dog

With a dog-friendly patio and delicious pub fare, Stray Dog is a go-to for casual bites. The restaurant even offers a dog menu with treats!

Location: 401 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Pinstripes

A bistro that serves exceptional Italian-American cuisine and wine, while your dogs chill on the lower veranda.

Location: 3849 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN

Red Cow North Loop

A casual and rustic American eatery serving gourmet burgers and an updated menu of pub eats, along with a dog-friendly area and water bowls.

Location: 208 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Fun dog-friendly activities in Minneapolis

Looking for dog-friendly things to do in Minneapolis beyond a usual walk in the park? Then you won't want to miss out on these unique experiences:

Shopping at Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market

Browse local produce, crafts, and treats with your pooches by your side at this local farmers' market. Vendors love well-behaved dogs!

Cost: Free

Date and time: Saturdays, 9AM – 1PM (seasonal)

Location: 629 NE 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN

Touring the city on a horse carriage

If you’re looking to sightsee the city with your dogs in an extraordinary way, a horse-drawn carriage ride with The Hitching Company may be your best choice.

Cost: Varies by package & routes

Date and time: Open daily (Mon-Tue, 9.30AM - 9PM; Wed-Sat, 9.30AM - 10PM; Sun, 9.30AM - 9.30PM)

Location: 25 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN

Celebrating Christmas at Holidazzle

Holidazzle is a local’s yearly holiday tradition. This winter market includes local vendors and various pet-friendly attractions such as ice skating, music, movies, and fireworks.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Annually in November or December

Location: Loring Park

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Minneapolis

Enjoy the refreshing and breathtaking outdoors with your dogs on these dog-friendly trails in Minneapolis:

Bde Maka Ska Park

A gorgeous and easy loop around a large, beautiful lake with stunning views and plenty of green space.

Location: 3000 E Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Length: 2.5 km

Lake Nokomis Trail

Another peaceful, dog-friendly walk in Minneapolis, this easygoing route features lakeside paths, gorgeous scenery, and shaded seating.

Location: 4955 W Lake Nokomis Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Length: 5 km

Winchell Trail

An 8 km round-trip, pedestrian-only, dog-friendly hike in Minneapolis along the Mississippi River, featuring forested trails and lots of natural beauty.

Location: 4357-4367 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Length: 8 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Minneapolis

Craving an eye-opening coffee in the morning? These dog-friendly cafés in Minneapolis welcome both you and your dog:

Aster Cafe

Sip on a latte while your dogs lounge on the terrace, enjoying riverfront views and the city skyline.

Location: 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN

Gigi's Cafe

A simple café serving organic breakfasts and delicious pastries. With outdoor seating, you can bring your four-legged friends along to enjoy the fresh air.

Location: 824 W 36th St, Minneapolis, MN

In The Loop Coffee Co.

This traditional dog-friendly coffee shop in Minneapolis sells beverages, pastries, and cafe fare in a modern setting. The café has pet-friendly seating and welcomes all well-behaved pets.

Location: 708 N 1st St UNIT 136, Minneapolis, MN

Annual dog events in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is home to many exciting dog-friendly activities and events, including these annual celebrations:

Day of the Dog: Run, Walk or Jog

A fun race where humans and dogs compete in a 1-mile, 5K, or 10K run. There's also a virtual marathon.

Cost: $23

Date and time: Annually on August 26th (Dog’s Day)

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Magical Minneapolis Scavenger Hunt

Explore Minneapolis with your dogs, hunting for clues and winning prizes all over the city.

Cost: $21.60 per adult

Date and time: Typically in March or April (around Easter)

Location: 520 North 4th Street Minneapolis, MN

Annual Fashions for Furry Friends Fashion Show

A stylish event showcasing adoptable dogs dressed in adorable outfits. The event offers auctions, delicious food and drinks, a cash bar, and fun, family-friendly games.

Cost: $30

Date and time: Typically in March

Location: Leopold's Mississippi Gardens

The best dog-friendly bars in Minneapolis

Grab a drink at these dog-friendly bars in Minneapolis, where pooches are just as welcome as their humans:

The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar

The Howe is a lively tavern and grill serving up elevated American pub grub, complete with a year-round, dog-friendly patio.

Location: 3675 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Stanley's Northeast Bar Room

Famous among locals for American pub grub, this bar offers a dog-friendly area and even a dedicated three-course menu just for dogs.

Location: 2500 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN

Smack Shack

With an open-air patio, Smack Shack is a popular dog-friendly bar in Minneapolis, serving up a mix of casual eats and cocktails in a stylish, industrial-chic setting.

Location: 603 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Dog-friendly wineries in Minneapolis

If you’re a wine lover, you won’t want to miss out on these dog-friendly wineries in Minneapolis. Enjoy quality local wine with your furry buddy by your side:

Wicked Wort Brewing Company

A bar and brewery that hosts events like poker, paint nights, and karaoke, complete with a spacious, dog-friendly area and plenty of water bowls.

Location: 4165 W Broadway, Robbinsdale, MN

Winehaven Winery

Recognized as one of Minnesota's most comfortable and unforgettable visitor experiences, this winery offers a cozy atmosphere with spectacular views of the hillside vineyards.

Location: 10020 Deer Garden Ln, Chisago City, MN

Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery

A classic brick-walled brewpub with a dog-friendly patio, ideal for weekend hangouts. This winery offers an expansive selection of beer, craft cocktails, and whiskey.

Location: 1430 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN

Dog-friendly beaches in Minneapolis

Take your dogs for a swim and play at these dog-friendly beaches in Minneapolis:

Cedar Lake Point Beach

Cedar Lake Point Beach is a sandy paradise where dogs and their owners can enjoy waterside paths, fishing, and canoeing.

Location: Cedar Lake Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN

Matoska Beach

Matoska Beach is a calming, dog-friendly destination featuring a sandy beach and shallow water ideal for fetching.

Location: 4835 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake, MN

Black Beach

Situated near the town of Silver Bay, this beach is renowned for its unique black sand. Dogs are welcome to join you on the beaches or in the water.

Location: Silver Bay, MN

Tips for pet parents

We can’t wait for you to try the destinations in this dog-friendly guide to Minneapolis. Here are some top tips so you and your pooch will have a smooth stay in Minneapolis, MN:

Tip 1. Hit the trails

Minneapolis is packed with scenic walking paths for you to truly get a sense of Minnesota’s natural beauty! Stroll along the lakes or hike the Mississippi Riverfront with your pup bestie.

Tip 2. Be weather-wise

Winters can be icy, and summers can get hot in Minneapolis! In cold weather, protect your dog’s paws with booties, and in the summer, avoid hot pavements during midday walks and make sure to bring lots of water.

Tip 3. Enjoy the lakes

Minneapolis is the "City of Lakes," and many are dog-friendly! Just make sure to respect local leash laws before exploring.

Tip 4. Book some dog-friendly accommodation

You can be reassured there are numerous options for dog-friendly accommodation in Minneapolis, from self-catering villas to luxury hotels that your dog will love.

But what about when the time comes for you to go on vacation without your furry friend? Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree – so why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you’re away? To find out more, click below:

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

With so many dog-friendly places in Minneapolis, we’ve hopefully made being a pet sitter in Minneapolis a little easier. However, taking care of someone’s pets is a big deal. Keep these tips in mind to ensure a positive experience for you and the pets:

Tip 1. Follow the city’s pet rules

Always use a leash in unfamiliar places and follow the owner's safety guidelines. It's also a good idea to check out each venue's pet regulations.

Tip 2. Create a log of care

A simple log helps ensure consistency for the pets and reassures pet parents. You can track feeding times, walks, medications, and any unusual behavior.

Tip 3. Check the dogs’ health

Watch for signs of illness, discomfort, or unusual behavior, and update the owner if anything seems off. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming serious.

Finding a house sit