Best Dog Parks in Minneapolis

Written by For Happy Dogs Team in Dog Parks

If you’re after the top places where you can take your four-legged friend, here are our favorite 10 dog parks in Minneapolis.

1. Loring Park Dog Park

Loring Park Dog Park is located in the north corner of Loring Park. It is a fenced area where you can let your furry friend run free off the lead. You can have no more than three dogs with you at one time.

It’s a small park but a nice place close to the center where you can meet other dog owners because it has a friendly vibe. In the summertime, there is a pool and bowls full of water too. There are lots of seats and you’ll find plenty of shade under trees.

2. Lake of the Isles Dog Park

Lake of the Isles Dog Park is located on the south side of the lake adjacent to the soccer field. It’s a small park but has a separate area for small dogs (under 20 lbs) and dogs are allowed off-leash in their designated areas.

It has beautiful scenery with lots of greenery and trees and there are lots of wood chips on the ground to help stop your pooch from getting too muddy. There are also giant floodlights which keep it well-lit in the evening so you can head there after work without a problem.

3. Lyndale Farmstead Dog Park

Lyndale Farmstead Dog Park is located on Dupont Avenue South and there is street parking available on West 38th and West 40th streets or Bryant Avenue. The ground is crushed granite because this dog park is located within a flood storage area, and some dogs’ paws can be sensitive to such a surface. 

It’s a simple and small park but there are benches and shade structures set up for loyal dog owners. There is no divided area for small and large dogs here.

4. Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park

Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park has entrances on Franklin Terrace and West River Parkway. Your four-legged friend will have 1.37 acres of fenced-in open space to run around in.

There are some chairs and benches for dedicated pet parents to rest on. It’s a great place to mingle for both you and your pooch with friendly dogs and owners the norm here. Sunday afternoons can be busy and extra social.

5. St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park

St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park is located across the street from the Columbia Park Golf Learning Center. This dog park is a decent size so you can throw a ball with your furry friend down one end or be social with other owners and dogs at the other.

There are lots of benches to rest on but bring some water as there are no fountains here.

6. Victory Prairie Off-Leash Recreation Area

Victory Prairie Off-Leash Recreation Area has entrances from Russell Avenue North on the east side of the park and Osseo Road (through Victory Prairie). It’s a large fenced-in but open dog area with trees too and a walking trail. 

There is no division between small and large dogs but it’s a friendly community of dogs and owners. It is one of the only dog parks in Minneapolis that has birdhouses throughout and it’s in a pretty setting. 

7. Minnehaha Dog Park

Minnehaha Dog Park is located on the south side of Minnehaha Park in the south of Minneapolis. 

It’s a beautiful dog park with views of the Mississippi, hills, and plenty of nature for dogs and their humans to explore. There is also tons of space. It has a nice vibe and is family-friendly. It’s not fully fenced in so it’s one to keep an eye on your pooch. This is one of the only dog parks in Minneapolis where dogs can swim.

8. North Loop Dog Park

North Loop Dog Park is located in the Warehouse District. It has 6,000 square feet of area fenced-in where your four-legged friend can play. 

It is basic gravel underfoot but well-maintained and tidy with trash cans available. A friendly community of dogs and their owners. You will often find balls or frisbees etc. left there to play with your pooch.

9. Gateway Dog Park

Gateway Dog Park is located in the Elliot Park neighborhood. It has miniature grass “ottomans”, mature trees, and a water bowl feature. 

It’s a small but beautiful park that’s a nice place to meet other owners and dogs. It can be quiet at times if you’re looking for a chilled space just for you and your dog, otherwise, there are usually others there between 3 pm – 6 pm. It’s fully enclosed so your four-legged friend can run around off-leash. 

10. Sochacki Park

Sochacki Park is located in the north of Minneapolis. It has 37 acres of green space to go walking or hiking, and you’ll find picnic spots and shelter areas around. 

It is a dog-friendly park that has dog trails where you can walk your pooch. Dogs must be kept on a 6-feet non-retractable leash, except in designated off-leash areas. You’ll find turf, paved, regional, and skijoring/dog sledding trails here so plenty of options all year round.

For Happy Dogs Team

Our team are a group of dog lovers who strive to give our four-legged friends the best lives possible. We bring together lists of the best dog services in your local area - along with tips, guides and product reviews. Everything you need for happy dogs!

Recent Posts