7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Minneapolis to Bring Your Pup To (2023)
Are you looking for some great dog-friendly beaches in Minneapolis to bring your furry friend to this summer to cool off?
Visiting a beach is a great way to allow yourself to relax, but also to let your pup splash around and have some fun.
After all, summer only lasts so long here in Minnesota, so you might as well take advantage of it in every way that you can (and let your dog do the same!).
Whether your pup is a seasoned swimmer or a cautious wader, there’s a spot for them to enjoy the waves and sand.
I’ve spent plenty of time at these beach locations, trying to convince my dog to jump in the water and swim around (she’s not much of a swimmer… but we try!).
So let’s jump right into it and get you ready to let those pups enjoy the nice summer weather while we’ve got it!
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Minneapolis
Below are some of the best places to bring your dog swimming in Minneapolis.
Be sure to grab yourself an off-leash dog park permit for the city of Minneapolis before going, as some of these parks do require one!
Your pet should also be up-to-date on all of their vaccinations, and you need to remember that you are fully responsible for your dog’s behavior. Only bring them if they are well-behaved and always clean up after them!
1. Minnehaha Dog Park (Minneapolis)
Address: 5399 Minnehaha Park Drive S, Minneapolis
Permit Required: Yes
At this great off-leash dog park, you’ll also find the perfect spot to let your pup cool off in the waters of the Mississippi River!
The area alongside the river where your pup can splash around is one of the top features of this dog park, and you’ll often see many other people there!
Be sure to bring a tennis ball to throw for your pup and let them fetch it in the water!
Even if your dog doesn’t like the water, there are plenty of other places to hang out at Minnehaha Dog Park too!
The entire park is over 6 acres in size and has more than just the beach, so your pup can run around on the land as well!
Whether they like to splash in the water, meet other doggo friends, or just get in a game of fetch on land, your pup will love Minnehaha Dog Park.
After running around and enjoying the outdoors, head on over to Psycho Suzi’s and enjoy lunch on their pet-friendly patio.
2. Meeker Island Dog Park (St. Paul)
Address: 471 Mississippi River Boulevard N, St. Paul
Permit Required: Yes
Meeker Island Dog Park is actually found in St. Paul, but it’s just a short distance from Minneapolis, so you won’t have to drive far.
It’s located near the Meeker Island Historic Lock and Dam Site along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River.
The dog park is off-leash, so you don’t have to worry about restricting your dog, but there is no fence around the park, so be sure to keep a close eye on your pet.
If your dog loves the water, this is the best place for them to meet new friends and splash around.
They can get their energy out on the river bluffs as they explore through the trees and grass surrounding the park, or jump into the mighty Mississippi.
During your visit, you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful views of the bluffs!
And because you’re right along the Mississippi, you can also head over to some of the dog-friendly restaurants along the shore, where you can grab lunch with your pet.
3. Battle Creek Dog Park (Maplewood)
Address: 2350 Upper Afton Road, Maplewood
Permit Required: No
Another of the best dog-friendly beaches in Minneapolis can be found at Battle Creek Dog Park in Maplewood, just 20 minutes from the Twin Cities.
This is the largest dog park in the Twin Cities metro area, with 35 acres of space for your dog to run free and play.
As a pet owner, you’ll love that the entire park is fenced in, so there’s no need to worry about your beloved pets escaping.
Wander around the miles of trails within the park, and let your pup run free. Or, let them take a dip into the three ponds within the park.
There are two smaller ponds, as well as one larger pond that is perfect for giving your dog a place to cool off in the summer.
Plus, your furry friend will likely meet plenty of other dogs to interact with. Be sure to bring a tennis ball of frisbee to play catch!
No permit is required either, so there’s nothing that you’ll need to purchase before visiting.
4. Matoska Park (White Bear Lake)
Address: 4810 Lake Avenue North, White Bear Lake
Permit Required: No
If you don’t mind driving about 30 minutes to let your furry friend run around, then a visit to Matoska Park in White Bear Lake is a nice option!
The entire park itself spans 4 acres, and you can spend time wandering the sidewalks and grass with your pet.
You’ll find a designated area for dogs along White Bear Lake, and that’s where you should let your dogs into the water.
Allow them to sniff around, meet other friends, and enjoy the cool water of the Minnesota lakes.
The only bummer about this park is that you are required to keep your dog on a leash (up to 30 feet), so they can’t run freely.
But if your dog just enjoys wading in the water and doesn’t care as much about actually swimming, this is a great choice.
5. Dog Park at Fish Lake Regional Park (Maple Grove)
Address: 14900 Bass Lake Road, Maple Grove
Permit Required: Yes
Found just 20 minutes north of Minneapolis, the Dog Park at Fish Lake Regional Park makes for a great place to let your dogs run free and swim.
This is a large, fully fenced, off-leash dog area where your dogs can run around and socialize with other pups and people.
The entire park is filled with walking paths, trees, and plenty of people out enjoying the nice summer sun.
Along the shore of Fish Lake, you’ll find a nice area where your dogs can take a dip in Fish Lake.
Be aware that there may be people here as well since it is near the designated swimming beach, so it’s best to keep your pup on a leash.
If your pup is anything like mine, maybe they’ll even enjoy jumping onto a kayak and kayaking around the lake.
6. Bloomington Off Leash Dog Park (Bloomington)
Address: Nesbitt Ave S & West 110th Street, Bloomington
Permit Required: No
Just a short distance from Minneapolis and other fun activities it in the Twin Cities is the Bloomington Off-Leash Dog Park.
This large 25-acre park features everything that you and your dog could wish for and more in a dog park!
There’s plenty of space for your furry friend to run around, meet new dog friends, and get out their pent-up energy.
Within the fenced-in park area, you’ll find a pond that your dog can take a dip in to cool off on those hot summer days.
Spend some time wandering around the path that circles the park, and let your dog run around and splash in the water.
There is plenty of space to explore and your dog will be so happy to have all of those new smells to sniff as they adventure around the park.
7. Alimagnet Dog Park (Burnsville)
Address: 1200 Alimagnet Parkway #2, Burnsville
Permit Required: No
Alimagnet Dog Park is located in Burnsville, about 25 minutes south of the city of Minneapolis.
It’s a fully enclosed space where your pets can run around and enjoy getting out some energy.
You’ll find 7 acres of land here, just waiting for you and your pet to explore it! The entire thing is off-leash, so they can really explore where they want!
There are walking paths that surround a stormwater pond, which is where your pet can take a quick dip if they like! The pond is used to collect rainwater and snowmelt.
One thing to note about bringing your pet here is that swimming in the stormwater pond is at your own risk.
It’s not designed to be a place to let your dog swim, but it’s not prohibited. So always use caution and if you don’t feel okay with it, visit somewhere else.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to the Beach
Finding these great places to bring your dog swimming in Minneapolis is a great way to spend a summer day and enjoy the weather.
But before you go, there are a few things that you should know and some rules to follow to ensure the safety of you, your dog, and other pets and humans.
Here are some basic rules that should be followed at every dog park and beach, but be sure to check with each individual park for their specific rules!
- Always have your dog in your eyesight. You’re responsible for them, and it’s up to you to make sure that they aren’t getting aggressive or out of control.
- Pick up after your pet. Some dog parks provide doggy bags but bring your own just in case.
- Leave toys at home if your dog gets territorial. Some dogs can get aggressive if another pet takes their toy. If that’s the case with your pet, leave the toys at home.
- Make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect them and other pets.
- Even in off-leash dog parks, always have a leash. Just in case you need to quickly remove your pet from the park or a situation.
- Your dog should always be wearing a collar. Be sure it has their name, your name, and your phone number on it!
Are Dogs Allowed on Minneapolis Beaches?
During the summer months, you may be wondering if it’s allowed to let your furry friend tag along to some of the beaches.
While there are some that you can visit with them, not all are dog-friendly, so you should double-check the rules before arriving.
All of the beaches on this list do allow dogs, but some aren’t great for human swimmers.
There are some dog-friendly beaches in Minneapolis, specifically the ones that are near dog parks.
Two of the top options include Minnehaha Dog Park and Meeker Island Dog Park.
FAQs
Your dog can swim at a few different places in Minneapolis. At Minnehaha Dog Park and Meeker Island Dog Park, your dog can swim in the Mississippi River. There are also several other dog parks that can be found around surrounding cities with ponds and lakes.
No, dogs cannot swim at the Lake Nokomis beaches. People have been fined in the past for letting their dogs swim in the water.
Conclusion: Dog Beaches Minneapolis
If you’re searching for a good way to get outdoors with your pup this summer, consider visiting some of these dog-friendly beaches in Minneapolis.
Not only can you enjoy the beautiful summer weather, but your dog can also socialize with other dogs and have a great time splashing around in the water.
Be sure to follow all of the rules that are set in place for each individual beach, and have fun out exploring with your furry friend!
