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Top 7 Dog Friendly Beaches in Minnesota: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Written by: Chris Dinesen Rogers

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Chris Dinesen Rogers

Top 7 Dog Friendly Beaches in Minnesota: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

It only makes sense that the Land of 10,000 Lakes would include places for Minnesota dogs to visit. However, it’s essential to check with the places you’d like to take your canine companion ahead of time. Public recreational areas and state parks usually don’t allow pets unless they are service animals. A word to the wise: some websites may claim sites are dog-friendly but verify it before you go.

We’ve included a broad spectrum of beach-like experiences in our list. You’re sure to find something to please your family and pooch as you explore Minnesota.

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The Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Minnesota


1. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

️ Address: 8901 Grand Ave Place  Duluth, MN (Superior National Forest admin building)
Open Times: Open year-round, but check for closures and other seasonal updates
Cost: Permits required
Off-Leash: Yes, but you must have your pet under control at all times
  • Native wolves and bears on-site
  • Multiple ways to enter the area
  • Pre-planning your stay highly recommended
  • Tick hotspot
  • No potable water on-site

2. Voyageurs National Park

️ Address: 360 Hwy 11 East International Falls, MN
Open Times: Open year-round, but check for closures and seasonal updates
Cost: Free to visit, but fees apply for camping
Off-Leash: Not permitted
  • Proof of vaccinations required
  • Leashed pets on the trails but not backcountry campsites
  • A wide variety of trail experiences for hikers of all skill levels
  • Guided automobile tours
  • Native wolves and bears on-site

3. Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area

️ Address: 5399 Minnehaha Park Drive S Minneapolis, MN
Open Times: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost: Daily or annual permit required
Off-Leash: Yes, with restricted hours between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Adjacent garden and walking path, dog-friendly for leashed pets
  • Partially enclosed
  • Three-dog limit
  • Nearby National Park Service (NPS) land, leashed pets only

4. Cleary Lake Regional Park

️ Address: 6246 190th St E, Prior Lake, MN
Open Times: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Daily or annual permit required
Off-Leash: Yes, but only when open
  • Two-dog limit
  • Proof of vaccinations required
  • Fenced-in area with wetland pond
  • Adjacent golf course and campground
  • 28 acres open to dogs

5. Meeker Island Dog Park

️ Address: 486 N Mississippi River Blvd, St Paul, MN 55104
Open Times: Sunrise to 11:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: In designated areas only, as long as your pets are under control
  • Dog playtime area and beach
  • Three-dog maximum
  • Unfenced park
  • Check for closures due to seasonal high waters

6. Matoska Park

️ Address: 4835 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Open Times: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: In designated areas only as long as your pets are under control
  • 4-mile shoreline to explore
  • Boat launch on-site
  • Public restrooms on-site
  • Walking path

7. Park Point Beach

️ Address: 4750 Minnesota Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
Open Times: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: In designated areas only as long as your pets are under control
  • 7-mile-long sandbar
  • Cold waters in Lake Superior
  • Chilly winds off the lake
  • Check for riptide updates
  • Beach house

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Conclusion

Some of the best places to take your pup in Minnesota are the many dog-friendly parks found throughout the state. With the semi-official count of 14,380 lakes, you’re sure to find a beach that will make a great day in the sun and water for your entire family—including your canine companion.


Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock

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