10 Wonderful Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minneapolis, MN (2023 Update)


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Doris Richards would probably be surprised to learn how her concept of the doggie park took off in the United States from its humble roots in Berkeley, California, in 1979.1 According to The Trust for Public Land, there are 841 dog parks across the country.2 Surprisingly, Boise, Idaho leads the pack with 14 sites. However, Minneapolis and the surrounding area have plenty to offer.

Our list includes local favorites. Park rules usually require proof of vaccinations and offer clean-up guidelines. We begin with an unconventional but must-see place to take your canine companion.

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The 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Minneapolis, MN

1. Unleashed Hounds and Hops

🗺️ Address: 📍200 East Lyndale Ave N Minneapolis, MN
🕐 Open Times: Monday: Closed; Tuesday–Friday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💲 Cost: Annual membership, 5-use, or daily permits
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, but pets must be under the handler’s control at all times
  • Amenities: indoor-outdoor dog park, taproom, and restaurant
  • Must pre-register online with proof of vaccinations
  • Designated small dog area
  • Reservations highly recommended

2. Cedar Knoll Park

  • Often called Cedar Knoll Dog Park
  • Benches on-site
  • Large, forested area
  • No water on-site
  • Doubled-gated entrance

3. Meeker Island Dog Park

  • Unfenced play area
  • Three dog maximum
  • Occasional high-water closures
  • At the northernmost lock-and-dam on the Mississippi River
  • Open to pups 4 months or older

4. St. Anthony Parkway Off-Leash Dog Park

  • Fully fenced-in park
  • Good for long runs
  • 2.17 acres
  • Muddy at times
  • Lighted grounds

5. Lyndale Farmstead Off-Leash Park

  • Repurposed parking lot
  • Not muddy with the fast-draining substrate
  • 0.62 acres of open land
  • Benches on site

6. Lake of the Isles Off-Recreational Area

  • On-street parking
  • 1.87 acres
  • Fenced-in park
  • Designated small dog area
  • Lights for nighttime use

7. Gateway Dog Park

  • Kid-friendly
  • Fenced-in park
  • Clean grounds
  • Minneapolis pet license required

8. Victory Prairie Off-Leash Dog Park

  • Often gets heavy use
  • Fenced-in park
  • Picnic tables and benches on-site
  • 2.62 acres of open grasslands

9. Loring Park

🗺️ Address: 📍1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
💲 Cost: Annual or daily pet permit required
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Three dogs maximum per handler
  • Fenced-in park
  • Lights for nighttime use

10. Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area

  • A must-see if just for the views
  • Extremely popular park
  • Next to National Park Service (NPS) land, which is not off-leash
  • Located near the water

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Conclusion

There’s probably no better way to socialize your pup than bringing it to a dog park. However, it behooves pet owners to avoid taking aggressive canines to these places. That includes people and other dogs. Several of the parks on our list have designated areas. Remember your manners and follow all requirements to ensure everyone has a good time!


Featured Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock

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