Best Parks For A Puppy Play Date In Minnesota
Is the same old walking route boring your poor dog? If your social pup is ready to mix and mingle at a new locale, try out these five Minnesota parks. They're ideal for a puppy play date on a sunny day. For other ideas on where to take your dog, check out our previous article on the Best Dog Parks in Minnesota. Here are the best spots in Minnesota for you and your dog to make some friends.
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
12595 Park Drive
Hanover, MN 55374
763-694-7860
www.threeriversparks.org
The 40 acres bordering the Crow River may be the ideal spot for canines and their owners to meet others for some outdoor exercise and socialization. Scenic trails cover roughly three miles and unleashed roaming on the trails is encouraged for well-behaved dogs. Since the reserve is partially fenced and there is open water, good recall of your pets is a must. Owners will enjoy the ample parking, restrooms and bags for clean up.
Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park
5399 Minnehaha Park Drive S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-230-6400
www.minneapolisparks.org
The Minnehaha Regional Park offers lots of options for dogs and their owners. A leashed walk along Minnehaha Falls, an outdoor snack at Sea Salt Eatery and a romp at the off-leash dog park make for a dog-gone great day! The dog park portion is partially fenced and spans over six acres. This is a park with lots of activity, perfect for very social pups that will appreciate the open spaces.
Red Wing Dog Park
Main St. & Johnson Ave.
Red Wing, MN 55066
www.redwingdogpark.com
Sometimes green grass can be hard to come by when visiting a fully fenced dog park, but this park has plenty of grass to roll in and run through. Dogs can play unleashed while the owners relax on nearby picnic tables. When your furry friend is ready to explore outside the fenced area hiking trails are also an option in the larger A.P. Anderson Park, just be ready to get your leached up.
Dale Road Open Space And Off-Leash Dog Park
11664 Dale Road
Woodbury, MN 55129
www.ci.woodbury.mn.us
Sometimes dogs want options, and they can take their pick at this wooded, hilly space set among farm fields in Woodbury. When entering the semi-fenced park, you'll come upon lots of pets playing while their owners mingle. But if a romp isn't on your pet's agenda for the day, set out on the many nature trails within this peaceful park. There are plenty of routes so both short strolls or lengthy jaunts are options for you and your dog.
Kiwanis Recreation Area Dog Park
Highway 169 & Highway 14
Mankato, MN 56001
507-387-8600
www.mankatomn.gov
This puppy play date spot has two fenced-in areas to explore. One has benches for owners, plus water for the dogs and bags for cleaning up. The other is a much more expansive wooded area. Leashed hiking is also an option outside of the official dog park grounds, so feel free to do a little exploring. Restrooms and a picnic shelter are available here as well.
Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. She is also a public relations and event planning professional. Her most important job is mother to her young son and daughter, who are her partners-in-crime when checking out the family entertainment scene in the Twin Cities. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.