Best Metro Area Dog Parks
Our Favorite Spots in the City
The USA Today recently published a list of the Top 10 Dog Parks in the United States, and one of our favorite haunts was on the list! Located in Maple Grove, Elm Creek Reserve Dog Park is a 29-acre off-leash park that offers plenty of year-round fun. In winter, visitors can be found dog-sledding or skijoring, and in warmer months there is plenty of space long walks and fetch. Elm Creek isn’t the only great dog park in Minnesota, however, here are a few of our other favorite spots in the metro area.
Located in Bloomington, the Bloomington Off-Leash Recreation Area Dog Park is the perfect spot for dogs who love the great outdoors. Not only is there a pond pups to swim, the 25-acre park has large grassy areas for running and games of fetch. Free to visitors, dogs must be licensed and have their rabies vaccinations.
Tucked between Minnehaha Falls Regional Park and Fort Snelling State Park in Minneapolis, a visit to Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park is a great escape from the busy hum of the city. With access to woodsy trails and a sandy beach along the Mississippi River, your dog will thank you for taking her to this park.
Last on our short list of favorites is Alimagnet Park in Burnsville. Another Minnesota dog park to show up on a best dog parks in the nation list, Alimagnet is an enclosed, seven acre off-leash park. This park has night lights, a heated shelter and heated water bowls so you and your dog can visit comfortably no matter what the season. Alimagnet Dog Park visitors are encouraged to purchase a $20 annual membership to help support the maintenance of the park.
These are just a few of our favorite parks in the metro area. For a comprehensive list and rating system to find a great park near you, visit Sidewalk Dog’s Park Directory. And before you visit a dog park, make sure to familiarize yourself with their rules and regulations; some parks have special fees and licensing requirements.