80+ Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Minnesota
Expedition Kristen
Hi! I’m Kristen, your new travel bestie! You can usually find me scouting out the best hikes, lakes, breweries, dog-friendly spots, and unique lodging options.
Minnesota is a Very Dog-Friendly Place
When it comes to spending time with your pup, Minnesota is full of dog-friendly places. Our Newfie, Ole, comes with us on so many adventures and as long as he is well-behaved there are a plethora of businesses that welcome him! From lakes and parks to breweries, malls, and Airbnbs, there are a ton of places that not only allow dogs but welcome them with open arms. Read on for inspiration on where to go with your four-legged friend!
7 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
Before you take any trips, it’s important to plan ahead and bring everything your dog needs. Here are seven tips to make traveling with your dog much easier for you (and them).
- Only travel with your dog if they are well-trained. As much as I wanted to bring Ole to breweries and beaches when he was a puppy, he would have barked and been hyper the whole time and probably peed where he shouldn’t be peeing. That would have only stressed us out, and maybe even resulted in us getting asked to leave. It can be hard but wait until your dog is able to listen to basic commands.
- Take a kennel or crate with you. This gives you the freedom to leave your dog in a hotel or cabin without worrying that they may chew the furniture or scratch the floor, costing you a pretty penny.
- Bring tons of poop bags! Don’t be the person who doesn’t pick up their dog’s poop. Have extra poop bags in all of your cars, your purse, your backpack, everywhere!
- Put together a packing list for your dog. Just like you create a packing list of items you need, write down the items you don’t want to forget for your dog. Be sure to remember food, medicine, treats, toys, water bowls and of course a leash.
- Stay current on your dog’s vaccinations. Especially if you’re spending time hunting or hiking in the woods, you’ll want to be sure your dog is protected from Lyme disease and heartworm. Or worse, if your dog is attacked by another dog you want your dog to be vaccinated and protected.
- Depending on what you’re doing with your dog, remember extra gear they may need like a sweater, booties, or life jacket. Even though Ole has webbed paws and Newfoundlands are bred to swim, we still put him in a life jacket when we go out boating or swimming. You never know when he might get tired or find himself in deeper water than expected.
- Whether you’re flying with your dog or driving to a cabin or hotel, check and double-check that dogs are allowed and you’ve notified the owner you’re bringing a pet. Be certain dogs are allowed and understand any additional fees that may come with bringing your dog.
Endless Possibilities for You and Your Pet
There are a ton of ways to spend time with your four-legged friend in Minnesota. Whether you’re looking to take a vacation together or find local spots to hang out, here is a thorough list of places that would love to see your dog!
Breweries, Cideries, Distilleries, and Wineries
These places have either outdoor patios, inside dog-friendly spaces, or both! I’ve also found that they often have water bowls and even treats for dogs. Keep in mind that breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries are very popular places to bring dogs, so it’s safe to expect to see many other dogs there. We didn’t bring Ole to any breweries until he was a little older and wouldn’t go nuts wanting to play when he saw other dogs.
- Alexis Bailly Vineyard
- Angry Inch Brewing
- Bald Man Brewing
- Bad Weather Brewing Co
- Padraigs Brewing
- Day Block Brewing
- Enki Brewing Co
- The Freehouse
- Fulton Brewery
- Imminent Brewing
- Inbound Brew Co
- Indeed Brewing Company
- Lake Monster
- Lift Bridge Brewing
- Norseman Distillery
- Number 12 Cider
- Pryes Brewing Company
- Summit Brewing Company
- Surly Brewing Company
- Utepils Brewing Co
- Villa Bellezza Winery
- Waldmann Brewery
- Wild Mind Artisan Ales
Restaurants
Some restaurants allow pets inside, some have outdoor beer gardens or patios. Be sure to check their website before going and only bring a well-behaved dog.
- Agra Culture
- Aster Cafe
- Barbette
- The Block
- Brasa
- Brit’s Pub
- Cafe and Bar Lurcat
- Hai Hai
- Hola Arepa
- MN Nice Cream
- Moscow on the Hill
- New Bohemia
- Pizzeria Lola
- Punch Pizza
- Red Cow
- SmackShack
- Surdyk’s
- Terzo
- Up-Down
Bakeries and Coffee Shops
Many of these places offer dog-friendly treats and water bowls.
- Black Sheep Coffee Cafe
- Glam Doll Donuts
- In the Loop Coffee Company
- Spyhouse Coffee
- Three Dog Bakery
Retail Shops
When it’s too cold to walk outside in winter, take a stroll around any of these stores.
- Bachman’s
- Faribault Woolen Mill (Minneapolis)
- The Home Depot
- I Like You
- Nordstrom
- Patina
- Sota Clothing
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities are endless in Minnesota. Particularly if you have a dog who enjoys all four seasons, each month brings another adventure to have together.
- Take a hike
- Float around on a boat
- Go cross country skiing or snowshoeing
- Spend time swimming
- Take a camping trip
- Check out an apple orchard
- Pick out produce at a local farmer’s market
- Visit a Christmas tree farm
Indoor/Outdoor Parks and Play Areas
In the land of 10,000 lakes, there are endless outdoor spaces to let your dog run free. And if your dog doesn’t love the elements, there are some great doggie daycare and pet resort options.
- Public lakes and beaches
- Minneapolis Airport Dog Park
- North Loop Play Area
- The Paw Pet Resort (dog-friendly indoor swimming pool in Mankato)
- Unleashed Hounds and Hops (an indoor dog park with beer for humans)
- Woof Dah! (doggie daycare with an indoor pool)
Dog-Friendly Hotels and Airbnbs
- Cascade Vacation Rentals offers a selection of vacation homes, cabins, and condos along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Lutsen.
- Cuyuna Biking Cabin, a cabin in Ironton that sleeps 8 people with 220 feet of lakeshore with easy access to a ton of bike trails.
- Hewing Hotel, a beautiful hotel in downtown Minneapolis with a rooftop spa pool and sauna overlooking the skyline. There is also a large and beautiful bar in the main lobby.
- Lora Hotel, located in Stillwater, this hotel greets your pet with a dog bed, bowls, toys, and treats!
- Park Point House and Cottage, located in Duluth, these two buildings are located on Park Point and are within walking distance to the historic Lift Bridge and Canal Park restaurants.
Have Fun on Your Adventures
There are so many great things to do in Minnesota with your dog. Whether it’s outdoor adventures or indoor relaxation, it’s easy to find great ways to enjoy the day with your furry friend. While my round-up focuses heavily on the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs, know that it’s common for breweries to allow dogs, and you can find a park or lake just about in every corner of Minnesota. When going to any of these restaurants, hotels, or bakeries, be sure to call ahead and make sure you understand their current rules and guidelines. For additional places to stay and things to do with your dog in Minnesota, check out this post by Explore Minnesota.
