Located in the upper midwestern section of the US, Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes because it has more than 14,000 bodies of water that are more than 10 acres. Also, one-third of it is covered in forests, making it a wonderful natural space all year long. The state boasts almost 5.8 million people too with an estimated 967,000 dogs living there.
More than 60% of the people in Minnesota live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, also known as the Twin Cities and this hub is also a tourist attraction as well as a business center. However, if it is the countryside you want to visit, there are six national parks, 75 state parks, 60 state forests, and two national forests. That does not even count the county, city, and community parks, gardens, and other recreational spaces.
Being a northern state on the border of Canada, the winters in Minnesota can be brutal with low temperatures dropping into the negative numbers and highs in the lower 40s. The state also gets approximately 51 inches of snow each year as well. But summers are hot with highs in the 90s and lows in the 50s. Here are our top 15 vacation destinations in Minnesota for you to discover.
Minneapolis
If you are looking for a romantic city to take your honey and your fur baby, Minneapolis has that covered. First, impress your best friends with a lavish hotel that has an adults-only rooftop pool. It also has a sauna, restaurant, bar, game room, and fitness center. Then, you can take everyone to see the incredible designs at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and then have a walk in the park and a picnic by the Minnehaha Falls.
Afterward, take a really romantic carriage ride through the city with The Hitching Company. The horse-drawn carriage is so quaint and you can bring your pup as long as he is on a leash. Then, let him run around without a leash at the Victory Prairie Dog Park. It has 2.6 acres of space with a gravel path and picnic tables.
To end the romantic day, take some time to smell the roses at Lyndale Park Rose Garden with your love and your fur baby. There are more than 60 rose beds to meander along.
Bloomington
Home to the largest shopping mall in the country, as well as Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington is a special place to take the family for a vacation. It also happens to be the home of the Lucky Dog Pet Lodge, which is an award-winning doggie daycare where he can stay while you and the family play. There is a huge indoor play space and the largest outdoor pooch play space in the city with toys, agility equipment, and live webcams so you can check on him.
Back at the mall, you can find 520 stores and restaurants as well as the Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park. It has over 30 rides including five roller coasters and one water ride. The kiddos love the Nickelodeon characters like Spongebob Squarepants and PAW Patrol. They can ride the wave swinger with the Backyardigans, swing with Boots, and drop on the Wonder Pet’s Flyboat drop tower.
Afterward, bring your pooch to Bloomington Off-Leash Dog Park where they have 25 acres of hills, trees, and even a pond. There is a separate small dog section as well as water fountains, seating, and doggie bags.
St. Paul
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has over 70 miles of kayaking and canoeing as well as hiking and biking trails. There are five easy to moderate walks and three hikes ranging from moderate to difficult. The recreation area covers several regional parks as well, including Lilydale Harriet Island Park, with 636 acres. It is here that you can hike between Pickerel Lake and the Mississippi River to find the 8.5-acre dog park where Fido can play leashless for a while.
Over in Cherokee Regional Park, you can take Fido along the other side of the river on the Sam Morgan Regional Trail. You could also take a walk on Mill Ruins Park Trail just southeast of the Stone Arch Bridge, where you can see the ruins of the historic flour mills. At the Minnehaha Regional Park, there are several short trails to take you to the waterfalls or the gorge.
Afterward, enjoy a cold brew with your little buddy at Lake Monster Brewing Company, where dogs are allowed inside and outside. Bring your own water and food bowls and keep your pup on a leash while you are there.
Paul Bunyan State Forest
With over 105,000 acres of space, Paul Bunyan State Forest is one of the largest land donations in the state. The terrain is hilly and rugged with lots of bogs, ponds, and streams to explore. There are also more than 200 miles of trails through the forest, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail. But camping here is the main attraction.
Itasca State Park has two campgrounds with more than 220 campsites that include electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are restrooms with showers, water, and playgrounds as well. If that park is full, you can try the Mantrap Lake Campground, which has 38 sites, or the Gulch Lake Campground, which has 10. All of the sites are dog-friendly for leashed pups.
Besides camping and hiking, the park also has lots of spots for fishing, swimming, and boating on any of the lakes. You can even go waterskiing or wakeboarding on the larger lakes that allow motorboats. The forest also has hundreds of picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms.
Duluth
Located on the tip of Lake Superior, Duluth is a port city in northeastern Minnesota. During the winter, this is prime real estate for those wanting to hit the slopes. But there are very few hotels that allow dogs nearby. The closest dog-friendly place is Mountain Villas Resort, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Spirit Mountain ski lifts. It even has a hot tub and golf course, a restaurant, and discounted lift tickets.
The vertical drop at Spirit Mountain is 700 feet with the longest run at 5,400 feet for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. There are a few dog-friendly trails where you can bring your dog but it is not recommended. Instead, take your cuddle buddy to Keene Creek Dog Park just three miles to the northeast off Interstate 35.
If you want to walk by the water, take your fur baby to Park Point. It may not be warm enough to swim but it is still a beautiful beach.
Rochester
With two dog-friendly hotels that have hot tubs or spas, Rochester is perfect for couples with dogs. Best Western has two pools, a spa, and a hot tub as well as a restaurant, gym, and bar. The Hilton boasts an indoor pool, spa with a wellness center, a fitness center, snack bar, haircut and styling, nail treatments, and a hot tub. You can get a massage, pedicure, new hairdo, and a fun workout right inside your hotel.
Then, spend a lovely day at Salem Glen Winery where you and your pooch and partner can walk through the vineyards before enjoying a glass of wine or two. And your pup can join you as long as he is on a leash. If you like golf, there are a dozen golf courses and a few of them allow dogs.
Then, let your pooch run off those zoomies at River Road Dog Park. It has three areas. One is 3.8 acres for large dogs, one is 2.5 acres for small dogs, and the other is 4.1 acres for all-sized dogs. The mixed dog section has agility obstacles and they all have waste stations with bags.
Voyageurs National Park
Located in northeastern Minnesota just across from Canada, Voyageurs National Park is right near International Falls. It is surrounded by lakes including Kabetogama, Namakan, Rainy, and Sand Point Lake as well as Ashe River and many other ponds and streams, perfect for a summer getaway with your canine companion. You can go kayaking, canoeing, or boating in the lakes or enjoy 50 miles of hiking throughout the park.
Fishing is a popular sport here too, so bring your fishing license and gear. The lakes and streams are full of trout, bass, bluegill, muskie, pike, and walleye. You can even pull a huge catfish out of the deeper waters. If you plan to camp, this is a unique park where you will need a boat to get to your site. You can rent them at the park or bring your own.
There are many privately owned campgrounds and resorts around the outside of the park where you can camp without a boat. Pine Aire Resort has over 20 dog-friendly cabins as well as 100 campsites, Woodenfrog has 61 sites, and Pines of Kebetogama has 30. There are even houseboats that you can rent!
Grand Marais
Speaking of camping, Grand Marais has a campground of its own with more than 300 campsites in the northwestern area of Lake Superior, where you will find the Grand Marais Harbor. There are 40 acres with forests, cobblestone beaches, a recreational hall, nature areas, and four bathhouses. There are also playgrounds for the kiddos, trails to explore, and an office with free coffee and Wi-Fi. Most sites are open all year long but some are closed from October to May.
Just a few minutes down the beach, Cascade River State Park is also dog-friendly and has its own campground with 44 sites. They feature picnic tables, fire pits, playgrounds, and trails as well as an RV or tent space. It is also a fantastic place to hike with your leashed pooch where you can see waterfalls and other natural beauty.
All dogs need some off-leash fun once in a while, so make sure you take the time to bring your cuddly buddy to the Grand Marais Dog Park. It has three acres of wooded space with a separate small dog area, waste stations, and seating.
Stillwater
Stillwater is in southeastern Minnesota, just across the St. Croix River from Wisconsin. It has a population of almost 20,000 people and about 3,300 dogs, so you will probably see some fur babies out and about with their humans. It is a fantastic place for a getaway with your pooch, whether in the summer, spring, fall, or winter.
Today, Stillwater is a quiet town with a casual laid-back atmosphere with historical sites such as the Washington County Courthouse from 1870, the 1931 lift bridge, and the St. Croix River Swing Bridge built in 1913. You and your pupster can enjoy a picnic or barbecue in Pioneer Park, see the bears at Teddy Bear Park, or do some fishing at Lily Lake Park. But make sure you keep him on a leash and bring doggie bags.
Another fun dog-friendly activity in Stillwater is the Aamodt’s Apple Farm, where you can pick apples, drink wine, or just walk around and enjoy the view.
White Bear Lake
Named after one of the lakes in town, White Bear Lake would be a great place for a lake vacation with your cuddly canine companion. It may not be on Lake Superior, but it has several lakes, including White Bear, Otter, and Bald Eagle Lakes. What makes it even more special is the Matoska Park Dog Beach, where your fur pup can play in the water or on the beach. It is located on what is called Manitou Island. He has to stay on a leash, though.
Another pup popular place for pet parents is Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park. It has a 10-acre off-leash area with footpaths, woods, lake access, and a designated small dog area. You can find it on the southwestern tip of Otter Lake. Be sure to bring water and doggie bags.
After working up a thirst, take Fido to Big Wood Brewery on 4th Street. They have 10 craft beers and seltzers on tap and even have snacks. Keep your pup leashed and he is welcome to join you on the patio.
Pillsbury State Forest
Pack up the RV or bring your tent and take Fido for a weekend in the woods. Pillsbury State Forest has more than 25,000 acres of space to explore and enjoy with your nature-loving pup. It is right in the middle of the state, so it is central to everything you may want to reach while still being deep in the woods. One of the pet-popular campgrounds is the Rock Lake Campground up in the northwestern corner. There are 48 campsites with picnic tables, fishing, and boating.
The other camp is in the southwest area of the forest with 75 sites even good for horses. They have 27 miles of trails with lakes and streams so you can fish here too. Crow Wing State Park is also in the forest and has some historic trails, great fishing and floating on the river, and swimming areas.
You will also find miles of hiking trails throughout the forest where you and your pup can walk around and see the sights. You may even see some wildlife like bears, deer, and wolves.
St. Cloud
If you are on a tight budget (who isn’t?), you will find that St. Cloud is a very affordable place for you and your canine companion to visit. There are four hotels that allow dogs with rooms starting under $100. In fact, America’s Best starts at just $60 a night and has an indoor pool, balcony, and fitness center. And AmericInn by Wyndham includes a hot breakfast, spa, pool, and restaurant.
St. Cloud also has three off-leash dog parks. Jaycees Park on 37th Avenue has a large fenced area with a special small dog enclosure. Wilson Park on Riverside Drive has a fenced area with river access. Whitney Park on Forest Drive has a fully fenced area just south of the Sauk River between Whitney Park and Sauk River Regional Park.
Afterward, take your furry friend with you to have a cold brew at Beaver Island Brewing Company. Leashed pups are welcome on the patio and in the taproom.
Afton
Located in southeastern Minnesota in the small town of Afton, you will find the Afton Alps, which is one of the only pet-friendly ski resorts in the state. With 300 acres, the ski resort holds 48 trails, five terrain parks, and 18 lifts. It has a base elevation of 350 feet, highest elevation of 700 feet, and 100% snowmaking coverage. Although dogs are not allowed on the groomed trails, they are welcome in some areas of the terrain parks.
If you want to take your furry friend out on the trails, Afton State Park is just a few minutes to the east right on the St. Croix River. It has a 2.5-mile cross-country skiing trail for beginners and then 10 more miles of intermediate trails. If you are snowshoeing, there are 12 miles of pup-friendly trails you can enjoy.
To give your lucky pooch some time off the leash, take him to the Dakota Woods Dog Park in Rosemount. It has 16 acres of fenced space where dogs are allowed to romp around without a leash.
Shakopee
One of the largest amusement parks in the country, Valleyfair, is located in the small town of Shakopee. It boasts more than 75 rides and attractions as well as a water park. You will have to drop off your pup at the Fur Baby Barn or Woof Dah doggie daycare while you and the family are at the park but he will not mind because both places are a lot of fun.
Meanwhile, you and the family can enjoy 41 amusement rides, eight roller coasters, and two water rides, as well as some famous shows at the Galaxy Theater, Gazebo Stage, Peanuts Showplace, and the Amphitheater. Valleyfair also has 21 dining options, from Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon snack kiosks to Coasters Diner and Northwoods Grille.
Afterward, take Fido to play at the Shakopee Dog Park where there are 10 acres of off-leash fun for all sizes and a half acre for dogs 25 pounds and under. There are also trails and water stations.
Superior National Forest
The Superior National Forest has 3.9 million acres of woods, waters, and environmental beauty at its finest. Located between the Canadian Border and Lake Superior, the huge land mass features hiking, biking, ATVing, boating, swimming, and fishing during the summer and skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding during the winter. Your fur baby is welcome anywhere except for on the ski and ATV trails.
Camping is also very popular, with 39 different campgrounds spread out over the whole area. 176 sites at eight campgrounds in Gunflint, 141 sites at five different campgrounds in Kawishiwi, 36 sites at two campgrounds in LaCroix, 95 sites at three different campgrounds in Laurentian, and 217 sites at 21 campgrounds in Tofte. That is a total of 665 sites to choose from. Some are reservable, but others are not.
When you are ready to let your pup off the leash for a little while, take him to Grand Marais Dog Park on Lake Superior. It is just a short drive from the forest.
The Final Woof
The state of Minnesota has an extraordinary number of parks, lakes, and rivers, as well as forests, valleys, and gardens. You will find dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, and shops in almost every city, and almost all of the parks are dog-friendly too. If you are planning to camp, check out Paul Bunyan State Forest, Grand Marais, or the Superior National Forest. For a fun family vacation, Bloomington has Nickelodeon Universe and the biggest mall in the country and Shakopee has one of the biggest amusement parks in the country. If it is romance you want, Minneapolis has a gorgeous hotel with a rooftop pool for adults only and a horse and carriage ride through the city.
