Dog-friendly, near you

Dog-friendly hikes near Minneapolis

Looking for somewhere to hike with your dog around Minneapolis? Here are the 13 closest places where a leashed dog is welcome, pulled from every national forest, park, BLM area, wildlife refuge, state park, and dog beach we have verified, and sorted by rough distance from downtown.

Each one is checked for its own dog rule, so you can see at a glance where dogs are fully welcome and where a few limits apply. Distances are a straight-line estimate, so real drive times will run a bit longer.

13 places within ~150 miles, nearest first
MNDog-friendly

Fort Snelling State Park

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
8 miles away · State park
MISSLimited access

Mississippi National River & Recreation Area

This is a patchwork river corridor. The NPS-managed Coldwater Spring allows leashed pets, and there are several off-leash dog parks nearby, but partner parks set their own rules.
9 miles away · National place
MNDog-friendly

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
12 miles away · Wildlife refuge
MNDog-friendly

William O'Brien State Park

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
29 miles away · State park
WILimited access

Willow River State Park

Mostly, leashed dogs can join you on Willow River's trails, though the beach picnic area and buildings are off-limits.
32 miles away · State park
MNDog-friendly

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
39 miles away · Wildlife refuge
MNDog-friendly

Interstate State Park

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
42 miles away · State park
SACNDog-friendly

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
42 miles away · National place
MNDog-friendly

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
102 miles away · Wildlife refuge
WIDog-friendly

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
109 miles away · Wildlife refuge
MNDog-friendly

Jay Cooke State Park

Leashed dogs welcome on most or all trails.
123 miles away · State park
IALimited access

Clear Lake State Park

Dogs can stay with you in the campground and parking areas at Clear Lake State Park, but they're not allowed on the trails or the designated swim beach.
127 miles away · State park
MNDog-friendly

Park Point Beach

Dogs welcome on the sand, leashed or off-leash.
135 miles away · Dog beach
Planning a bigger trip? See the full MN dog trail guide for every dog-friendly park and trail in the state.

Common questions

Where can I hike with my dog near Minneapolis?

There are 13 verified spots within about a 150-mile radius of Minneapolis where leashed dogs are welcome, including national forests, state parks, and in some cases dog beaches. The closest ones are listed above, nearest first.

Are there dog-friendly trails close to Minneapolis?

Yes. State parks and national forests near Minneapolis are usually the most reliable, since most welcome a leashed dog on the trails. The list above ranks them by distance so you can find the nearest.