After growing up in Wisconsin and spending a few years in Colorado, I’ve now called Minnesota home for the past 2.5 years. The very first week we moved here, we brought home our first puppy, Waffles—and that’s a story for another day! Since then, I’ve discovered some incredible dog-friendly spots across Minnesota. While I still have plenty more to explore, here’s a list of our favorite places so far.
Indoor Dog-Friendly Places in Minnesota
Minnesota winters can be brutal, with freezing temperatures and snowstorms keeping us indoors. Thankfully, there are some amazing indoor options for dog owners looking to keep their pups active and entertained:
Scheels (Rochester, MN)
Scheels is dog-friendly, and the Rochester location spans two stories, offering plenty of space for Waffles and Taco to explore. The staff are always welcoming and love greeting the boys. Plus, their pet section is full of great finds—we never leave without grabbing something fun for them!
The Paw (Mankato, MN)
If your dogs love swimming, The Paw is a must-visit. This remodeled hotel turned boarding, grooming, and indoor dog park facility features an indoor swimming pool where you can book private or public swim sessions.
Waffles and Taco love splashing around, fetching their favorite water toys, and even jumping off the adjustable dock. Afterward, we use the self-service dog washing station to clean them up. On Sundays, The Paw hosts a “Surf n Turf” event, allowing dogs to alternate between the pool and the indoor play area—a perfect way to beat cabin fever in winter!
Spam Museum (Austin, MN)
The Spam Museum welcomes leashed dogs in their gift shop, and if you want to explore the exhibits, non-service dogs can join you in a stroller or be carried. It’s a quirky, fun outing for both you and your pup.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Minnesota
Dining out with your dog is always a treat, especially when the restaurant goes above and beyond for four-legged guests.
Smoak BBQ (Rochester, MN)
Smoak BBQ’s patio is a dog-friendly paradise during the warmer months. The turf-lined space offers water bowls, a cooler, and fresh-baked dog biscuits. They even have a small dog menu featuring frozen carrots, pumpkin and whipped cream, and dishes topped with fried eggs. Waffles is a big fan of the pumpkin and whipped cream treat!
Manitou Bar and Kitchen (White Bear Lake, MN)
This White Bear Lake patio is a must-visit. The staff love dogs and go out of their way to make your visit special. They even brought out complimentary homemade pup cups with bacon for Waffles and Taco. The food is excellent, and the warm hospitality makes it one of our favorite dining spots.
Outdoor Dog-Friendly Adventures in Minnesota
Matoska Dog Beach (White Bear Lake, MN)
If your dog loves water, Matoska Dog Beach is worth the drive. This dedicated dog beach on White Bear Lake is always bustling with happy pups splashing, swimming, and playing fetch. It’s a summer favorite for us!
White Sands Dog Park (Faribault, MN)
This 6-acre off-leash park is a doggy dream. It features a pond, wooded areas, walking trails, and plenty of shaded spots. Waffles and Taco enjoy running ahead on the trail and cooling off in the pond, while we take in the scenic views.
Douglas Trail (Rochester to Pine Island, MN)
The 12-mile Douglas Trail is perfect for spring and summer walks. We often share the path with other dogs, walkers, runners, and bikers. There’s even a horseback riding trail that runs parallel, adding to the scenic charm.
Leashes and Leads (Byron, MN)
When we want a closer outdoor swimming option, we head to Leashes and Leads. Their outdoor dog park features a fenced pond and a small dock for jumping. There’s also plenty of grassy space for running and playing. While there’s a small fee ($30/month or $5/day), it’s well worth it for a day of fun!
Final Thoughts
Minnesota offers a wealth of dog-friendly places to explore, whether you’re looking for indoor escapes during the winter or outdoor adventures in the warmer months. Waffles and Taco have made incredible memories at these spots, and we can’t wait to discover more.
If you’re a fellow dog lover in Minnesota, I’d love to hear about your favorite spots! Share them in the comments—I’m always looking for new places to explore with my pups.
Check out my other blog posts!
Pin for Later:
Don’t forget to save this post for your next dog-friendly Minnesota adventure!