Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun. But it can also be really stressful, too. There are a lot of details to consider, and not everywhere you go will be dog-friendly. A little research and planning before your trip can help you reduce stress and keep things fun.

Dog-friendly travel guides can be a great place to start when you’re thinking about taking a trip with your dog. If you’re headed to “The North Star State”, use this Minnesota dog-friendly travel guide to start your research and plan a trip both you and your dog can enjoy together:

8 Dog-Friendly Activities in Minnesota

You don’t want to spend all of your time in the car or in your hotel room. And, even if you have a dog-friendly hotel room where you can leave your dog unattended, it’s not fun for you or your dog to leave them cooped up while you explore. Instead, add dog-friendly attractions to your trip itinerary and explore together. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in Minnesota to consider for your trip:

1. Kiwanis Recreation Area
2. Gooseberry Falls State Park
3. Tettegouche State Park
4. Cascade River State Park
5. Lake Bemidji State Park
6. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
7. Zenith Bookstore
8. Wheel Fun Rentals

1. Kiwanis Recreation Area

You’ll find a variety of different dog parks, parks, off-leash areas, and more all around Minnesota. The Kiwanis Recreation Area is one of them and is located in Mankato. It features plenty of trails and two large fenced-in areas – one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs.

There are plenty of grassy areas as well as wooded areas for your dog to run through leash-free. Water is available as well as waste bags, so you don’t need to worry about carrying around your own.

2. Gooseberry Falls State Park

If you are a fan of waterfalls and find yourself near Two Harbors, set aside some time to explore Gooseberry Falls State Park. Your dog needs to be leashed at all times, but they are welcome to join you throughout the park. You and your dog can explore the shoreline along Lake Superior, visit gorgeous waterfalls, and relax while looking out over a river gorge.

3. Tettegouche State Park

If you’ll be traveling around Silver Bay and want to spend some time outside with your dog, consider spending some time exploring Tettegouche State Park. This local favorite is known as “a hiker’s paradise.”

There are miles and miles of a variety of trails with scenic vistas and beautiful views. From picturesque lakes and waterfalls to the Sawtooth Mountain, Shovel Point, and more, you’re bound to find a trail suited to you and your dog and the reward of a gorgeous vista.

Just make sure your dog is leashed while they explore with you, and that you clean up after them. Also, bring plenty of water for you and your dog, check the weather, dress appropriately for it, and follow other tips for hiking with your dog safely.

4. Cascade River State Park

If you love spending time in nature, enjoy views of waterfalls, and you’ll be traveling near Lutsen, set aside some time in your trip plan to explore Cascade River State Park. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the park as long as they remain leashed and you clean up after them.

This state park is known for the Cascades, a series of five small waterfalls and the grand Cascade Falls. These are located along the Cascade River Lower Loop, which is a half-mile hike. The main waterfalls may be the main attraction at this state park, but they are certainly not the only beautiful views available.

There are several trails to explore in this state park with varied views. Trails wind through the forest with spruce, white cedar, and birch trees, along with views of Lake Superior. If you and your dog are equipped for longer hikes, the North Shore State Trail and Superior Hiking Trail are longer, more advanced trails.

5. Lake Bemidji State Park

Should your travels bring you around Bemidji and you feel like exploring a bog, consider spending some time wandering around Lake Bemidji State Park. Your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are on a leash under six feet and you clean up after them.

This park features a preserved spruce-tamarock bog and the shoreline of Lake Bemidji. There is a boardwalk that allows you to explore the bog area of the park. There are 11 miles of a variety of trails that wind through forested areas with maturing hardwoods, pine, and aspen, as well as the lake shoreline.

6. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

If you’ll be traveling around Minneapolis and enjoy nature and art, spend some time walking around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. It is located on the Walker Art Center campus, spans 11 acres, and features over 60 sculptural works throughout the grounds. The garden is free and open to the public, but you may need to pay for parking, especially if you can’t find any street parking nearby.

Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore, provided they are leashed at all times and you clean up after them. There is a nice path to walk on. But make sure you check the weather before you go. It’s an open park with no shade, so you’ll need to be careful with your dog on hot days.

7. Zenith Bookstore

If you love books and will be in Duluth, set aside some time to wander through Zenith Bookstore. This local favorite features a large collection of new and gently used books. You can also find a variety of journals, greeting cards, games, book-themed merchandise, and more. Your dog is welcome to join you in the store as you browse, as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

8. Wheel Fun Rentals

If you and your dog love activities on the water and you’ll be staying near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, consider renting something from Wheel Fun Rentals. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, paddleboats, equipment for other watersports, and bikes to use on and around Lake Harriet. This location is only open during the summer months. Their season usually runs from Memorial Day Weekend in May to Labor Day in September.

As long as your dog can handle themselves out on the water with you, they are welcome to join you. Although life jackets are available for humans for rentals, it’s not a bad idea to bring a life jacket for your dog, so you know you have one that fits them properly if you plan to take your dog paddling or swimming on your trip.

4 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Minnesota

After a day full of exploration, adventure, and fun, you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable place to rest for the night that will welcome both you and your dog with open arms.

Not all hotels are dog-friendly, and those that are dog-friendly tend to have limited dog-friendly rooms available, so it’s important to do your research and to reserve your room early. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Minnesota to check out and see if they’re the right fit for you to “check in”:

1. Kahler Inn & Suites
2. Caribou Highlands Lodge
3. Country Inn & Suites Albert Lea
4. Fitger’s Inn

1. Kahler Inn & Suites

If you will be staying overnight near Rochester, consider booking a room at the Kahler Inn & Suites. This hotel is a sister property to the Kahler Grand Hotel, the historic hotel located in downtown Rochester. Kahler Grand Hotel is considered a staple of the city, and this sister hotel is only 0.2 miles from it.

Only service dogs are permitted at The Kahler Grand Hotel, but Kahler Inn & Suites has dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor. You are welcome to bring up to two dogs of any size with you, but they cannot be left unattended in the room. There is also an additional pet fee, which is $50 per dog, per night, and not to exceed $150 per stay. There is also a grassy relief area near the inn.

2. Caribou Highlands Lodge

Whether you just need to stay overnight in Lusten or you want an excuse to relax in luxury, the Caribou Highlands Lodge is worth a look. This lodge offers a variety of options for rooms. You can rent lodge rooms as well as condos, suites, studio units, townhouses, or multi-level homes.

And, your dog is welcome to join you. You do need to call for availability for dog-friendly accommodations, and parameters around pets will vary depending on what is available. Generally, you are permitted to bring multiple dogs of any size with you, and they cannot be left unattended. There is an additional pet fee, which is $35 per night. Also, your dog will receive a “Pooch Package” when you check in, with some goodies.

3. Country Inn & Suites Albert Lea

If you’ll need a place to stay near Albert Lea, the Country Inn & Suites Albert Lea is a dog-friendly hotel to consider. Although the suites are not dog-friendly, this hotel does have some dog-friendly rooms available. For these rooms, you are welcome to bring up to two dogs of any size to stay with you for an additional pet fee, which is $30 per stay.

4. Fitger’s Inn

If you’ll be planning to stay overnight or for a few days in Duluth, take a look at the rooms available at Fitger’s Inn. This luxury historic inn is located right along the shore of Lake Superior and has four dog-friendly rooms available.

Dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay, and there is no additional pet fee. However, you do have to call before booking to make sure there is a dog-friendly room available. Your dog cannot be left unattended in your room.

There is also a grassy relief area on site, as well as several green areas and parks within walking distance of the inn. There are also several restaurants nearby, including several options within the same complex as the inn.

4 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Minnesota

While you’re traveling, you can always stop at convenience stores or grab fast food. But that gets old really quickly, and it often means you miss out on unique experiences and local flavors.

Instead of eating only what you brought with you or at quick stops along the way, take a look at some of these dog-friendly restaurants in Minnesota and stop by for a more relaxing bite to eat if you end up near one of them near a mealtime:

1. Urban Eatery
2. Pub 819
3. Forager Brewery & Kutzy Market
4. Bauhaus Brew Labs

1. Urban Eatery

If you’re in Minneapolis near a mealtime, consider stopping by Urban Eatery for some food. They offer a varied menu that features staples as well as staples with a twist. Some of the local favorites include spicy lamb burgers, shrimp tacos, their signature hummus, caprese chicken sandwiches, jalapeño mac and cheese, and more. Not only does the outdoor patio have a gorgeous view of Lake Calhoun, but it’s also dog-friendly. Your dog will be provided with a bowl of water and might even get a treat, too!

2. Pub 819

Located in Hopkins is Pub 819. This local favorite features 32 beers on tap with both local and regional flavors in addition to over 80 whiskeys. If you’re not big on drinks, this place still has plenty to offer. Their menu features a wide variety of dishes.

Their Angus beef pub burgers, which are made from scratch, are one of the many local favorites. You can also find flatbreads, sliders, and plenty of other options on the menu, including desserts. Plus, their outdoor patio is dog-friendly, and they even have a dog menu!

3. Forager Brewery & Kutzy Market

Should you find yourself in Rochester around a mealtime, consider stopping in and grabbing some food and drink at Forager Brewery & Kutzy Market. This local favorite is known for its craft beer, coffee, teas, and food.

Drinks include various craft beers, several varieties of hot and iced coffees, exotic tea flavors, and more. From burgers, sandwiches, nachos, tacos, soups, salads, and sides to pastries, ice cream, and other desserts, there are options for everyone on this menu. If you like pizza, check out one of the wood-fired pizza options!

Your dog is welcome to join you at one of the outdoor tables on the partially-covered patio when it is open for the season. There isn’t an official dog menu, but there are some dog-friendly bites on the taproom menu. There is a “dog brew” you can order, so your dog can drink with you. Don’t worry, there’s no alcohol in this special drink; the “dog brew” is made from beef broth.

4. Bauhaus Brew Labs

If you enjoy a good beer and sampling local flavors, consider stopping by Bauhaus Brew Labs if you’ll be in Minneapolis. Your dog is welcome to join you both inside and outside as you sample unique takes on classic German-inspired beer styles.

This location also keeps a rotating schedule of food trucks, so make sure you check their website for the food trucks that will be on-site during your visit and plan to sample some of the local flavors in both food and brews. You can also bring your own food, whether it’s something you’ve made or something you’ve ordered from one of the nearby restaurants.

Plan a Dog-Friendly Trip to Minnesota

Although it doesn’t cover everything, your research is off to a good start with this Minnesota dog-friendly travel guide! If you find something you want to do, just make sure it is dog-friendly, or you have a plan in place for your dog, before it goes on your trip plan.

Planning ahead, reserving early, and using dog-friendly travel guides to help you along the way can help make traveling with your dog less stressful and way more fun for you both. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails, no matter where your travels may take you!