Pet Friendly Hot Spots in Minneapolis-St. Paul

by Megan Torrini

Minneapolis-St. Paul area locals love their dogs, and there are lots of places to take them. So no need to leave your best buddy at home, check out the doggie hot spots:

Dog Parks
The backyard can get pretty boring, and those dog owners who live right in the city may not even have a backyard--so where else can you go? To the dog park, of course.
The following is a list of some popular dog parks throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Keep in mind that many dog parks and dog trails require a use permit or a fee. Don't be stingy-these fees go towards the maintenance of the park. You gotta pay if you wanna play!

Burnsville: Alimagnet Dog Park

Minneapolis Off Leash Recreation Areas

Ramsey County Off-Leash Dog Areas

Rosemount: Dakota Woods Dog Park

St. Paul: Arlington/Arkwright Off-Leash Dog Area

Before you pack up Fido and head out to the park, check out these guidelines of dog park etiquette- no one likes a bully or a bruiser.

• Know the dog park rules and follow them! Go ahead and look the part of a rebel dog, but don't be one!
• Keep your dog on his leash until safely inside the fenced area.
• Never leave your dog unattended.
• Maintain voice control over your dog at all times.
• If your dog begins to play rough or act naughty, leash him and remove him from the park immediately.
• Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date.
• Always clean up after your dog.

Outdoor Restaurants
These restaurants welcome all well-behaved dogs regardless of size, and most require those with dogs to use the outdoor seating area. Because policies change often, call ahead to verify the pet policy.

Neptune Cafe Italiana -2330 Cloud Drive NE, Blaine

Chipotle Mexican Grill -1040 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis

Chipotle Mexican Grill -225 Hennepin Ave. E, Minneapolis

Urban Bean -3255 Bryant Ave. South, Minneapolis

Joe Senser's Sports Grill and Bar -2350 Cleveland Ave., Roseville

Eagle Street Grill and Pub -174 W 7th Street/H 5, St. Paul
W.A. Frost and Company -374 Selby Ave., St Paul

Great Harvest Bread Co. -4314 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis
Pups will love the homemade dog bones at this charming Linden Hills bakery and deli.

Isle's Bun & Coffee Company -1424 W 28th St, Minneapolis
Your furry friend can enjoy a complimentary doggie treat while you scarf down that warm cinnamon bun.

Moose & Sadie's -212 Third Ave N Ste 210, Minneapolis
Pooches will dig this charming, dog-friendly coffeehouse.

View Restaurant & Bar -2730 W Lake St, Minneapolis
Dine on American cuisine and bring your furry friend and chill at the outdoor tables.

Urban Bean Coffee Shop -3255 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis
While you sip on a hot cup of Joe at this coffee shop, your pup will get water and treats at the outdoor tables.

Attractions

Excel Boat Club Boat Rentals -141 Minnetonka Blvd, Excelsior

Chain of Lakes Byway -2117 West River Road, Minneapolis

Midwest Mountaineering -309 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden -1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

The Hitching Company -925 N 5th Street, Minneapolis

Upper St Anthony Falls Lock and Dam -1 Portland Ave. S., Minneapolis

Jackson Street Roundhouse Railway Museum -193 Pennsylvania Ave E., St Paul

Accommodations
There are literally tons of hotels in the area that allow dogs. Don't hesitate to ask the hotel desk clerk what their dog policy is, as well as the size of dog allowed and the fee required.

Megan has a range of education and experience-from Resource Management and Forestry to Information Technology. She also enjoys freelance writing and is currently developing her own online business. Megan lives in Inver Grove Heights with her husband Tony, daughter Isabel, son John, and two beautiful but very naughty Siberian Huskies, Mika and Timber.

Photo courtesy Duchessa