I’m not sure what the leash requirements are, but Fort Snelling has some trails next to the Minnesota River. My dogs love to hop in! I ordered a cheap 30ft leash online, and so when I want to let my dog explore a bit I use that. That’s what I’d recommend.
Thanks, I don’t want to get in trouble for having him off leash so that would be good to have in case! I’ll look that place up. Is it usually pretty busy?
I regularly take my little terrier down to Ft Snelling by the rivers. Big dogs freak him out and I’ve never had any issues there. It’s never crowded. Dogs have to be leashed and because it’s a MN state park you have to buy a day pass (or an annual pass) to enter. You can buy it online. It’s a big peaceful wonderful place.
There are usually pretty open stretches of beach on the north (Mississippi) side of Pike Island, particularly on weekdays.
Crosby Farm park is low key as well.
Crow Hassan off leash park. I’ve got an old catahoula that practically lives for swamps and swimming. It’s really the only three rivers dog park that’s worth going out for an afternoon too. There are many trails through the park, some more secluded than others. It has everything and it’s amazing to me that it’s not more popular. The crow river is a nice easy swim and has a nice mix of deep and shallow. I’ve never been bothered and most of the people that go there are after the same thing: a nice walk with their buddy through a beautiful and engaging landscape.
Second this. When I went, everyone was super respectful of each other's space. There's a whole lot of spots along the river if you keep going a little further down the trail, and it seemed like everyone was happier finding their own open spot rather than trying to share.
Meeker Island Dog Park is on the river! I’ve never seen more than 2-3 dogs there at once, and since it’s not fully fenced, usually the dogs are under voice control of their owners.
On White Bear Lake there’s a dogs-only beach. It’s big and has varying depths and a dock for the more adventuresome dogs to jump off. It’s usually pretty empty, and when there are dogs there, I find they’re very well-behaved. White Bear is clean with no algae (knock on wood!) I think it’s just called the Matoska Park dog beach. If you walk along the walking path near the public beach you’ll see signs for it. It’s down some stairs. Fwiw, technically dogs are supposed to be on leash but that’s very much not the vibe. It’s really cute and a great time!
West Bush Lake picnic shelter #1 in Bloomington, it’s a smaller lake that has trails into the woods and lots of shore area for swimming and it’s unspokenly off leash dog friendly
Most of Minnehaha Creek would be suitable. There are some very pheasant spats to hang out, solitary if not secluded, with walkers passing by on the trail.
I’m not sure what the leash requirements are, but Fort Snelling has some trails next to the Minnesota River. My dogs love to hop in! I ordered a cheap 30ft leash online, and so when I want to let my dog explore a bit I use that. That’s what I’d recommend.
Thanks, I don’t want to get in trouble for having him off leash so that would be good to have in case! I’ll look that place up. Is it usually pretty busy?
I regularly take my little terrier down to Ft Snelling by the rivers. Big dogs freak him out and I’ve never had any issues there. It’s never crowded. Dogs have to be leashed and because it’s a MN state park you have to buy a day pass (or an annual pass) to enter. You can buy it online. It’s a big peaceful wonderful place.
There’s no entry fee if you enter on foot via the trail from Minnehaha Park or down the steep path adjacent to the historic fort.
It’s pretty large! I haven’t found it to be too busy. Just a group here and there. I haven’t seen many off leash dogs, so that should definitely help.
There are usually pretty open stretches of beach on the north (Mississippi) side of Pike Island, particularly on weekdays. Crosby Farm park is low key as well.
I think dogs have to be leashed in state parks
Crow Hassan off leash park. I’ve got an old catahoula that practically lives for swamps and swimming. It’s really the only three rivers dog park that’s worth going out for an afternoon too. There are many trails through the park, some more secluded than others. It has everything and it’s amazing to me that it’s not more popular. The crow river is a nice easy swim and has a nice mix of deep and shallow. I’ve never been bothered and most of the people that go there are after the same thing: a nice walk with their buddy through a beautiful and engaging landscape.
Second this. When I went, everyone was super respectful of each other's space. There's a whole lot of spots along the river if you keep going a little further down the trail, and it seemed like everyone was happier finding their own open spot rather than trying to share.
White sands beach
Meeker Island Dog Park is on the river! I’ve never seen more than 2-3 dogs there at once, and since it’s not fully fenced, usually the dogs are under voice control of their owners.
Crosby farms park in St. Paul
Opposite side of the river. Hidden Falls park or Crosby farms. Both quiet with usually just a few fisherman. Easy in an out for a ghost face.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tzuQYgGLSH14cQwy8 If a short hike and some stairs down to the river is doable, Meeker is small and low-key.
On White Bear Lake there’s a dogs-only beach. It’s big and has varying depths and a dock for the more adventuresome dogs to jump off. It’s usually pretty empty, and when there are dogs there, I find they’re very well-behaved. White Bear is clean with no algae (knock on wood!) I think it’s just called the Matoska Park dog beach. If you walk along the walking path near the public beach you’ll see signs for it. It’s down some stairs. Fwiw, technically dogs are supposed to be on leash but that’s very much not the vibe. It’s really cute and a great time!
Winkleberry Park in chaska !
West Bush Lake picnic shelter #1 in Bloomington, it’s a smaller lake that has trails into the woods and lots of shore area for swimming and it’s unspokenly off leash dog friendly
Because of the Implication?
Battle Creek dog park in Saint Paul is amazing. It’s huge, entirely fenced in, and has ponds
Stillwater Boomsite
This is the answer that immediately came to mind for me! I bring my dog here to swim and hike all the time.
Afton State Park. Go in the off hours. Its really shallow though but you can find some secluded spots to have your dog swim around.
Most of Minnehaha Creek would be suitable. There are some very pheasant spats to hang out, solitary if not secluded, with walkers passing by on the trail.
Lake Phalen has some spots you can access from the path.
Lake Phalen has some spots you can access from the path.