Minneapolis is teeming with
parks, restaurants, hotels, and businesses that welcome four-legged pals. Here are some of the things that you can do with your furbaby in the City of Lakes!
Dog-friendly eateries in Minneapolis
If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab a bite to eat with your best friend at these places!
The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar
This restaurant in the Howe neighborhood of South Minneapolis is a favorite among many pet parents and pups thanks to its year-round dog-friendly “pawtio” and three-course dog menu. Canine patrons are also provided with complimentary water and yoga mats to sit on. For humans, there’s an extensive food menu with gluten-free and vegan options and 40 beers on tap.
Unleashed Hounds and Hops
This casual spot in Downtown Minneapolis is Minnesota’s first combination dog park, bar, and restaurant. Let your pooch run and play to their heart’s content while you sip on a cold beer; this indoor dog park is a “grrreat” place for dogs and humans to socialize any time of the year. Be sure to register your dog on the Unleashed website before you visit!
MN Nice Cream
This ice cream shop in Northeast Minneapolis is known for its fun concoctions. Take your pick from the specials menu or build your own cone with your choice of regular or vegan soft serve and a variety of toppings including edible glitter. Don’t forget to order a pup cup for your canine companion too, then head out to the patio to enjoy your sweet treats.
Dog-friendly activities in Minneapolis
There’s no need to leave your furry pal at home. Let them tag along to these activities around Mill City!
Linden Hills Farmers Market
Looking for something to do on a Sunday morning? Shop local produce, food, crafts, and more with your pooch in tow at this dog-friendly farmers market. Located in the parking lot of Settergrens of Linden Hills, the Linden Hills Farmers Market features a lineup of farmers, food entrepreneurs, and artisans that changes every week.
Stone Arch Bridge
This former railroad bridge, recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, is an excellent spot for a relaxing stroll with your pup. Stretch your legs while enjoying views of the Mississippi River,
St. Anthony Falls, and Downtown Minneapolis. It also connects to parks on either bank, so you have the option to extend your walk.
Wheel Fun Rentals
Hop on a
stand up paddleboard or
kayak with your pup and explore the water together. Wheel Fun Rentals offers dog-friendly rentals at four locations across Minneapolis, including Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, and Minnehaha Falls. Remember to check your location’s hours and bring a
dog life jacket!
Where to take pics of your dog in Minneapolis
Does your pup love to pose for the camera? Take them to these Instagrammable spots around the City of Lakes!
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Located in the heart of the city, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the largest urban sculpture garden in the country. It spans 11 acres and features more than 60 works of art, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. With so many sculptures on site, there’s definitely no shortage of photo opportunities here!
Lyndale Park Rose Garden
The Lyndale Park Rose Garden on the northeast shore of Lake Harriet is the second oldest public rose garden in the country, showcasing 3,000 plants on 1.5 acres. You’ll want to visit between mid-June and early October for the best photos. Other themed gardens in the park are the Annual-Perennial Garden, the Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden, and the Peace Garden, all of which provide picturesque backdrops as well.
Minnehaha Falls
Just a few miles south of Downtown Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Regional Park is said to be the most photographed site in
Minnesota. To get your pup’s picture with the famed 53-foot waterfall, you can head to the upper viewing area for a panoramic shot or down the stone stairs which will take you to the base of the falls.
First Avenue & 7th St Entry
Make your way to these historic music venues with your pup—not to see a show, but to take photos. The exterior of the building is painted black and two sides are covered with white stars bearing the names of the artists who have played here; it’s impossible to leave without cool photos!
Prince Mural
Just a bone’s throw from First Avenue & 7th St Entry is an impressive mural of legendary musician and Minneapolis native Prince. You’ll find the purple-hued artwork on the side of a parking garage. Shoot from across the street to capture the 100-foot mural in its entirety, or pose your pooch next to it to capture the details.
Dog-friendly event in Minneapolis
Uptown Dog Fair
Mark your calendars for the third annual Uptown Dog Fair! Both two- and four-legged attendees can expect to have a barking good time at this free event. Browse the vendor booths and pick up some adorable handmade accessories and delicious homemade treats for your furbaby. Have your pup’s caricature drawn on the spot, and take advantage of the many opportunities for cute family photos. There’s also going to be giveaways and rescue organizations, so don't miss out!
The Uptown Dog Fair is happening on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Lake of the Isles Lagoon near the
Midtown Greenway and East Bde Maka Ska Parkway. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, check out the official Uptown Dog Fair
website!
Animal rescue spotlight in Minneapolis
Pet Haven
The first foster-based animal rescue in Minnesota, Pet Haven has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats since 1952. All of its animals stay in foster homes where they can fully express their personalities, work on overcoming fears, and recover from trauma in a loving environment, giving them a better chance of getting adopted. Every Pet Haven pet also receives medical treatment, training, and behavioral support.
In addition to helping animals find their forever families, Pet Haven is committed to reducing the number of homeless pets in Minnesota. It was the first organization in the state to require spay/neuter prior to adoption and offers an annual grant to support the spay/neuter efforts of animal welfare groups.
Pet Haven has helped over 20,000 dogs and cats to date. To see its adoptable animals, visit the Pet Haven
website,
Facebook, or
Instagram!