Northfield Dog Park (at Babcock Park)

Northfield is home to many dog-loving Minnesota natives, and during heavy winters owners and dogs alike can easily become cooped up in the house. Luckily, Northfield offers several year-round off-leash dog play areas, including Northfield Dog Park located along East River Trail connecting to Babcock Park. 

While not the most popular park in the area, it is the perfect place to release pent-up energy and get some quality playtime in during all seasons of the year. Babcock Park is an unassuming baseball diamond located across the river from the area’s preferred Sechler Park. 

While the dog park used to be located in a dirt lot at Babcock Park, a nicer enclosure was established to give dogs and owners a safer space to play. The small plot of land is entirely enclosed, and a small wind shelter has been erected to protect owners from the elements during windy winter seasons. 

Recently, the park added small industrial pipes as obstacles and play places. Beyond that, only a few sparse benches open to the elements offer dog owners any respite. The City of Northfield owns and operates Northfield Dog Park, and it is a free park for all to use. 

Signs posted at the entrance let owners know of the dog park rules, which include keeping pooches under control at all times and picking up after them using the poop bags provided at the park. For the most part, the park is isolated. You are not likely to encounter more than perhaps one other dog at a time, and this makes the park an excellent place to utilize as a training space.

What the park lacks in being an interesting, populated dog park it makes up for in being a pleasant, clean place for dogs to play off-leash. If you happen to be in the area and want to spend some quality time with your dog, check out Northfield Dog Park and bring an extra coat!