If you’re looking for the best dog friendly beaches in Minnesota, then you’ve come to the right website.
We’ve got loads of pup-friendly information on the top beaches in Minnesota that allow dogs.
So come on in. We’re looking forward to helping you out!
Table of contents
1. Matoska Dog Beach
- 4835 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
- Beautiful sandy beach with shallow water
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times at Matoska Park Dog Beach
- Your dog is allowed to swim in a small, separate part of the beach
- Just 25 minutes from Minneapolis
Matoska Dog Beach, also known as Matoska Park Dog Beach and White Bear Lake Dog Beach, is on the shores of White Bear Lake in Minnesota.
It’s in the eastern part of the state, close to the state border with Wisconsin.
And it’s just a short 25-minute drive from Minneapolis.
Matoska is a beautiful sandy beach, with shallow water. So it’s a fabulous place to bring your pup and is super-safe.
Your furball is sure to enjoy a swim here! Just be sure to keep to the separate part of the beach that permits dogs to swim.
One Of The Best Dog Beaches in Minnesota
And be a good pup parent and stick to the Matoska Dog Beach rules. Always keep your dog on a leash (no longer than 30 feet) whilst at the beach and clean up after your pup.
In addition, your dog must always wear visible dog tags when visiting.
Play your part in helping to keep this wonderful dog beach open, and you and Fido will enjoy one of the best dog friendly beaches in Minnesota!
Website: Matoska Dog Beach
2. Park Point Beach
- 5094 Minnesota Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802
- A beautiful 3-mile stretch of sandy beach
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times at Minnesota Park Point
- Fantastic location on the shores of Lake Superior
- Wonderful trail through a magnificent old growth pine forest
Park Point Beach is located in Duluth, on the shores of Lake Superior.
It’s right next to the Wisconsin state border, about a 2-and-a-half-hour drive north from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Minnesota Point itself is around 7 miles long. It’s a long, narrow sandbar that separates the Duluth Harbor Basin and Superior Bay from the vast expanse of Lake Superior.
The dog-friendly beach here is a gorgeous 3-mile stretch of fine golden sand. You and your furry friend will have a great time stretching your legs at this delightful Minnesota dog beach.
Parking Is Available At Sky Harbor Airport
Just remember to always keep your furball on a leash when visiting Minnesota Park Point Beach.
Parking is available at the small Sky Harbor Airport, towards the far end of Minnesota Point.
This is where you’ll find the Park Point Trail Trailhead.
Park Point Beach and Beach House is close by. Also close by is the truncated ruined tower of the Minnesota Point Lighthouse.
Website: Park Point Beach
3. Meeker Island Dog Park and Dog Beach
- 471 Mississippi River Boulevard North, Saint Paul, MN 55104
- Features a dog run and a dog beach
- Dogs are allowed to run off-leash in designated areas of Meeker Island Dog Park
- Dog park has a limit of 3 dogs per visit
- You must keep your pup in sight and under voice control at all times
Meeker Island Dog Park is located on the north shore of the Mississippi River, in St. Paul.
This wonderful dog park contains a delightful dog beach and a lovely dog run. The dog park and dog beach are open daily, from sunrise to 11pm.
Meeker Island Dog Park rules state that you must keep your dog within the designated off-leash dog area boundaries.
Understandably, aggressive dogs are not permitted here. The rules stipulate that if your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, then you must leash it and leave immediately.
And note that park users are limited to three dogs per visit.
One Of The Best Beaches For Dogs in Minnesota
The dog park and dog beach are bordered by the Mississippi River on one side and steep river bluffs on the other.
Please note that the dog park and dog beach are unfenced. So take care when visiting with your pup and make sure that she is in sight and under voice control at all times.
Be safe, be sensible, and you and your four-legged friend will have an awesome time at this fabulous off-leash dog beach in Minnesota!
Website: Meeker Island Dog Park and Dog Beach
4. Black Beach Park
- East Lakeview Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614
- Dog-friendly waterfront park and beach
- Dogs are allowed year-round on the beach and in the water
- Can get very busy during the day
- Beautiful location on the shores of Lake Superior
Black Beach Park is in Silver Bay, on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
It’s a little over an hour’s drive northeast from Duluth, on the spectacularly scenic Minnesota State Highway 61.
Park Point Beach is just an hour and 15 minutes away, and Meeker Island Dog Park is around 3-and-a-half-hours drive from here.
There are 2 parking lots on the same side of the street as the beach. But get there early (or late), as they fill up pretty quickly. Otherwise, on-street parking is available not too far away.
Perfect For An Early Morning Stroll Or A Sunset Walk
Black Beach can get very busy during the day, so we’d recommend taking your furball for an early morning stroll or a wonderful evening walk.
Leashes are recommended (though not compulsory), especially if you’re at the beach during the busier parts of the day.
Your pooch is allowed to swim here. Though do note that the waters of Lake Superior are VERY COLD all throughout the year.
Dogs are also allowed in the adjacent Black Beach Campground, but must be kept on a leash no more than 6 feet in length at all times.
Black Beach is a small but beautiful dog friendly Minnesota beach that you and your pup will love!
Website: Black Beach Park
5. Warner Lake County Park
- 1485 County Road 143, Clearwater, MN 55320
- 264-acre recreation area, with a variety of amenities
- Leashed dogs are allowed in the park and on the far west end of the beach area
- Dogs are also allowed on many of the park trails
- Park open daily from 6am to 11pm
Warner Lake County Park is located just outside of the small city of Clearwater, Minnesota.
It’s an hour’s drive northwest from Minneapolis and from Meeker Island Dog Park in Saint Paul. The park is located a few miles from the I-94 exit in Clearwater.
This fabulous Minnesota recreation area covers 264 acres and has excellent amenities. Warner Lake itself covers around 30 acres.
You are allowed to bring your pup to the park and also on to the far west end of the beach area. However, please note that dogs are not allowed in the posted area of the swimming beach or inside buildings.
Lots Of Lovely Park Trails For You And Your Furball To Explore
You must keep your dog on a leash at all times in Warner Lake County Park.
Park amenities include several picnic areas with tables and grills, and two small picnic shelters. There’s also boat access, canoe access, a fishing pier, a play area, and a prairie restoration site.
The park also has natural surface trails and multi-use trails – all of which your canine companion is welcome to use.
And although small, the beach section that permits dogs is wonderful and sure to bring a smile to your pup’s face!
Website: Warner Lake County Park
Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in Minnesota
When you think about dog friendly beaches in the US, Minnesota probably doesn’t spring to mind!
But Minnesotans are a pet-loving bunch, with around 35% of them owning dogs.
And although Minnesota is of course a long way from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it has an abundance of lakes, many of which have dog-friendly shorelines.
And there’s a good reason that the state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
So if you’re looking for somewhere a bit different to bring your pup, then pack your bags and head to one of these fantastic Minnesota dog beaches!
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in Minnesota? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in Minnesota, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in Minnesota
Yes, dogs are allowed at Black Beach MN. Leashes are recommended (though not compulsory), especially if you’re at the beach during the busier parts of the day.
Meeker Island Dog Park is just the other side of the mighty Mississippi, in Saint Paul. It features a dog run and an off-leash dog beach. And beautiful Matoska Dog Beach is just a short 25-minute drive from Minneapolis.
