Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Minnesota's best

Dog-friendly beaches

Made for those who will not step foot on the sand unless their dog is welcome to join them.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Weaver Lake Community Park image 1
Weaver Lake Community Park image 2
Weaver Lake Community Park image 3
View all

Spacious park with a quiet beach and soft sand offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Multiple courts and fields support basketball, tennis, pickleball, and baseball, alongside playgrounds and picnic areas. Trails wind through woods, and an ice rink adds seasonal variety.

A small beach with soft sand offers a clean and quiet spot for swimming and walking. A steel slide connects the picnic area to the beach, adding a fun touch for kids.

Paths include both paved and dirt trails suitable for dogs. Dogs enjoy the space for walks lasting around 45 minutes. The park works well for outings with family, friends, and dogs.

People are saying

"This park has a great beach and playground for the kids."

"The beach sand is soft and the water is clear."

"It's so Dog Friendly; my dog really enjoyed the walk."

Good to know

1

Swimming is permitted until 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

3

Parking is usually available, but can get busy on hot summer days.

02
Rice Creek Campground Visitor Center image 1

Wooded campsites offer large, private spaces with quiet surroundings and well-maintained grounds. The area supports a family-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds and trails, though occasional loud music can disrupt the peace. Dog-friendly policies and natural beauty contribute to a relaxed outdoor experience.

Soft sand and calm water define the beach area. Strict rules ban food, drinks, inflatables, and pets to keep it clean and safe.

Campground welcomes dogs and requires leashes for safety. Dogs enjoy the water access available on site.

People are saying

"It's so quiet here, you can really relax."

"I really enjoyed the beach here."

"It's dog friendly, and my dog loved the water."

Good to know

1

The campground is dog friendly, but dogs must be kept on leashes.

2

Campsites have water and electrical hookups available.

3

The dump station is easy to access on the way out.

03
Silverwood Park image 1

Park offers quiet natural spaces with scenic trails, sculpture and poetry gardens, and a large lake for kayaking and fishing. Visitors find it peaceful for walking, relaxing, and small gatherings. Amenities include picnic areas, a pavilion, and a modern lodge with a coffee shop.

A swimming beach for kids offers a safe spot for families. The Little Beach area provides space for fishing and other activities. Overall, the beach has a decent size and setup for various uses.

Trails welcome dogs for walks and runs. A lake offers a spot for dogs to swim. The environment stays peaceful and open for pets and families.

People are saying

"I found the park's trails perfect for a peaceful stroll."

"I loved the fun sculptures and the pathway that wraps around the area."

"I enjoyed the great beach area for swimming and fishing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for two-hour periods, such as 9-11, 11-1, 1-3.

2

Arriving late blocks the next reservation period, requiring a two-hour wait.

3

The park features a cafe inside the visitor building.

04
Lake Elmo Park Reserve image 1

Huge, spacious park with beautiful scenery and quiet, private campsites tucked among trees. Paved trails invite walking and biking, while a large swim pond and new playground offer family-friendly activities. The atmosphere feels peaceful and remote despite proximity to the city.

Man-made beach pool offers a clean swimming spot with nice sand for play. The area stays family-friendly and well-maintained despite many visitors.

Wide, spacious trails offer plenty of room for walking dogs. Unpaved paths support activities like running, hiking, and skiing with dogs along.

People are saying

"The playground here is awesome and great for kids of all ages."

"The trails here are spacious and miles long, perfect for walking dogs."

"I enjoyed the top-notch swimming beach."

Good to know

1

The bluegrass festival features food trucks and live music throughout the day.

2

Expect various activities like stargazing, wildlife learning, and outdoor sports.

3

The swim pond is clean and supervised by lifeguards.

05
Lebanon Hills Regional Park image 1

Vast park with winding trails and quiet, serene atmosphere invites hiking and running. Facilities include beach, docks, and fire pits, supporting family-friendly outdoor activities. Natural views blend with occasional plane noise, creating a mix of nature and civilization.

A clean beach offers swimming and boating with large umbrellas and picnic tables nearby. An air-conditioned visitor center supports a kid-friendly environment.

Pets allowed throughout the park make it easy to walk dogs. Dogs join families on trails but are not allowed on the beach. People often stop to pet other dogs, creating a friendly atmosphere.

People are saying

"The park's trails are amazing, well-maintained, and peaceful."

"I found the beach to be nice and clean."

"It's a great spot for walking your dog."

Good to know

1

The park has two parking areas and several picnic spots available.

2

Kayak rentals are offered at one of the picnic areas.

3

There are numbered markers and posted maps along the trails to help prevent getting lost.

06
Elm Creek Park Reserve image 1
Nature preserve

Nature preserve offers vast trails for walking and biking alongside a large playground with slides, ziplines, and climbing structures. The atmosphere stays peaceful and scenic even when busy, with amenities like a swimming pond and dog park enhancing outdoor activities.

Very clean swimming beach offers a great spot for volleyball and relaxing. Nearby picnic and grilling areas fill up fast, and overflow parking requires a walk to the beach.

An excellent dog park offers a fenced-in area where dogs can run freely and play. Paved and singletrack trails provide options for walking dogs off leash, alongside picnic spots and a playground.

People are saying

"These parks have long, high-quality paved and unpaved trails."

"It's dog friendly with an excellent dog park."

"The beach parking fills up fast, so get there early."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.

2

Parking is free for all visitors.

3

The swimming beach is clean and well-maintained.

07
Clifton E. French Regional Park image 1

Park offers spacious, modern playgrounds with areas for different ages and plenty of shade. Woodland setting creates a peaceful, scenic atmosphere with paved paths leading to the river. Busy on weekends, it provides ample seating and features like a water misting station and event building.

Clear water and great sand make the beach very nice and clean. Facilities include bathrooms and changing rooms, plus sun umbrellas for shade. A shuttle connects the beach to the playground, adding easy access.

Wide trails provide space to manage dogs, including those that are reactive. Plenty of dogs and walkers create a strong socialization opportunity, but some dogs are off-leash and not well controlled, which can be an issue around kids.

People are saying

"This playground is amazing and so kid friendly with water features and swings."

"It's a nice, clean beach with a great swimming area."

"It's so Dog Friendly, the wide trails are awesome for walks."

Good to know

1

Entry to the park is free.

2

Parking near the beach is limited with only a few spaces available.

3

The playground closes for the season in winter.

Discover more

Minnesota

Area guide
Loading Map...