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Top picks in Minnesota

Scenic views with dogs

You refuse to leave your dog behind just because you want to spend the afternoon taking in a view. You need a space that welcomes both of you without compromise.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Minnehaha Falls image 1
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Tourist attraction

Waterfall and surrounding trails create a scenic setting with breathtaking views. Large open grounds include an outdoor theatre and public food court, supporting a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. Families enjoy play areas and pedal carts, while music and art add cultural touches.

Amazing views of the falls are easy to access from well-maintained trails. The park offers handicap accessible spots to enjoy the scenic nature around the falls.

Leashed dogs enjoy walking trails and open spaces. The area welcomes pets for picnics, playground visits, and bike rides.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful with its wonderful waterfall."

"The waterfall here is gorgeous and makes for a beautiful view."

"It's dog friendly, perfect for a walk with your pet."

Good to know

1

Entry to Minnehaha Falls is free for all visitors.

2

Parking costs $1.30 per hour and requires license plate recognition.

3

The park occasionally hosts festivals and events, so check the calendar.

02
Gold Medal Park image 1

Large urban park offers 360-degree city and river views from a prominent hill with shaded seating. Paved paths and biking trails make it easy to explore, while a dog-friendly area welcomes pets. Iconic flour sign and multiple sculptures add historical and artistic touches to a peaceful, well-maintained green space.

A hill offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and the Mississippi River. Sculptures and a pill-shaped structure add to the vantage points, with night lights enhancing the scene.

Dog-friendly area lets dogs run freely while plenty of paths offer good spots for walking dogs. The park has a picturesque setting with many happy dogs and families enjoying the space.

People are saying

"You get a great view of the city and river from here."

"It's a beautiful, picturesque park that's great for walking your dog."

"You get great 360-degree views of Minneapolis from the top."

Good to know

1

The park has ample metered street parking nearby.

2

The nearest restroom is located in the Guthrie Theater.

3

There are no grilling or picnic tables allowed in the park.

03
Sauna Camp image 1

Wood-burning saunas sit along a lake shore, offering gorgeous views and easy lake access for cold plunges. The atmosphere feels magical and spiritual, blending raw nature with a calm, welcoming vibe. The setup creates a unique contrast therapy experience that feels both invigorating and deeply relaxing.

Each sauna features a gorgeous view of the lake and plunge area through large windows. The setup allows for relaxing while enjoying the beautiful lake scenery.

Camp dogs roam freely and interact with visitors. Pets include a cute dog at Sauna Camp, making it a friendly spot for dog lovers.

People are saying

"The Sauna staff are so friendly and genuinely interested in making your experience amazing."

"The saunas here were awesome and I had an amazing time."

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful with our dogs."

Good to know

1

Community cold plunge and sauna events are regularly held at Sauna Camp.

2

Reservations are recommended for events to ensure a spot.

3

Bring sandals or slides for walking to the lake.

04
Lowry Nature Center in Carver Park Reserve image 1

Nature preserve offers wetlands, lakes, and well-marked trails with varying difficulty. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, ideal for families and educational activities. Features include interactive games, a bird sanctuary, and picnic areas, creating a rich outdoor experience.

Many hiking trails wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands offering varied and beautiful views. Water views and open fields add to the scenic nature of the area.

Many trails welcome dogs for walks. A dog park offers space for off-leash play. The nature center provides a good outdoor spot for dogs.

People are saying

"I loved hiking the beautiful, well-marked trails in these parks."

"I loved the peaceful water views and trails."

"The walking trails here are beautiful and dog friendly."

Good to know

1

The restroom is open 24 hours for visitor convenience.

2

Public restrooms are available at the Nature Center and along the trails.

3

There is plenty of parking available for visitors.

05
Minnehaha Regional Park image 1

Powerful waterfall anchors a spacious park with open picnic grounds and accessible bike paths. Peaceful atmosphere blends with natural scenery featuring bridges, creeks, and sandstone climbing spots. Play areas and a concert pavilion add to the family-friendly vibe.

Picturesque views of the falls and river appear from multiple angles, including the top and side. Walking trails and a flat park area with picnic tables and concessions offer easy access to these sights.

Trails welcome dogs and a separate dog play area exists for off-leash fun. The park is kid and pet friendly, making it easy to bring pets along with family.

People are saying

"You have to see the frozen falls at this park; it's incredible."

"It's a great kid-friendly place with fun playground areas."

"You can easily access great scenic views of the falls from the top."

Good to know

1

Parking is not free; be prepared to pay.

2

There are concerts in the summer at the park.

3

Expect local art events and food stands during special occasions.

06
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park image 1

Park offers great views of river and dam alongside lush scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Multiple playgrounds and treetop boardwalks provide engaging spaces for children. Trails and picnic areas support varied outdoor activities in a well-designed, nature-focused setting.

Views of the dam and river stand out, especially from the dam walkway. The Treetop Trail offers stunning sights over the wetland and treetops, adding variety to the scenic experience.

Spacious, fully fenced areas separate small and large dogs for safe play. A new dog park offers a great spot for daily walks and meetups with friends.

People are saying

"The treetop trail offers stunning views and is awesome for an evening walk."

"It's really kid friendly with lots of fun things to play on."

"I enjoyed the beautiful views of the Mississippi River."

Good to know

1

Parents should supervise children at the playground due to uneven natural stone stairs.

2

Kayak rentals are available for visitors looking to explore the water.

3

The visitor center opens at noon, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
Lake Harriet Regional Park image 1

Park surrounds a serene lake with paved walking trails and a band shell hosting concerts. Atmosphere stays relaxing and peaceful, with green spaces and a playground for families. Canoe rentals and picnic areas add to the variety of outdoor activities.

Gorgeous lake views surround walking paths and open spaces. The park offers scenic greenery and a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of room to enjoy sunsets and city sights.

Open spaces offer great views of people, dogs, and sunsets. Walking dogs here feels natural with the park's pet-friendly environment.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly park with a massive playground."

"I loved the great, beautiful lake views here."

"It's dog friendly, perfect for walking your pet."

Good to know

1

Summer concerts occur on Saturdays and Sundays at the bandshell.

2

Parking can be challenging due to ongoing construction and road closures.

3

Restroom facilities may be limited; expect porta potties during events.

08
Ritter Farm Park image 1

Park offers wide, clean trails winding through scenic lakes and wooded areas with dog-friendly and equestrian facilities. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, attracting people walking dogs or enjoying nature. Plenty of parking and varied paths support easy access and exploration.

Views include lakes, ponds, many trees, and a bridge. Trails are wide and fairly flat, offering varied scenic perspectives.

A clean, spacious dog park offers a nice off-leash area with just the right amount of space. Trails allow dogs on leashes, and the park is usually quiet with few visitors.

People are saying

"The park trails are beautiful and well maintained."

"It's a nice, clean, and spacious dog park."

"The trails here are clean, wide, and beautifully maintained."

Good to know

1

The park has plenty of parking spaces, including handicap parking.

2

Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park.

3

Horseback riding is allowed on designated trails.

09
Lilydale Regional Park image 1

Park offers beautiful river and lake views with paved sidewalks for biking and roller skating. Atmosphere is peaceful and calm, especially early in the morning, with many trails and a spacious covered picnic area. Visitors include bikers and dog walkers who keep the area clean and friendly.

Views include Pickerel Lake, The Mississippi River, and a sweet downtown skyline. Trails run alongside water, offering many scenic spots.

A dog park offers a clean and safe space for dogs to run and play. Most visitors watch their dogs closely and clean up after them, but there is a risk of aggressive dogs causing injuries.

People are saying

"I loved the scenic river views and trails at these parks."

"It's a great place to walk your dog on the nice trails."

"You'll love the beautiful river and lake views here."

Good to know

1

The park has numerous hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

2

The dog park is a great space for pets to play and socialize.

3

Expect to see many birds, making it a good spot for birdwatching.

10
Lake Nokomis Park image 1

Vast lakeside park with spacious beach and lush greenery offers a family-friendly and lively atmosphere. Amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas, boat rentals, and snack shacks. Trails and quiet water create a versatile space for recreation and relaxation.

Lake views dominate the scenery with lush greenery in summer and colorful trees in fall. The park offers peaceful vistas year-round, making it a great spot to enjoy nature's calm.

A huge field near Cedar Avenue offers plenty of space for dogs to play ball. Multiple trails around the lake provide good spots for walks with dogs, but some owners do not clean up after their pets, which can affect the experience.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful, with amazing lake views and relaxing scenery."

"It's so kid friendly with playgrounds and swan boats by the lake."

"The lake views here are beautiful and picturesque."

Good to know

1

Trivia Mafia events occur regularly at the park, featuring beer and food.

2

Pond hockey tournaments take place during winter at the park.

3

Parking can be challenging on busy days; consider arriving early.

11
Cleary Lake Regional Park image 1

Large lake anchors a park with canoe and paddle boat rentals, a 9-hole golf course, and swimming beach. Tall trees and picnic areas create a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of walking trails. Amenities support diverse activities like fishing, volleyball, and dog walking.

Water views and open fields offer gorgeous scenery. Benches provide spots to enjoy the birdwatching and natural surroundings, though the trail itself shows few lake views.

Off leash areas offer plenty of space for dogs to run and play. Friendly dogs and humans create a welcoming atmosphere. Water bowls are available but bringing extra water helps keep them filled.

People are saying

"You can walk, bike, swim, and fish at these parks."

"It's a great place to walk your dog on the trails."

"The scenic views here are gorgeous, with lush green fields and water."

Good to know

1

The park has a large lake suitable for boating and fishing.

2

You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards at the park.

3

The children's playground features a variety of play equipment.

12
The New Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast image 1

Victorian mansion blends historic charm with modern luxury in a cozy, elegant setting. Quiet neighborhood hosts large, luxurious rooms with thoughtful design and beautiful views. Shared spaces feel warm and inviting, with lively moments around breakfast preparation.

Rooms feature balconies and porches with beautiful views of the neighborhood and the Cathedral. The Cathedral dominates the landscape and looks especially stunning at night.

A large loud dog stays in the kitchen while breakfast is prepared, showing a dog-friendly atmosphere. Service dogs receive a very warm welcome here.

People are saying

"Mohamed made our breakfast feel so personal and welcoming."

"The scenic views of the Cathedral are stunning, especially at night."

"The rooms here are amazing and unique."

Good to know

1

The booking process is straightforward and user-friendly.

2

Rooms feature luxurious amenities, including heated bathroom floors.

3

Breakfast items like fresh fruit and eggs are available in the fridge.

13
Back Channel Brewing Co. image 1

Large outdoor patio overlooks lake with massive seating and huge screen for sports. Atmosphere shifts from quiet evenings to lively with live music and games. Dog-friendly space offers boat access and a welcoming vibe for diverse communities.

Patio seating offers views of Lake Minnetonka Bay and the channel. Sunlight and water views create a relaxed spot for drinks and snacks.

Dogs are welcome both inside and on the outdoor patio. Activities like sports on TV and live music add to the fun while pets hang out.

People are saying

"I loved the great variety of delicious beers they offered."

"The outdoor seating has a huge screen for watching games."

"The beer selection here is out of this world."

Good to know

1

The brewery hosts fun events throughout the year, including a Pride Festival.

2

Oktoberfest features live polka music and food trucks.

3

Parking is available, but can be difficult during busy times.

14
Mississippi Gorge Regional Park image 1

Trails wind through a gorge with breathtaking river views and varied elevations. The atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful despite proximity to a busy road. Paths range from woodsy and secluded to open areas with ample parking and amenities.

Breathtaking views of the Mississippi River unfold along the trails. A sandy beach offers a spot to enjoy the gorgeous scenery with every step.

Trails offer plenty of space for dog walking and running. Dogs can swim in designated areas. The park suits leisurely walks with kids and dogs alike.

People are saying

"The views of the Mississippi River are beautiful and relaxing."

"The Mississippi River views here are beautiful and serene."

"It's a great place for a leisurely dog walk."

Good to know

1

There are two small parking areas available for visitors.

2

Expect some trails to be steep and narrow, which may require caution.

3

Trash and recycling bins are conveniently located throughout the park.

15
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis image 1

Hotel offers stunning city views and a warm, elegant atmosphere that blends comfort with luxury. Spa and pool areas provide a relaxing vibe with well-maintained, spacious amenities. Guests often enjoy personalized touches like welcome champagne and custom desserts, enhancing a romantic and memorable stay.

Suites offer stunning views of downtown and the city skyline. Rooms on higher floors provide amazing cityscapes, and the pool area also features nice views.

Staff provide dog beds, food and water bowls, and even toys for dogs. They follow ADA protocol carefully and prepare for service dogs with pre-shift meetings.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so kind and helpful."

"You get amazing city and river views from up high."

"They're so Dog Friendly, they even provide a bowl and bed."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served on Sundays, offering a unique dining experience.

2

The hotel is a popular venue for weddings and events.

3

Expect noise during events like concerts or festivals nearby.

16
Carver Park Reserve image 1
Nature preserve

Nature preserve offers long, smooth paved trails that meander through beautiful landscapes with ponds and small lakes. The atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, even on busy days, with plenty of space for hiking, biking, and walking dogs on leash. The design flows naturally, creating a calm and open environment for all endurance levels.

Several pull-offs offer great views of the landscape. The area features breathtaking nature views and plenty of spots to enjoy the scenery.

A dog park area exists with a fee for access. Dogs must stay on a non-retractable leash and are allowed on roads but not on nature trails. Trails suit humans but limit dog access.

People are saying

"It's a great place to bring your dog, with nice trails and a dog park."

"The scenic views here are absolutely breathtaking."

"It's a nice, quiet place to fish."

Good to know

1

Dogs must be on leash at the park.

2

There are bathrooms available at the park.

3

There is plenty of parking at the park.

17
Boom Island Park image 1

Park offers spacious grassy areas and multiple shelters with built-in grills for picnics and events. Calm atmosphere blends historic bridges and river views with quiet, peaceful energy. Visitors enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, and watching boats glide along the Mississippi River.

Great views of the river and city skyline stand out here. Trails and open spaces offer picturesque spots for sunrise, sunset, and downtown views.

Numerous trails and paths make it easy to walk dogs or bike. Restrooms allow dogs, and the park features plenty of nature trees for a relaxing visit with pets.

People are saying

"You get a gorgeous view of the Minneapolis skyline."

"You'll find awesome scenic views of the Minneapolis skyline here."

"It's a beautiful spot with gorgeous views of downtown."

Good to know

1

Parking is pay-to-park, which can be limited during large events.

2

Restrooms are available, and dogs are allowed in the park.

3

The park features numerous picnic areas and water access nearby.

18
Kaposia Landing image 1

Large grassy open space borders a major river with views of barge traffic and nearby train yards. Paved trails wind through the park, connecting top-notch baseball fields, a spacious dog park, and a well-equipped playground. The atmosphere stays peaceful and friendly, though occasional train noise punctuates the quiet.

Views include Bald Eagles soaring near the river and dense woods across the water. Many paved trails run alongside the river, offering clear spots for walking and wildlife watching.

A large grassy open space offers off-leash dog parks, ball fields, and trails. Dogs and people show respectful behavior here, and the area stays free of mosquitos year-round. No water provisions exist in the dog park.

People are saying

"It's a huge dog park with open grassy areas."

"I saw many eagles from this spot; it's a great scenic view."

"You'll find plenty of parking available here."

Good to know

1

Kaposia Landing has a large dog park with an open grassy area.

2

Parking is secure and plentiful at Kaposia Landing.

3

The park features paved trails suitable for walking and biking.

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