It’s that time of year when temperatures start warming up and you and your pup are ready to sniff out an adventure! Here is a collection of St. Paul area dog parks to consider exploring with your furry companions.
(Side note: If you plan to visit one or more of these parks, make sure you are informed on the latest social distancing suggestions as well as general dog park rules and etiquette!)
Andy’s Park: This 70-acre park is named after the Woodbury Police Department’s first K9 officer, “Andy.” Although not completely fenced, the park includes mowed walking trails with benches, shelter area with picnic tables, pet watering station, pet waste disposal stations with bags, portable restroom (year-round), and trash containers.
Arlington / Arkwright Dog Park: This rectangular 4.5-acre plot of St. Paul land provides wooded trails, open space, and a large bowl-shaped slope for dogs to roam around in. Dogs are allowed off-leash.
Bald Eagle Otter Lakes Regional Dog Park: This off-leash area in White Bear Township is made up of 10 fully-fenced acres and located in the Otter Lake section of the park. It has designated small dog hours (Tuesdays, 6 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 – 11 a.m).
Stillwater Dog Park: The park is a fenced, off-leash dog park in the Stillwater area operated by the Friends of Stillwater Area Dog Park Organization. Located next to the JC Ball Fields at the intersection of Cty Rd 12 & Deerpath in Stillwater. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Battle Creek Regional Park: The Battle Creek off-leash area is 35 fully-fenced acres. The park features wooded areas, walking trails, play areas and more. Please note that currently health officials advise people and pets visiting the park to avoid contact with any foam in Battle Creek. Testing has found elevated levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (or PFAS) in foam on the creek.
Hazelnut Park: Hazelnut Park is a twelve-acre park in Arden Hills with many facilities. The park is located in the southwestern part of the City on New Brighton Road between Stowe Avenue and Beckman Avenue.
High Bridge Dog Park: This seven-acre plot of land, the site of a former St. Paul power plant fueled by coal, is just west of Upper Landing Park. High Bridge Dog Park provides ample space for dogs and their caretakers. Dogs are allowed off-leash.
Lauderdale Off-leash Dog Park. The doggie play area is located in the NE corner of the Community Park.
Meeker Island Dog Park: This St. Paul park is located adjacent to Meeker Island Historic Lock and Dam site, the first and northernmost lock and dam on the Mississippi River. The park features a dog run and a dog beach. There is no fence surrounding the park, which is bordered by the Mississippi River and the steep river bluffs.
Perry Park is a large 20-acre park located in Arden Hills on New Brighton Road near Thom Drive. It has a designated area for dogs to run off leash.
Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor Off-leash Area: Located within the trailhead for the Rice Creek North Regional Trail in Shoreview, this off-leash area is 13 fully-fenced acres.
St. Paul’s Lowertown Dog Park. Located near CHS Field, Lowertown Dog Park is completely fenced in and is a designated off-leash area.
Woodview Open Space: The off-leash area at Woodview Open Space in Roseville is four acres featuring two fully-fenced areas. It has a handicapped accessible area as well as a dedicated small dog space.
Have you been to any of these parks before? Do you have any expert advice for fellow visitors? Let us know!
Sources:
https://www.cityofardenhills.org/929/Dog-Parks
https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/parks/leash-dog-parks
https://www.woodburymn.gov/departments/parks_and_trails/andys_bark_park.php
https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/parks-recreation/parks-trails/dog-parks
http://www.stillwatermndogpark.com/