Getting Your Pooch Out and About in Southern Minnesota
The Twin Cities have many off-leash parks so dogs can burn lots of energy and socialize. You could also socialize. I'm sure your pooch would not mind. Hopefully you bring a ball to toss around just in case you happen to be the only ones there.
We all need to burn up some energy. Take the dog out and enjoy some fresh air and maybe take a few pictures. The parks that are dog friendly includes one long trail through three counties. Plus a couple of fenced-in areas.
Some suggestions to taking your pooch to a dog park include: only stay while your dog is having fun, stay calm, talk quietly, watch the dogs, and relax, enjoy yourself.
Here is a list of dog-friendly areas in southern Minnesota:
- 1
Owatonna Dog Park
Owatonna Dog Park is an off-leash dog park at County Road 45 (State Avenue) at Lake Chase. It also includes an area for small dogs. Membership is required.
- 2
Owatonna Trails
Owatonna also has a few trails that are leashed-dog friendly. The parks even have plastic bags handy so you can pick up dog do. Some parks include: Kaplan Woods, Lake Kohlmeier Trails and Leo Rudolph Nature Reserve.
- 3
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It travels through three counties: Le Sueur, Blue Earth and Rice. It is near Cannon River. It includes Faribault, Morristown, Waterville, Elysian and Mankato.
- 4
Northfield Dog Park at Babcock Park
Babcock Park is near Highway 3 and 19. It is a fenced dog park that also has shelter, benches and picnic tables.
- 5
Kiwanis Park in Mankato
Kiwanis Park in Mankato is on Highway 169, north of the Highway 14 intersection. It is a fenced wooded area with a good water supply. Going to the park is free and it is open from 6:30AM to 10:30PM.
- 6
Red Jacket Trail in Mankato
One of 1,600 trails that is part of the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy. It is about 13 miles near North Minnesota River Trail and near U.S. Highway 169 to Huffy Lane in Mankato.