So, pup’s been wondering: “Is there any dog-friendly swimming near me?” Minneapolis and St. Paul can get hot as heck in the summer, and a dip in a pool or pond is all but necessary to keep your brain from being addled by the heat. Unfortunately for pupper, most local beaches and public pools aren’t super cool with a canine element, so thank dog lots of Twin Cities-area dog parks have water features! Check out these Twin Cities beaches, parks, and pools where pooches can practice their doggy paddles.
Twin Cities Dog Swimming Beaches and Parks
Alimagnet Dog Park — Burnsville
Alimagnet is a top-tier puppy playground. There’s the 7-acre park, sure, but also a walking trail, heated weather shelter, a dog-washing station, and a pond for pups who prefer to splash around. The folks who frequent this place and volunteer here are so committed that they even have their own Facebook group.
Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area — Minneapolis
How about a dip in the Mississippi? The Minnehaha Off-Leash Area—a beautiful dog park in its own right—sits on the shore of this rolling river, so there’s lots of room for canine water sports. Why not make it a full-day affair?
Meeker Island Dog Park — St. Paul
On the St. Paul side of the Mighty Mississippi, there’s Meeker Island Dog Park, where you’ll find a dog run and a dog beach. Bordered by the river itself and surrounded by steep river bluffs, Meeker Island has the nifty distinction of being an off-leash park with no fencing.
Battle Creek Dog Park — Maplewood
People and pups love Battle Creek, and for good reason. Here you’ll find 35 acres of dog park, all fenced in, and miles and miles of wooded trails. Plus, this spot has not one, not two, but three places to swim: two small ponds and a large one. Great for canines with short attention spans!
Matoska Park — White Bear Lake
This little swimming beach for dogs at Matoska Park is the perfect spot for a game of aquatic fetch. Just remember to keep your pup leashed here; they allow leads up to 30 feet.
Dog Swimming Pools Near the Twin Cities
The Dog Tank — Mendota Heights
If your pal would prefer to cool off indoors (or if it’s winter and he’s looking to get a swim in when the lakes are frozen), check out The Dog Tank. This swimming pool for dogs has a 45-foot dock diving pool and offers dock diving classes and private lessons. You don’t have to have a super-athlete to enjoy the water, though—swimming is encouraged!
The Top Dog Country Club — New Germany
The Top Dog Country Club is setting a new standard for doggo’s day off—a vacation club just for floof! Founded by a former Marriott Hotels VP, this 34-foot in-ground, heated swimming pool is open April–November for all the floatie-lounging and tennis ball-chasing pup could ever need. Pupper will ruv Top Dog so much he won’t even mind the hour-long road trip from the cities. They even have kiddie, er, puppy pools for dogs just looking to get their paws wet, and a lifeguard on dooty.
The Paw — Mankato
If you don’t mind a road trip down south, The Paw in Mankato offers a variety of indoor swim options. You can reserve your choice online, or give them a ring to book your swim time! After pup’s tired herself out, treat yo’ self to a glass of wine on the dog-friendly patio at Javens Family Vineyard & Winery.
Have a Splashing Good Time
Now that you know where to dip your paws, we have a few woofs of wisdom to make sure things go swimmingly.
Does your pal have a favorite dog-friendly swimming spot in the Twin Cities? Give us a woof in the comments!
Featured photo: Katrin B
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group, and grab one of our Dog-Friendly Brewery Passes.
More reads you’ll ruv:
More Wag-Worthy Reads
