Photo creds and a round of a-paws go to our pals Maggie Lea and Roux (of Instagram and Cover Dog fame) who generously helped with this story.
Pining for outdoor winter fun with your dog? How ’bout a romp through a dog-friendly Christmas tree farm? We rounded up heavenly-scented picks for you and pupper to explore to your hearts’ (and paws’) content.
And as every good dog knows, use a standard, non-retractable leash, make sure your pup pees elsewhere first (as not to yellow the fine greenery), and BYO peanut butter!
P.S. We double checked that all farms are operational and allowing dogs this year, but in the yikes that is 2021, we recommend calling in advance of any adventures.
Dog-Friendly Minnesota Christmas Tree Farms
AMP Christmas Tree Farm, Cambridge (map)
Fri.-Sun.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Start a new family tradition this year at AMP Christmas Tree Farm–Fido included. Take your pick from a variety of U-cut trees up to 13 feet! Just be sure the pup brings cash or checks.
B&J Evergreen, Clear Lake (map)
Daily through Dec. 21: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (with the exception of Dec. 18-19: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Free shaking and baling of trees at B&J Evergreen. Be on the lookout for a v. funny lookin’ dog–#CliffTheCamel. If you trek out on the week of Dec. 4 & 5 or Dec. 11 & 12, you’ll even find Santa Paws, hayrides, face painting, and a petting zoo.
Blackwoods Tree Farm, Stillwater (map)
Thur.-Sun: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 12
Beautiful old barns filled with antique treasures, cider, candy canes, and cozy campfires…pup yes! Blackwoods Tree Farm offers Fraser and Balsam Fir trees. Cash or check only.
Countryside Christmas Tree Farm, Lake Elmo (map)
Daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cut-your-own fields at Countryside Christmas Tree Farm close at dusk. Pup’s all about that golden hour anyway–it’s best for his ‘Gram. Bring cash or a checkbook!
Hansen Tree Farm, Ramsey (map)
Nov. 13-Dec. 12, Weekends: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Virtual maps and drive thru or online checkout available this year at Hansen Tree Farm to limit contact. Get cozy at their private bonfire rings spread throughout the farm. Each tree purchase includes festive drinks, a Christmas sausage, music, hayrides, bonfires, and extra greens to get your doghouse in the holiday spirit.
Happy Land Tree Farms, Sandstone (map)
Tues.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Known for their MN State Fair award-winning trees, Happy Land Tree Farms has acres and acres of wide open space to roam in search of your pawfect tree. Concessions closed; byo cocoa and dog treats. Contact the farm to schedule a drive thru experience.
Hinkemeyer Christmas Tree Farm, Rice (map)
Mon., Thurs., & Fri. through Dec. 10. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weekends through Dec. 12: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Go for the whole farm experience at Hinkemeyer Tree Farm, or if you prefer, get your Christmas tree delivered. Lots of special events planned for this year, so check out their happenings calendar.
Jan’s Christmas Trees, Clear Lake (map)
Daily: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 24
Dogs are allowed at Jan’s Christmas Trees farm, but not in the building so as not to disturb the shop cat. There’s an outdoor checkout window so you don’t have to leave pup alone! If it’s a bit nippy, you can warm up at their bonfire and roast s’mores.
Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm, Lake Elmo (map)
Weekdays: 12-7 p.m.; Weekends: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cut-your-own fields at Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm close at 4:30 each evening. New this year is their reservation-based system, so be sure to put your paws on a timeslot before you venture out. Note: Cut-your-own inventory is low and mainly in max heights of 6 feet. Enjoy the farm, or drive in and ask about getting a tree to go!
Leverty’s Traditional Trees, Houlton, WI (map)
Mon.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Weekends: 9 a.m.-5 p.m
Leverty’s provides a hand saw and tree drag for cut-your-own. They’ve got an outdoor checkout, tree-shaking, center-drilling, tree-wrapping, and vehicle-loading assistance–what more could a pup need?
Pinestead Tree Farm, Isanti (map)
Weekdays Nov. 29-Dec. 6: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weekends Dec. 4-12: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 13-17: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 18-19: 9 a.m.-dark
Just north of the cities, Pinestead Tree Farm has a food truck on weekends, a gift shop, and Santa (just be sure to check out their events calendar ahead of time). The website states “Don’t be surprised if we want to take a photo of your pup. We love the way people dress their dogs up for Christmas cheer/cold weather!” Now these are our people.
Rum River Tree Farm & Nursery, Oak Grove (map)
Daily: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cut-your-own fields at Rum River Tree Farm & Nursery close at 4:30 p.m. If you can’t make it to the farm, check out their metro tree lots. Santa will be dropping by with hayrides and food trucks the first two weeks after Thanksgiving.
St. Croix Valley Trees, Somerset, WI (map)
Sat.-Sun.: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 20
Call St. Croix Valley Trees in advance for trees over 12 feet. Pay stations are outside this year. If you need some fuel after cutting down the tree, they’ve got tasty holiday refreshments.
Wolcyn Tree Farms, Cambridge (map)
Weekdays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Curbside pickup and outdoor pay stations available at Wolcyn Tree Farms this year. No concessions, but the farm is giving complimentary apple cider and bagged cookies. Bring treats for Fido so he doesn’t get jealous!
Did we miss any Minnesota Christmas tree farms? Got any other cool ideas for dog-friendly winter fun? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share those pics with #SidewalkDog so we can share in your howliday fun.
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, and join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
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