Cleary Lake Dog Park

For dedicated dog owners throughout the Twin Cities and especially in the South Metro, finding a truly exceptional space where your canine companion can thrive off-leash is a priority. Cleary Lake Dog Park, nestled within the beautiful Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, Minnesota, consistently earns high marks from local residents for its expansive size and thoughtful design. This isn't just a simple fenced area; it's a dynamic environment that caters to a wide range of canine needs, ensuring both vigorous exercise and valuable social interaction.

As part of the renowned Three Rivers Park District, Cleary Lake Dog Park benefits from professional management and a commitment to providing high-quality recreational opportunities. Its vast acreage offers plenty of room for dogs to run, explore, and play without feeling cramped, even during busier times. Whether your dog is a high-energy athlete, a curious explorer, or a social butterfly, this park provides the ideal setting for them to enjoy being a dog in the heart of Minnesota.

Visitors consistently praise the park's offerings. One happy dog owner shared, "We enjoyed our first outing to the Cleary Lake dog park this evening with a friend and will definitely be coming back! This park is a great size to be able to get some good exercise in as well as allowing your dogs to have their own space between meetings with other groups of dogs. As someone with a younger dog who is still learning to come down from big moments of excitement (play) as well as the she can be neutral around other dogs when we are just walking by and doesn't need to play with every dog we meet, this was really great for us and made for a really successful outing. The little training areas and open spaces throughout the park are a bonus too. I’m excited to make use of the swimming pond as the weather warms up." This detailed feedback highlights the park's suitability for various dog temperaments and its versatility, including dedicated training zones.

Another review succinctly put it: "Great dog park with lots of parking. It's larger than most with usually friendly atmosphere. Good water and training locations." These local insights underscore Cleary Lake Dog Park's reputation as a top-tier off-leash facility in Minnesota.

Location and Accessibility

Cleary Lake Dog Park is conveniently located at 6246 190th St E, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA. Its position within Cleary Lake Regional Park makes it a prominent and easily identifiable destination for dog owners in Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee, Lakeville, and other communities throughout Scott County and the wider South Metro area.

The park is typically open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, providing extensive hours for visitors to enjoy the facilities, accommodating early risers and those who prefer evening walks. There is ample parking available, often praised by visitors for its spaciousness. It's important to note that as a Three Rivers Park District facility, a pass is required for dog park use. This pass must be displayed in your vehicle or carried to be shown upon request. Failure to have a valid pass could result in a citation and fine, so plan accordingly before your visit. Daily passes can often be purchased on-site, or annual passes are available for more frequent visitors.

While the off-leash area offers freedom, dogs must always be under direct control and supervised by their owner, and a leash must be available for quick use. Dogs should also be leashed when entering and exiting the designated off-leash area and in other areas of Cleary Lake Regional Park where leashes are required. The clear rules and permit requirement help ensure a safe and managed environment for all users.

Services Offered

Cleary Lake Dog Park offers a comprehensive set of amenities designed to provide a rich and fulfilling experience for dogs and their owners. While it's a self-service public park, its offerings contribute significantly to canine well-being and responsible pet ownership.

• Expansive Off-Leash Space: The park encompasses a significant acreage (reportedly 28 acres fully fenced), providing vast open areas and diverse terrain for dogs to run, play, and explore freely. This large size allows for natural separation between groups of dogs.
• Swimming Pond for Dogs: A major draw, the park includes a dedicated pond where dogs can swim and cool off, especially welcome during Minnesota's warmer months.
• Training Areas and Open Spaces: The presence of "little training areas and open spaces throughout the park" provides versatility. These spots are excellent for practicing recall, obedience commands, or simply engaging in focused play away from the main group.
• Water Access: Facilities for dog drinking water are typically available, especially during warmer seasons, ensuring dogs stay hydrated during active play.
• Walking Paths: The park features various walking paths that allow human companions to get good exercise while supervising their dogs.
• Waste Disposal Stations: Essential for maintaining cleanliness, the park provides waste bags and trash receptacles, encouraging responsible pet waste disposal.
• Parking: Ample parking is available, making arrival and departure convenient for visitors.
• Restroom Facilities: As part of Cleary Lake Regional Park, visitors can typically access nearby restroom facilities.

Features / Highlights

Cleary Lake Dog Park stands out as a premier off-leash destination in Minnesota due to several key features:

• Massive Size: At an estimated 28 acres and fully fenced, it's one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the region, offering unparalleled space for dogs to roam and get significant exercise.
• Diverse Landscape: The park boasts a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and a pond, providing varied environments for exploration, running, and swimming. This diversity keeps visits interesting and engaging for dogs.
• Swimming Opportunities: The dedicated swimming pond is a major highlight, especially for water-loving breeds and during hot weather, offering a unique recreational option often not found in other dog parks.
• Dedicated Training Zones: The inclusion of "little training areas" is a thoughtful addition, catering to owners who are working on obedience or agility with their dogs in a less distracting environment.
• Three Rivers Park District Management: Being part of a well-regarded park system ensures consistent maintenance, clear rules, and a focus on visitor experience and ecological preservation.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews consistently mention a "usually friendly atmosphere" among visitors, fostering positive social interactions for both dogs and their owners.
• "Good Water" Access: This refers to available drinking water for pups, a crucial amenity for active dogs, ensuring they stay hydrated throughout their visit.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a facility managed by the Three Rivers Park District, Cleary Lake Dog Park does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Instead, its primary "offer" is the provision of a high-quality, well-maintained off-leash environment.

However, access to Cleary Lake Dog Park requires a pass. While not a "promotion," understanding the pass options can be seen as a value proposition for frequent users:

• Daily Pass: Available for those making a single visit, providing flexible access.
• Annual Pass: For regular visitors, an annual pass offers significant cost savings over multiple daily passes, making it a "special offer" in terms of value for money. These passes often provide access to all Three Rivers Park District off-leash dog areas.

Information regarding pass prices and purchase locations can be found on the official Three Rivers Park District website or by contacting them directly. These passes directly support the maintenance and operations of the dog park and other Three Rivers Park District facilities. Additionally, the park district often runs educational programs or community events related to pet safety and responsible ownership, which, while not promotions, add value for local residents.

Contact Information

For comprehensive information regarding Cleary Lake Dog Park, including pass requirements, current hours, rules, or any specific event information, the best resource is the Three Rivers Park District.

Address: 6246 190th St E, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA

Phone: (763) 559-9000 (Three Rivers Park District main line)

It is highly recommended to visit the official Three Rivers Park District website (threeriversparks.org) before your visit to confirm permit requirements, park rules, and any seasonal changes or temporary closures. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your canine companion.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For dog owners across Minnesota, and especially those in the Prior Lake area, Cleary Lake Dog Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource. Its sheer size – an impressive 28 acres – provides ample room for dogs to run freely, explore diverse terrains, and engage in meaningful exercise, a critical aspect for canine health and happiness. This expansive space also means that even during busy times, dogs can find their own comfortable play zones, making it ideal for everything from high-energy romps to quieter, more focused walks.

The inclusion of a swimming pond is a significant draw, offering a unique opportunity for water-loving dogs to cool off and play, which is particularly appealing during Minnesota's warm summers. Furthermore, the presence of dedicated training areas highlights the park's thoughtful design, catering to owners who are actively working on their dog's behavior and skills. This versatility makes it appealing to a wide range of dog owners, from those with young pups still learning the ropes to seasoned companions.

Managed by the reputable Three Rivers Park District, visitors can expect a well-maintained environment and clear guidelines that contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for all. While a pass is required, this helps ensure the park's upkeep and quality, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent users. Cleary Lake Dog Park is more than just an off-leash area; it's a comprehensive recreational hub that fosters canine well-being and community connection, solidifying its place as a top destination for Minnesota dog lovers.