Minnehaha Off Leash Area

Hey there, Minneapolis dog lovers! If you're looking for an expansive, exciting, and truly unique outdoor adventure for your canine companion, then the Minnehaha Off Leash Area is where you need to be. Known affectionately by many as the "Minnehaha Dog Park" or "River Dog Park," this isn't your average fenced-in patch of grass. Situated within the stunning Minnehaha Regional Park, this area is widely considered a crown jewel among dog parks, offering a diverse landscape for pups to explore.

For us locals, having access to such a vast and varied off-leash space is an absolute game-changer. Minnesota winters can be long, so when the weather is good, we want our dogs to truly revel in the outdoors. Minnehaha Off Leash Area provides an unparalleled environment where dogs can run through wooded trails, frolic in open fields, and, most notably, splash and play on a dedicated doggy beach along the majestic Mississippi River. It's a place where "so much fun and so many dogs" truly make it feel like "Heaven on Earth! Literally a paradise!" as one happy owner describes.

Whether your dog loves to hike, swim, or simply sniff every new scent, this park caters to a wide range of canine preferences, making it a beloved destination for active pups across the Twin Cities. Let's dive into what makes this sprawling off-leash area an indispensable part of the Minneapolis dog community.

The Minnehaha Off Leash Area is located at Minnehaha Dog Park, 5399 Minnehaha Park Dr S, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. Its strategic placement within the expansive Minnehaha Regional Park means it benefits from the park's beautiful natural setting and robust infrastructure.

To reach the dog park, visitors typically access it from the south end of Minnehaha Regional Park. While the address is within Minneapolis, its proximity to the Mississippi River bluffs gives it a unique, somewhat rugged feel, distinguishing it from more manicured urban dog parks. Parking is available in affordable paid lots surrounding Minnehaha Park, including a surface lot at 54th Street, which is often convenient for accessing the dog park entrance. For those utilizing public transportation, the Metro Blue Line's 50th Street/Minnehaha Park station is about a 10-minute walk from the falls and general park area, providing a good option for accessing the wider park before heading to the off-leash section. It's important to note that while the park itself is vast, the official off-leash area is designated, and dogs must be leashed until you reach the specific boundaries. New fencing projects are underway to clearly mark these areas and enhance the user experience, making navigation simpler for new visitors.

Minnehaha Off Leash Area provides a wide array of services and natural features that cater to the diverse needs of active dogs and their owners.

• Extensive Off-Leash Play Area: The core service is offering a massive off-leash area, spanning over six acres (with potential expansion to 16 acres with current projects). This allows dogs vast space to run, play, and explore freely.

• Varied Terrain and Trails: Unlike many flat dog parks, Minnehaha offers diverse terrain, including wooded areas, marked trails, and open fields. This provides a more engaging and stimulating environment for dogs that enjoy hiking and exploration.

• Doggy Beach Access to Mississippi River: A standout service is the unique access to a sandy beach along the Mississippi River. This allows water-loving dogs to swim, splash, and cool off, which is a rare and highly valued feature among dog parks in the region.

• Separate Small Dog Area: For the comfort and safety of smaller breeds, there is also a designated, ¾-acre fully fenced area specifically for small dogs, ensuring they can play without being overwhelmed by larger, more boisterous companions.

• Waste Disposal: While specific details on dispensers may vary, the park encourages responsible pet ownership with provisions for dog waste disposal, helping to keep this large natural area clean.

• Shaded Paths and Exploration Zones: The paths are described as "wide and shady," with "lots of places along the path for the dogs to explore," offering comfortable conditions for both dogs and owners.

• Requires Minneapolis Off-Leash Dog Park Permit: Like all official Minneapolis off-leash dog parks, a valid permit is required for your dog to use the facility. This helps ensure that all dogs using the park are licensed and vaccinated, promoting a safer and healthier environment for all park visitors.

Minnehaha Off Leash Area is renowned for several exceptional features that make it a favorite and often-praised dog park in the Twin Cities.

• Massive Size and Diverse Landscape: Spanning over six acres, it offers significantly more space than most urban dog parks. This expansive area includes "wooded trails," "open fields," and "views of the Mississippi River," providing a dynamic and stimulating environment.

• Mississippi River Beach Access: The unique "doggy beach" along the Mississippi River is arguably its most celebrated feature. This allows dogs to swim and play in the water, which is a major draw, especially during warmer months. It's a rarity among dog parks.

• Shaded Trails and Natural Beauty: The park boasts "wide and shady" paths that wind through beautiful natural settings. Reviewers often mention the "beautiful wooded trail" and the "gorgeous waterfalls" of Minnehaha Park nearby, making the entire visit aesthetically pleasing.

• Separate Area for Small Dogs: The dedicated ¾-acre fenced area for small dogs ensures that all canines, regardless of size, have a safe and enjoyable space to play.

• Year-Round Enjoyment: The park is popular in all seasons, with dogs enjoying the "snow" in winter and the "beautiful" fall foliage, making it a true year-round destination.

• Adventure for Both Dog and Owner: Many reviews emphasize that the park is "Enjoyable for both the doggo and owner," offering a more rugged and exploratory experience compared to typical dog parks, encouraging active participation from humans.

• Community Vibe: With "so many dogs" and happy owners, the park fosters a lively and positive community atmosphere.

As a public park managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minnehaha Off Leash Area does not offer commercial promotions or discounts. However, its primary "special offer" is the provision of a vast, naturally diverse, and high-quality public space for dog recreation.

The key "special offer" for users of Minnehaha Off Leash Area, and indeed all Minneapolis off-leash dog parks, is the Minneapolis Off-Leash Dog Park Permit. While this permit requires a fee, it grants your dog access to all nine of Minneapolis's official off-leash dog parks, providing excellent value for frequent users across the city. Current annual permit costs for 2025-26 are $38.00 for one dog, $65.00 for two dogs, and $92.00 for three dogs. Daily permits are also available for $5.00 for one dog, $10.00 for two dogs, and $15.00 for three dogs. This permit system helps ensure that all dogs using the park are licensed and vaccinated, contributing to the safety and health of the canine community within the park. It's an investment in the continued quality and maintenance of these exceptional urban spaces.

For specific permit pricing and how to apply (which can often be done online through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website), it's always best to check their official channels for the most up-to-date information. While the park itself is free to enter for humans, ensure your dog has the necessary permit.

For general inquiries about the Minnehaha Off Leash Area or Off-Leash Dog Park Permits in Minneapolis, you can contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Address: Minnehaha Dog Park, 5399 Minnehaha Park Dr S, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Phone: (612) 230-6400 (Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm)

For the most current information on park hours (typically 6 AM to 10 PM daily, though some sources indicate until midnight), permit requirements, or any temporary closures for maintenance or new fencing projects, it is highly recommended to visit the official Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website. This ensures you have all the necessary details for a safe and enjoyable visit with your dog. Note that parking often requires payment (e.g., $1 an hour).

For active dog owners in Minneapolis, the Minnehaha Off Leash Area stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished local resource. Its sheer size and diverse natural landscape—featuring wooded trails, open fields, and especially the unique Mississippi River doggy beach—provide an unparalleled outdoor experience that goes far beyond a typical urban dog park. This variety of terrain is ideal for high-energy dogs who crave exploration, swimming, and extensive running.

The thoughtful inclusion of a separate, fenced area for small dogs ensures that pups of all sizes can play safely and comfortably, fostering positive interactions. The abundant natural shade along the wide trails is a significant comfort during Minnesota's warmer months, making long visits more enjoyable for both canines and humans. The park's ability to provide year-round enjoyment, from snowy romps to sunny swims, makes it a consistently reliable and exciting destination, regardless of the season.

While a permit is required, this system ensures a higher standard of safety and health for all park users, knowing that dogs are licensed and vaccinated. Despite its popularity and the occasional muddy conditions (especially near the river), the overwhelming sentiment from locals is one of pure delight, with many calling it "Heaven on earth!" and highlighting the vast opportunities for "hiking and exploring." For any Minneapolis resident seeking a truly expansive, adventurous, and water-friendly environment for their dog, the Minnehaha Off Leash Area is not just a park; it’s a beloved sanctuary and an essential part of the local canine community.