Explore 16 Pet-Friendly Stays Across Minnesota
This year, we’ve all been spending a lot more time with our four-legged family members. Most of that time has been spent at home, but if you’re ready to travel, you don’t have to leave them behind. Check out these 16 dog-friendly places to stay in Minnesota and start planning your next family trip with Fido.
Campsites
If you’re looking to ruff it with your pup, finding a campsite is fairly easy in Minnesota. Whether you choose to camp in an RV, pop-up camper, Airstream or tent, you and your dog will find plenty of space to spread out at these dog-friendly campgrounds.
Brainerd
Crow Wing Lake Campground is a great, family-friendly summer spot in central Minnesota. Dogs will love the off-leash pet park, and human guests can rent paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, cool off in the outdoor pool and more. After a long day of playing outside or in the lake, use the free pet washing station at the lodge to clean off—just remember to bring your own towels and shampoo.
Tofte
You’ll find Crescent Lake Campground in the remote Superior National Forest near Tofte and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This quiet campground has 34 private sites nestled within the dense North Woods, including six waterfront campsites perfect for fishing and enjoying nature. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle.
Savage
Town & Country Campground offers family and pet-friendly fun just minutes away from popular attractions like Valleyfair, the Minnesota Zoo and Mall of America. Families including up to three dogs will enjoy the salt water pool, playground, and wildlife sightings along Eagle Creek.
Walker
Located within the Chippewa National Forest, the Leech Lake Dam and Recreation Area is famous for its incredible fishing, easy boat access and proximity to Portage Bay on Leech Lake. When you’re not on the water, the campground offers amenities like badminton and volleyball, and dogs of all sizes are welcome with a nominal fee.
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Resorts
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin for you and your pack, a historic lodge with a lakeside view or something in between, you and your pups will love splashing in the water and roaming the grounds at these dog-friendly Minnesota resorts.
Alexandria
Shady Lawn Resort is located on Lake Darling and they believe pets are part important members of your family. They welcome all well mannered dogs but require guests to keep them on leashes and clean up after them. In Alexandria, find outdoor recreation opportunities at Glacial Lakes State Park where travelers can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, or take a hike. After exploring the park, sit outside and enjoy the expanded outdoor area at Carlos Creek Winery. New offerings include local beer from 22 Northmen Brewing or wood-fired pizzas, wings, pretzels and more at Valkyrie Wood Fired Pizza. Pets are welcome outside on a leash.
Bemidji
Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge on Lake Bemidji is Minnesota’s oldest family-owned resort, and a great place to live your best lake life. The full-service family resort has a variety of beautiful cottages and cabins with gorgeous views of the lake, marina rentals, children's activities, fishing, golf and more. Up to two pets are allowed in a unit with an additional nightly fee.
Otter Tail County
Ten Mile Lake Resort in Dalton is a pet-friendly resort with a focus on fishing and families. The resort sits between two lakes—Tenmile and North Tenmile—which makes it a favorite among anglers looking for walleye, northern pike, bass and panfish. You can choose from 12 modern lakeside cabins and a seasonal campsite, with pets welcome for a small fee.
Nisswa
With its impeccable grounds, pure sand beach and award-winning golf courses, Grand View Lodge is one of Minnesota’s most beloved and highly regarded resorts. Although not every room is dog-friendly, a limited number of lodging options are available for pets under 25 pounds. While you’re teeing off at The Pines or enjoying a glass of wine at Cru Restaurant and Wine Bar, your pup can make some new friends at the on-site Northland Pet Lodge doggie daycare facility.
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Hotels
From boutique spots in Minneapolis’ trendy North Loop neighborhood to clean and welcoming spots near great outdoor recreation, you and your dogs will love these dog-friendly Minnesota hotels.
Detroit Lakes
The Holiday Inn and Suites on the shore of Big Detroit Lake is just steps away from fun on the water and downtown Detroit Lakes, where you can browse charming shops, local restaurants and more. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Head to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, a pet-friendly, all-season outdoor destination that welcomes leashed dogs on its hiking and snowshoeing trails.
Grand Marais
If you’re looking for a North Shore getaway, the Best Western Plus Superior Inn is located on the shores of Lake Superior just a short drive from the Pincushion Mountain Trail System and Cascade River State Park. Guests and pups will enjoy the private beach to enjoy one of Minnesota’s most iconic lakes.
Minneapolis
Located in the trendy North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, the boutique Hewing Hotel offers the perfect combination of Scandinavian hospitality, delicious dining and dog-friendly touches. Your dog will be greeted with a personal welcome sign in the lobby, along with treats and fresh water in its own bowl. Just blocks away from the Mississippi River, your pooch will love taking long walks along the downtown Minneapolis waterfront.
Rochester
The Kahler Grand Hotel is located across the street from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in downtown Rochester, but you don’t need to be checked-in to check out this extraordinary Minnesota destination. The hotel is surrounded by delicious restaurants, great biking trails and refreshing local breweries. Or, stick around the hotel and let your dog take a nap while you take a dip in the indoor pool under a glass dome.
Stillwater
Lora in downtown Stillwater will welcome your pup with a comfortable dog bed, water bowl, treats, a Fido magazine and a dog tag. Find nearby outdoor recreation opportunities at William O'Brien State Park or treat your pampered pooch to a free pup cup at Leo's Grill & Malt Shop.
Staples
The Timberlake Hotel welcomes two dogs of any size with no additional fee in select rooms. Your dog won’t want to leave with endless treats available in the lobby, or you can soak up the farmlands and countryside of central Minnesota as you seek out the unique barn quilts of Minnesota. A barn quilt is a unique and colorfully painted square on classic red barns. Each piece tells a story about its owner, the property’s history or a special memory. There are currently 80 barn quilts listed on the trail and central Minnesota’s trail weaves right through the town of Staples.
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Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's social media strategist and resident Disney expert. She grew up spending summer weekends at her family's lake cabin in Detroit Lakes, and brings that "up north" attitude to everything she does. When traveling around the state, she likes trying new restaurants and taprooms, or watching Minnesota hockey.
