The city of St. Paul, MN, is a dog-friendly place to live. Multiple off-leash dog parks are maintained throughout the city, so dog owners always have a place to take their pets for some exercise and socialization in a safe environment. Plus, this northern Mississippi River city has plenty of dog-friendly activities that people can do with their leashed pets, from running errands and shopping to relaxing at a local eatery. Once a newcomer gets to know St. Paul, they’ll realize there are many fun activities to do with their dogs. Here are some things that make moving to St. Paul so great for dogs and their humans.

Best Neighborhood Dog Parks in St. Paul

Dogs in St. Paul are required to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. So long as they meet those conditions, they’re allowed in any of the city’s well-maintained dog parks. Here are some great choices among the best parks in St. Paul.

High Bridge Dog Park

High Bridge Dog Park is located in the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area in the Irvine Park neighborhood of St. Paul. The park is actually underneath the Smith Avenue Bridge. There are double-gated entrances at the east and west ends of the park. The eastern entrance is primarily used by riverfront condo owners along Spring Street. The public parking lot on Randolph Avenue leads to the western entrance.

The dog park is a large and fully-fenced area. Once inside the gate, owners can let their dogs off the leash to run and play. The run has a dirt and wood chip surface, surrounded by grassy areas. There are no drinking fountains at High Bridge Dog Park, so pet owners should bring their own water. The 7-acre park has plenty of space for dogs to run around.

• Address: 59 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102
• Hours: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to sundown

Lowertown Dog Park, CHS Field

Lowertown Dog Park is located on Broadway Street in Downtown St. Paul. Its location makes it an excellent place for dog owners living in downtown condominiums to bring their pets for some exercise. This park is on the renovated grounds of CHS Field, where the St. Paul Saints baseball team plays. There’s even a spot on the eastern end of the dog run where pet owners can view the field, although the view is not great for catching a game.

The Lowertown Dog Park has a combination of gravel and wood-chip surfacing. It is fully fenced-in and has just one area for large and small dogs to run around. The park has doggie drinking fountains, a few climbing obstacles, and some nice dog-friendly shrubbery. Owners are asked to remain within voice distance of their pets and keep them controlled at all times.

• Address: 386 Broadway Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101
• Hours: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to sundown

Meeker Island Dog Park

Meeker Island Dog Park is on the Mississippi River, near the northernmost lock and dam. It’s close to the St. Anthony Park and Merriam Park neighborhoods—two of Saint Paul’s most walkable neighborhoods! Most waterfront homes along Mississippi River Boulevard are two stories tall, allowing for water views. Just follow the Mississippi River Boulevard Trail from the Eustis Street intersection to reach the park.

Note that this dog park is not fenced in. Meeker Island Dog Park is between the river and the bluffs and features a hiking trail and a dog beach. Off-leash dogs can play in the park and the water, so bring a towel! Pets brought to this park should have good recall skills if allowed off-leash. This is one of the only dog beaches in the St. Paul area, and definitely worth a visit.

• Address: 486 N Mississippi River Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55104
• Hours: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to sundown

Arlington Arkwright Off Leash Dog Park

Arlington Arkwright Park is more than 20 acres in size, and a 5-acre area here is fenced in as an off-leash dog park. It’s located east of the North End neighborhood and west of the golf course homes in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Park in the main parking lot off Arkwright Street North, near the baseball field. Follow the paved path south from the parking lot to reach the double-gated entrance to the dog park.

This dog park has many shade trees and a large, open grassy area for dogs to run and play. There are no drinking fountains, so owners should bring water for their dogs. There are some picnic tables and benches for owners to sit at while their dogs run around. However, no food is allowed in the park.

• Address: 400 Arlington Ave. E., Saint Paul, MN 55130
• Hours: Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to sundown

Dog-Friendly Activities in St. Paul

Baseball is extremely popular here due to Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins, whose home games are played in the neighboring city of Minneapolis. The Twins’ minor league team, the St. Paul Saints, play their home games at CHS Field in Downtown St. Paul. Many up-and-coming Saints move on to play in the big leagues for the Twins. The Saints offer several annual Dog Day Packages or “Anything on a Leash” days at the stadium. For just $20, pet owners get one reserved seat in the outfield and can bring along a leashed pet. The ticket price includes a Saints hat for each owner and a bandana for each pet.

The Mississippi River Trail was built on the levee on the south side of St. Paul. This unique trail system follows the river, and leashed dogs can accompany their owners for a jog or a stroll. The trail is paved, and there are about a half dozen access points, each with free off-street parking. The trail is mostly flat and is rated “Easy,” making it suitable for families with children, cycling or walking. There are even some scenic overlooks where people can enjoy watching the boats on the water and the occasional wildlife.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in St. Paul

There are several places in St. Paul where pet owners can go out for a bite to eat and bring their leashed dog along with them. Most of the restaurants with patio dining allow pets in the outdoor seating, though there are also a few places where well-behaved pets are allowed indoors with their owners. Here are a few local favorites:

• Claddagh Coffee: This coffee shop has limited indoor seats but allows dogs. They primarily serve coffee, but Claddagh Coffee also has breakfast sandwiches, scones, and desserts.
• Burning Brothers Brewing: In the Hamline-Midway neighborhood, Burning Brothers allows leashed dogs inside. They mostly brew craft brews and kite sodas but have a limited menu of pub foods and snacks.
• Bay Street Burger Dive: The Burger Dive is in the West Seventh-Fort Road neighborhood of St. Paul. It has a vast selection of burgers, tacos, a breakfast menu, and beer on tap. They have limited outdoor patio tables in the back of the restaurant where dogs are welcome. Call ahead to reserve a table!
• Moscow on the Hill: This upscale restaurant in the Cathedral Hill community has a lovely outdoor patio where dogs are allowed. Moscow on the Hill serves authentic Russian and Eastern European dishes that are hard to find elsewhere.
• Day by Day Cafe: The Day by Day Cafe in the Irvine neighborhood has dog-friendly outdoor patio seating. This historic cafe has been open in St. Paul for decades, although it has changed owners numerous times. They have extensive breakfast and lunch menus and also make specialty pizzas.

Dog-Friendly Shopping in St. Paul

Many pet owners like to bring their dogs along while running errands. Fortunately, St. Paul has plenty of shopping venues where owners can bring their leashed pets. Here are a few selections.

CorAzoN is a specialty gift shop across Lake Street-Marshall Bridge from St. Paul in Minneapolis. They sell jewelry made exclusively by Minnesota artists, stationery, toys, books for kids, and “weird little gifty things.” The store also sells dog toys and treats, and leashed pets are welcome inside the store.

i like you is a handmade gift shop with a little bit of something for everyone. Located in the MacAlester Groveland neighborhood, it features wall art, kitchen items, stationery, scented candles, shirts, jewelry, self-care items, and much more. Leashed dogs are welcome inside and will likely get a hug from the staff.

The St. Paul Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Saturdays in the Downtown area. It’s a great place to find farm-fresh meats, produce from Minnesota, baked goods, coffee, and much more. There are fire pits inside the market to stay warm during the winter months. Leashed pets are welcome to browse with their owners.

The Wine Thief & Jail Ale is a dog-friendly liquor store in the Tangletown neighborhood of Minneapolis. These two locally owned shops have weekly wine and beer tastings, and leashed pets are welcome inside both venues.

Pet-Friendly Lodging

Any pet owner visiting St. Paul or locals looking to have a staycation will find a variety of lodging and hotels where dogs are welcome. Here are a few local venues and their pet policies:

• The Drury Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown St. Paul. It offers two-room King and Queen Suites and allows up to two pets per room. There is a $40 pet fee per day, plus tax, and the two pets cannot weigh more than 80 pounds combined.
• The Hampton Inn & Suites is on the western side of Downtown St. Paul, close to the Xcel Energy Center and several large parks. Cats are not allowed here, but dogs less than 35 pounds are. There is a $75 refundable deposit.
• Hyatt Place overlooks the river from the east side of Downtown St. Paul. It charges a $75 non-refundable pet fee. One dog up to 50 pounds is allowed per room, or two dogs if their combined weight is 75 pounds or less.
• The Residence Inn by Marriott is located next to the Minnesota Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. They allow up to one pet (dog or cat) per room, so long as it weighs 80 pounds or less. There is a $100 pet fee for a stay of any length.
• The SpringHill Suites by Marriott is not far from CHS Field in St. Paul. This hotel allows up to two dogs or cats in each room, weighing 75 pounds or less combined. There is a non-refundable $75 fee per pet.

Welcome to Dog-Friendly St. Paul, MN!

St. Paul is home to many dog owners, and the pet-friendly atmosphere is reflected in the many restaurants, parks, stores, and other venues where pets are welcome. St. Paul does require dogs to be licensed and vaccinated for rabies at four months of age or older, but other than that, the rules are fairly permissive for pet owners. There are plenty of things to do in St. Paul, but remember that all the activities listed above barely scratch the surface when it comes to dog-friendly activities!

If Saint Paul is the city for you, contact Kris Lindahl Real Estate at 1-(855) 967-7653 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your dream home today.