Plan Your Dog-friendly Trip to Brainerd, MN

Outdoor dog parks, brewery patios, hiking trails, and a canine spa treatment are a few of the reasons your dog-friendly trip to Brainerd and Baxter will be unforgettable. Here’s a list of ten things to do:

  1. There is nothing more refreshing than sitting outside and enjoying a craft beer on a hot summer day. Even more enjoyable is doing that with your pup by your side. Jack Pine Brewery welcomes four-legged friends to their outdoor patio. Between food trucks, game and trivia nights, and live music, we’re pretty sure you might never want to leave.

     Enjoy a treat at Triangle Drive Inn

  2. Pack a picnic and hiking shoes and set-off exploring Crow Wing State Park. It is located ten miles south of Brainerd/Baxter on Minnesota Highway 371 and it’s a great spot to bring your pup. Hike the Mississippi overlook, or walk the historic boardwalk, which once served as the walkway for the 1860s “Old Crow Wing” village.
  3. More dog friendly trails can be found at the Northland Arboretum. Dogs are welcome at The Arb as long as they are on a leash. There are several trail loops at The Arb which provide for different options of scenery and length of hike.
  4. Does your dog like to swim? With all of the lakes around here, one of the easiest ways for your dog to cool off, is to use a public lake access.
  5. Whether your style is biking, walking, running or roller blading the Paul Bunyan Trail is a great place to bring your dog. The Paul Bunyan trail is 100-mile paved rail trail with gentle grades and varied scenery. The trail starts south of Brainerd and ends in Bemidji with seven communities/stops along the way providing bike-in camping, picnic areas and rest shelters.
  6. What is ice cream without your favorite pup by your side? The Triangle Drive Inn Ice cream and Treats is owned and operated by dog lovers! Grab yourself an ice cream treat and a Pup-A-Treat (Vanilla Ice Cream, Dog Bone, Waffle Cone) for your dog. Enjoy tasty treats on one of the picnic tables or while playing fetch in the grass.
  7. Buster Park and Clearwater Park are both off-leash, fenced, public dog parks where you and your dog can play together. Enjoy a park-like setting and the chance to socialize with other canines and their owners. Always observe all of the park rules posted at your local dog park to help keep everyone’s experience enjoyable.
  8. We all deserve a relaxing day of pampering, even our dogs! Pampered Pets in Baxter has everything to ensure your pet has the best spa day. Choose from a full groom, bath, and blow dry or do it yourself with their self-service wash. For all the same reasons us humans take a day dedicated to wellness, our doggie best friends can enjoy the same oasis of luxury.
  9. Visit an outdoor farmers market. The Downtown Mainstreet Market is held every Friday from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. from May to October. There is also the Brainerd Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and the Baxter Farmers Market on Fridays from 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. These weekly events feature local foods, growers, art vendors, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and live music.
  10. Passport restaurant dedicates a whole menu to furry friends including starters, entrees, and dessert. Pups are welcome on the patio and receive a complimentary bowl of water while they choose between plates like chicken thigh and rice, or ground beef with carrots and peas. It’s sure to be a great time for all!

However you decide to spend time with your pet, please be respectful of your surroundings. When nature calls, please clean-up. For more information on things to do and where to stay, visit our website here.