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There’s never a bad time to spend some quality time with your dog, but let’s be real: In Minnesota, the list of pup-friendly activities gets cut down quite significantly during certain times of year (we’re looking at you, winter). Now that summer is here, we’ve rounded up some dog-friendly — no, more like dog-encouraged — activities for you and your pooch to partake in all season long.


Photography provided by the Hewing Hotel

Yappy Hour at the Hewing

The Hewing Hotel in the North Loop has partnered with Tito’s Handmade Vodka for monthly dog-friendly happy hours this summer. Each Yappy Hour features specialty cocktails and benefits a different dog-oriented charitable organization. Let your pup partake in this unique programming while you meet other pet owners from the area. You can find the full calendar of events on the Hewing Hotel’s Facebook page.


Photography provided by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Dog Commons On-Leash Dog Trails at the Arboretum

Get a membership to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for yourself and your furry friend. The arboretum aims to “inspire a shift from walking the dog as a chore to walking the dog as a mindful and restorative experience that benefits health and well-being for humans and pets.” We can get on board with that. There are two different trails across the 65 acres: a shorter one for older or smaller pooches and a longer one spanning three miles for more active canines. Water fountains for both you and your pup are stationed at the entrance, and doggie bags are complimentary throughout the trail.


Photography provided by Minnehaha Regional Park

Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area

Let your pup run free! The Minnehaha park is a hot spot because your canine can run and swim. On those hot summer days, what dog wouldn’t love taking a dip? Pro tip: You need a dog park permit plus your pooch must be vaccinated for rabies. If you don’t want to commit to a year-long permit, purchase a day pass for only $5.


Photography provided by North Shore SUP

Pooch-Friendly Paddleboarding

Take a day trip up to Duluth (or stay the weekend) to try some stand-up paddleboarding with your four-legged friend. North Shore SUP offers dog-friendly paddleboarding on Lake Superior. Haven’t tried it before? Fear not: The outfitter offers lessons. The end of the season is the last week in August, so be sure to fit it into your summer itinerary before then.


Photography provided by Woofstock

Woofstock

Mingle with thousands of fellow pet owners and their pooches on Saturday, September 7, at Woofstock, the ultimate doggie get-together. Shop 40+ vendor booths, partake in trick contests and even watch a canine fashion show. While you’re in Linden Hills, make a day of it by visiting some of the many dog-friendly boutiques and patios in the area. Our favorite spot is Copilot Dog Outfitters, which has all the active gear your pup will ever need, plus plenty of bully sticks, too.

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