Vacation, all pup ever wanted. But pupper doesn’t have to count his PTO days as closely as you do. If you’re not ready for a tropical getaway, our gorgeous state offers plenty of oppawtunities for quick getaways with dog-friendly cabins, hikes, restaurants, and more. Sniff out these Minnesota weekend getaways.
1. Bemidji Weekend Getaway
Go north(west), and introduce your pal to Paul. Bunyan, that is. The iconic big guy and his Babe reside in dog-friendly Bemidji. Once you pick your pup-lovin’ lodging (we recommend Candlewood Suites), you can let pup run free at the Nymore Dog Park, then leash him up for an adventurous hike (and well-deserved ice cream!) at Itasca State Park. Got stamina? Jump on Minnesota’s longest state trail, the Paul Bunyan State Trail, at the northern trailhead at Lake Bemidji State Park, and go dogs go!
2. Dog-Friendly International Falls
If a looong road trip suits your pooch, we’ve got the sniff on the best dog-friendly spots in International Falls. Lake Vermilion’s Pehrson Lodge Resort now has pet-friendly cabins, as well as easy access to scenic hiking trails galore. Cyrus Resort, a fave of fishing enthusiasts, welcomes your furry friend to the sprawling wonder known as Lake of the Woods.
3. Duluth Weekend Getaway
Duluth is your quintessential MN North Shore vacation spot, and it’s one of the dog-friendliest as well. Keep going along the North Shore, and you’ll find dog-friendly lodging and more sniff-worthy trails than you can shake a stick at. Sniff out our full dog-friendly guide to Duluth before you go ‘splore the shore.
4. Dog-Friendly Brainerd
A little closer to the Cities for a Minneapolis weekend getaway, this centrally located concentration of lakes and lodges makes for easy weekend pickins for pups and peeps alike, plus they’ve got a sweet lil’ dog park right by the river. Bonus: Remember the Paul Bunyan Trail we mentioned earlier? You can catch it here, too!
5. Minnesota Valley State Recreation Weekend Getaway
For beautiful views (especially for a fall weekend getaway!), spend some time driving down the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway to end up at the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area. This 4,299-acre park is made of wetlands and forest floodplains. Find dog-friendly lodging right in Jordan, or continue down Hwy 169 to explore St. Peter, Mankato, or New Ulm.
What are your favorite destinations for Minnesota weekend getaways? Let us know in the comments section below.
Featured photo: Ignacio Amenabar
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group, and grab one of our Dog-Friendly Brewery Passes.