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The Perfect Day For Your Dog In Minnesota

Whether you and your four-legged friend would prefer a quiet day of pampering, a wild romp through the woods or a trip to go pick out a new friend, these dog-related activities promise the perfect way to enjoy a nice spring day, regardless of the weather.

dog catching frisbee
Photo credit: ThinkStock

Minnehaha Park
5399 So. Minnehaha Park Dr.
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 673-6222
www.minneapolisparks.org

Price: free
Hours: daily – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers six off-leash recreation areas, but the Minnehaha Park location is by far the largest at almost 7.5 acres. This park is partially fenced and adjacent to the Mississippi River, but is so large that maintaining visual contact with your off-leash dog can quickly become quite difficult. If your dog is quick to come when called, and has good manners when it comes to interacting with other dogs on his own, then the sheer size and beauty of this park makes the annual pass well worth it. Access is limited to dogs with a recreational off-leash permit, so make sure that you have the appropriate vaccinations, dog licenses and off-leash permits taken care of ahead of time.

Ruff House Dogs Playing
Photo Credit: www.ruffhousemn.com

Ruff House, Inc.
6879 Washington Ave.
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 405-9147
www.ruffhousemn.com

Price: $5/$30 a month membership
Hours: walk-in hours for trial and day visits vary from week to week
Click here for updated hours

Billed as Minnesota's only indoor dog park, Ruff House Canine Social Club is that and so much more. Zoom Groom and Perpetual Motion have joined in the fun, offering dog grooming and animal chiropractic services out of the same location. Add in a comfortable, calm location for adoption events, non-profit animal rescue fundraisers, and time for dogs to do what dogs do, and you have the recipe for what promises to be a great social hug for canines and their owners alike. You owe it to you pet, and to yourself, to stop by and check out the park. Be prepared to start deciding on the most appropriate plan for your family, because you are sure to love the multitude of recreational opportunities and other services available, especially being able to play in such a large indoor space in the land of snow and road construction.

Related: Get Out, Enjoy The Winter With Your Dog In Minn.

Sarahbeth Photography
Photo Credit: sarahbethphotography.com

Sarah Beth Photography
Minneapolis / Saint Paul Minnesota
(612) 804-2518
sarahbethphotography.com

Price: varies based on services/packages
Hours: by appointment

Sarah Beth isn't a lifestyle photographer who shoots pets, she's a pet photographer. While this is not quite the type of activity that you and your pet would throw together at the last minute, it is the kind of time spent with your pet that you won't soon forget. Sarah Beth offers sessions in her studio, at your favorite dog park or other location, and even offers joy sessions for pets nearing the end of their lives. You'll get a meaningful image to hang on the wall, and memories that will last forever.

Lulu & Luigi
Photo Credit: lululuigi.com

LuLu & Luigi White Bear Lake Store and Grooming Pawlour
2168 3rd St.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 287-2030
www.luluandluigi.com

Hours: Mon to Fri –  9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Closed Sunday

With the White Bear Lake location as the newest of three, the LuLu & Luigi name represents an family owned, award winning set of stores and grooming "pawlours." While you aren't likely to see too many farm dogs running around out front, its selection of stylish clothing and one-of-a-kind merchandise is a welcome compliment to its second-to-none grooming services. This is the place for discriminating owners and the pets who adorn their lives.

doghouse
Photo Credit: fourpawsandatail.net/

Four Paws and a Tail
120 Northtown Dr. Northeast
Blaine, MN 55434
(763) 786-0139
www.fourpawsandatail.net/

Hours: Mon to Fri – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get your best friend someone to snuggle and sniff while you're out. A smaller store like Four Paws and a Tail will offer you its personalized matchmaking process necessary to help you understand and find just the right addition to your family. With 65 to 85 pets at any given time and more than 30 years of experience, these professionals will always find the perfect fit for your family. After the initial purchase, stop back by and pick up lots of great toys.

Related: Guide to Great Photo Locales In The Twin Cities

Rich Rein, previously featured in magazines like Midwest Outdoors and Outdoors Weekly as well as a contributor to MyBuckStory.com and covering the Minneapolis fishing scene for Examiner.com, is a Minnesota transplant doing his best to enjoy the state's multitude of fishing opportunities while holding down a career as a software developer by day and a firefighter/EMT by night. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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