Pet-Friendly Adventures in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, MN

A Tail-Wagging Day Out

Exploring is even better with every member of the family along, including your four-legged companions. Use this pet-friendly guide to plan a pawfect getaway in Minnesota’s Sweet Spot!

April 10, 2025

A Comfortable Stay for You and Your Dog

Whether your trip is a visit with friends or family, a short staycation, or a full vacation, these pet-friendly hotels offer a welcoming home base. Each one is within walking distance of the shopping, restaurants, and entertainment at St. Louis Park’s West End.

AC Hotel by Marriott

Spanish style and European details give the AC Hotel by Marriott a contemporary retreat-like feel. At REVEAL Rooftop Bar & Lounge, guests can take in sweeping Minneapolis skyline views. One pet is allowed per room, and each stay requires a non-refundable fee.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Couples and families looking for extra room will appreciate the nearby Homewood Suites by Hilton. Suites include separate living spaces and fully-equipped kitchens, along with access to a swimming pool. Pets are allowed up to 75 lbs. and a non-refundable pet deposit is required.

DoubleTree by Hilton

At the DoubleTree by Hilton, rooms include Serta Suite Dreams® beds and 50” HDTV’s for relaxing with your furry companion. The property also provides ample meeting space for weddings, family reunions, and business meetings. Shops and West End attractions are within walking distance, and a pet fee may apply.

Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis West and Minneapolis Marriott West

These dual Marriott properties provide a range of room styles and event spaces. Kip’s Irish Pub serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is popular with local diners, while the on-site Starbucks provides coffee. Guests can also use the indoor pool and modern fitness center. A maximum of 2 pets per room is allowed, with a non-refundable pet fee per stay.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

For longer visits, TownePlace Suites by Marriott supplies many of the conveniences of home, including a fully equipped kitchen, onsite laundry facilities, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a grilling area. One pet per room is permitted, up to 50 lbs., with a non-refundable deposit.

Dining Spots That Welcome Pets

The Block Food + Drink

For a special meal with your dog, visit The Block Food + Drink in St. Louis Park. Its year-round pawtio features an exclusive, three-course dog menu. Begin with a beef marrow bone or pig’s ear, select an entrée such as Nala’s Turkey Muttloaf, and end with homemade Pupcream prepared from bananas, peanut butter, and whipped cream. Salmon cakes are available for your favorite feline, too.

People can choose from broasted chicken, burgers, bowls, weekend brunch, and adult libations. Dog beer is available for companions who do not want to drink alone.

Kip’s Irish Pub

Kip’s Irish Pub also serves a Barkin’ Bites menu. Dogs can enjoy a pup loaf made from beef and rice or a turkey treat containing ground turkey, rice, carrots and peas. Frosty Paws ice cream offers a cool dessert for canine guests.

The regular menu includes Irish favorites such as corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, a Reuben or Rachel, Guinness braised beef short ribs, and walleye. Pick up a pint and listen to live music every Friday.

JJ’s Clubhouse

For a local-style meal, head to JJ’s Clubhouse in Golden Valley, where a spacious, tree covered patio welcomes guests. The menu includes sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pizzas, along with house special lasagna and walleye dijonnaise. Weekend specialties include big ‘ole bloody marys and screwmosas, plus bingo on Saturday afternoons. Your pupper can receive a bowl of water and possibly a treat.

Park Tavern

Park Tavern is another well-liked gathering place for doggos. Its expanded, tent-covered patio hosts live music every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. The broad menu features classic appetizers, pizzas, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Weekend brunch is available, and the prime rib special on Friday and Saturday nights is sure to satisfy.

Additional Dog-Friendly Patios

Other restaurant patios that welcome dogs include Three One Six Bar + Grill, New Bohemia Wurst & BierHuas, Mill Valley Kitchen, and Yum! Kitchen & Bakery.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Play

St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer over 80 parks for exploring with your dog. Visitors can find paved paths, wooded trails, and wooden boardwalks. To protect its natural habitats, Westwood Hills Nature Center does not permit dogs.

Off-Leash Parks in St. Louis Park

Staying in the area for a while? St. Louis Park has two off-leash dog parks:

• Cedar Knoll Park, 2541 Nevada Ave S
• Dakota Park, 2643 Dakota Ave S

Both parks operate daily from 7 am – 8:30 pm. An off-leash dog permit is required, and applicants must show proof of rabies vaccination when obtaining one at City Hall.

Golden Valley-Area Exercise Areas

Dogs can run off leash in the fenced area at Sochacki Park, 3500 June Ave N, Robbinsdale. This area is open year-round from dawn to dusk.

Two additional pet exercise areas operate seasonally during the summer at Gearty Park, 3101 Regent Ave N, and Medley Parks, 2331 Ensign Ave N. These areas are located in the hockey rinks only.

Winter Skijoring

For an especially Minnesotan outing, try skijoring in winter. The sport takes its name from a Norwegian word meaning ski driving and involves cross-country skiing while your dog pulls you. The basic equipment includes a dog, skis, and a pulling harness.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Golden Valley has 5 skijoring trails, ranging from 1.1 – 2.2 km. The routes provide sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis and Wirth Lake. Hoigaard’s in St. Louis Park rents skis by the day, weekend, or week, and dog harnesses for skijoring start at around $40.

Drinks and Patios for Dog Lovers

Steel Toe Brewing

Craft beer fans can explore the selection at Steel Toe Brewing. Provider is a golden ale that won silver medals at the 2018 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival. Other options include the gold medal-winning Dissent and Size 7 IPA. Guests can enjoy a pint on the outdoor patio and purchase food from a visiting food truck. Dogs must remain on a leash.

Dampfwerk Distillery

Family-owned Dampfwerk Distillery focuses on German-style fruit brandies and liqueurs, along with gin and aquavit. The distillery has also recently launched an American single malt whiskey. Its offerings center on neat spirits, sipping shots, flights, and classic cocktails.

The cocktail lounge operates Tuesday – Saturday, with the first two hours always designated as happy hour. Patio guests can relax beneath twinkling lights, order mocktails, and request bowls of water for their dogs.

Under Pressure Brewing

At Under Pressure Brewing, visitors can choose from over 20 beers on tap or make a personalized blend in the blendery. Thursday evenings feature themed trivia nights, with Cheese Curd Tacos and changing food truck selections available while guests play. Dogs can settle in on the grassy patio.

Pet Food, Treats, and Supplies

Bone Marché

Bone Marché in St. Louis Park carries a broad selection of high-quality packaged and raw dog food and cat food, along with treats, toys, and other pet supplies.

Petropawlis

In the Historic Walker Lake district, a short distance from The Block, Petropawlis offers neighborhood pet care shopping. The store carries familiar food and pet-supply brands and provides doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services.

Grooming and Bathing

Bubbly Paws

After a full day of activity, Bubbly Paws can help freshen up Fido. Services include self-service baths, full-service baths, and several grooming options.

Minnesota’s Sweet Spot offers plenty of ways to enjoy a tail wagging good time with your pet.