Minnesota has a good selection of dog parks for pet-owners to check out. It’s a great way to socialize your pets, get them active and allow them to feel a sense of freedom. While a walk around the neighborhood is healthy for your dog, it doesn’t beat the natural environment of a dog park where Fido can be off the leash and interacting with other dogs. When your dog is ready to meet other dogs and get some activity, here is a look at the top dog parks in Minnesota.

Wilson Park – 625 N.E. Riverside Drive, St. Cloud

Wilson Park is a great choice and it’s found in St. Cloud. It’s secluded allowing for it to be an off-leash area for dogs. You can find it in the south end of the park by the sandy Mississippi River beach. There are plenty of trees, grass and a chain-link fence. Bring your family for a picnic using the barbecue pits outside the fence while your dog roams the dog park. There is also a playground, fishing and basketball courts.

Elm Creek Reserve Dog Park – 12400 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove

There is a 29-acre dog park located in Maple Grove’s Elm Creek Reserve. The dog park features scenic views and you can walk the 20 miles of trails and woodlands all year. Bring a six-foot, non-retractable leash with you for this park. Dogs are allowed on the campgrounds on leash but not in the picnic or beach area.

Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area – 5399 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis

If you still prefer an off-leash park, Minneapolis has the perfect one. On the south end of Minnehaha Park is six acres of woods for dogs to run around. There is water for swimming, logs to jump over and holes to dig. You can pay to park across the street on 54^th Street and there are free bags for cleaning up after your dog. Fluffy will love walking along the sandy beach along the Mississippi.

Also be sure to check out Bryant Lake Regional Dog Park in Eden Prairie and Keene Creek Dog Park in Duluth.