Give yourselves a round of ap-paw-se, Sidewalk Doggers: we’ve got something to brag about. According to the September issue of Dog Fancy Magazine, Minneapolis is the best dog-friendly city in the Midwest! Yip yip hurray!
We’re not surprised though, and we’re guessing you (the 392,880 humans and 105,000 four-legged tail-waggers who call Minneapolis home) aren’t either. The City of Lakes definitely deserves its title as Top Dog of the Midwest.
Related story: The 10 best Twin Cities dog friendly restaurants (Stephanie Fox, TC Daily Planet, 2014)
This title also earns us a spot among the top five cities in the nation. Sure, Austin, Texas may have taken the #1 spot overall (with Charleston, Gettysburg, and Eureka Springs in Arkansas taking regional titles as well), but let’s be honest: bigger isn’t always better.
Dog Fancy’s feature highlights Minneapolis’s bountiful landscape for dogs and dog lovers alike: “The city has seven dog parks, miles of paved paths, and many dog-friendly trails, including the nearby 63-mile Luce Line State Trail.” Specifically highlighted in the article is the wonderful Minnehaha Dog Park (which includes the ever-beautiful waterfall) and Loring Park Off-Leash Dog Park (featuring doggie sculptures).
Looking for ways to revel in the glory of our city’s win? We got you covered. Take a look at our comprehensive dog-friendly business directory and discover a whole bunch of new places to take your pooch. Here are some great places to start:
- Spend the afternoon in a beautiful dog-friendly vineyard or brewery
- Hit up a dog-friendly bookstore
- Head to an apple orchard with the pup and the tykes

Jeanette Wiedemeier Bower, from Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, nominated Minneapolis for the Dog Fancy Magazine contest. “Our dog owners are fabulous and this award is a testament to what our entire city has done for canines.” Well said, Jeanette! So cheers to all you Minneapolis dog lovers and to our dog-friendly home city! (Want to thank MACC for submitting our city for consideration? They have an awesome event coming up; even Mayor Betsy Hodges is attending!)
[Sidewalk Dog Editor’s Note: Do you live in Minneapolis? The law requires your pup has a pet license. So legal your beagle and grab one here.]
(Photos: Dog Fancy Magazine)
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