Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Places Around St. Cloud

Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Places Around St. Cloud

If you’ve got a pup, you know the best adventures are the ones they can tag along for. Luckily, the St. Cloud area is packed with dog-friendly trails, patios, and even stores that welcome four-legged sidekicks. Here’s our curated list of the best spots to explore with your dog — whether you want to burn energy on the trail or relax with a cold beer.


🐾 Off-Leash Dog Parks (OLPEA Permit Required)

St. Cloud maintains several fenced dog parks where pups can run free. An Off-Leash Pet Exercise Area (OLPEA) permit is required, which you can get through the City of St. Cloud.

  • Wilson Park Off-Leash Area – Fenced on three sides with open access to the Mississippi River. Perfect for pups that love to splash.

  • Whitney Dog Park – A spacious, fenced run along the Sauk River.

  • Jaycees Dog Park – Separate sections for small and large dogs make this a safe spot for every pup.

  • Pinecone Central Park (Sartell) – Just north of town, this fully fenced park is a local favorite.

 


🌲 Leashed Dog-Friendly Trails & Parks

Not every dog is an off-leash runner. For a slower pace, St. Cloud offers scenic trails where leashes are welcome.

  • Quarry Park & Nature Preserve (Waite Park) – 638 acres of hiking trails through woods and prairie. Dogs welcome on leash (not in the quarries).

  • Warner Lake County Park (Clearwater) – A gem for long walks with lakeside views and picnic areas.

  • Beaver Island Trail (St. Cloud) – Riverfront path that winds through the city with plenty of shade.

  • Jail Trail – A wooded 2.7-mile loop popular with local hikers and runners.

  • Mayhew Creek Park (Sauk Rapids) – Short and sweet, this 1-mile trail is perfect for a quick outing.

  • Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area – 700 acres of prairie and wetlands south of town.

  • Lake George, Heritage Park, River Bluffs Regional Park, and Kraemer Lake–Wildwood County Park – All offer leashed dog access with plenty of room to roam.

 

🍺 Breweries, Coffee Shops & Patios

After the walk, it’s time to refuel. These local breweries and cafés are happy to host you and your dog.

  • Beaver Island Brewing Co. (St. Cloud) – Dogs are welcome inside the taproom and on the patio.

  • Back Shed Brewing (Waite Park) – Big patio with plenty of space for dogs.

  • Bad Habit Brewing Company (St. Joseph) – A cozy patio, popular with locals and their pups.

  • Pantown Brewing Company (St. Cloud) – Patio tables and shade for you and your dog.

  • Korppi Coffee + Bakeshop (St. Cloud) – Fresh bakes, strong coffee, and a dog-friendly patio.

  • Kinder Coffee Lab (St. Cloud) – Craft coffee and a relaxed, pet-friendly vibe.

  • The Local Blend (St. Joseph) – A mix of great food and dog-friendly outdoor tables.

  • Starbucks (multiple locations) – Patios welcome dogs, and baristas often hand out pup cups.

 

🍴 Restaurants with Dog-Friendly Patios

If you’d rather grab a bite, several local restaurants keep their patios open to pups.

  • 7 West Taphouse – Casual spot with craft beer and dog-friendly outdoor seating.

  • The Pickled Loon – Seasonal patio where dogs are welcome.

  • Mr. Twisty – An outdoor ice cream stand that even makes pup-friendly cones.

  • Granite City Brewery – Great beer and a patio where dogs fit right in.

  • Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill (Waite Park) – Dog-friendly patio seating.

  • Old Capital Tavern (Sauk Rapids) – Classic food, with outdoor tables for you and your pup.

  • Anejos (Sartell) – Mexican fare with a patio open to furry friends.

 


🛍️ Dog-Friendly Stores

Shopping? A few spots around town let you bring your dog inside.

  • Scheels (St. Cloud) – Officially dog-friendly; leashed pups welcome in the store.

  • Sierra & TJ Maxx (Crossroads Center) – Both stores allow dogs inside.

  • Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Joann’s – Reported by locals to allow leashed dogs (always call ahead to confirm).

 

✅ Tips for a Smooth Outing

  • Bring water & bags — trails and patios don’t always provide them.

  • Check hours & permits — off-leash areas require an OLPEA permit.

  • Patio etiquette — keep dogs leashed and close at restaurants and cafés.

 

Why We Love It

St. Cloud isn’t just pet-friendly — it’s pet-welcoming. From breweries that hand out water bowls to parks with space to roam, your dog can be part of almost any outing.

So whether you’re hiking Quarry Park, grabbing a pint at Beaver Island, or browsing Scheels, you don’t have to leave your best friend behind.

Your dog will thank you.