Fall in Minnesota is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The air is crisp, the trees turn vibrant shades of orange and red, and the perfect sweater weather means more opportunities to get outside with your dog! We've got you covered if you’re looking for fun, seasonal activities to enjoy with your pets. Whether your pup loves running, sniffing, or just chilling in the leaves, here are 10 fall activities to enjoy with your dog in the Twin Cities.
1. Explore the Fall Foliage with a Hike
Minnesota is home to plenty of trails where you and your pup can take in the breathtaking fall colors. Popular spots like Minnehaha Falls, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and Afton State Park offer dog-friendly trails with stunning views of the changing leaves. Don't forget to pack water and bring along some treats for your adventure buddy.
Pro Tip: The Minnesota DNR has an amazing resource for fall foliage called the 'Fall Color Finder' which is live for 2024! They added a new feature that shows predictions based on previous years of data.
2. Go Apple Picking Together
Several apple orchards around the Twin Cities allow dogs, making it a fun, unique outing. Minnetonka Orchards (Minnetonka, MN) and Aamodt's Apple Farm (Stillwater, MN) welcome pups on leashes, so you can wander the rows of trees, snack on fresh apples, and even enjoy some cider donuts. Your dog will love exploring the open spaces and sniffing the autumn air.
Pro Tip: Always check online or call ahead to ensure the location is dog-friendly! Most locations also require leashed pets and for owners to pick up after them, of course! Be courteous guests so we can continue to bring our pups with us!
3. Have a Photoshoot in the Leaves
Speaking of photos, autumn is the perfect backdrop for capturing those Insta-worthy moments with your dog. The golden sunlight and colorful leaves make for a dreamy setting. Whether you’re booking a professional pet photography session or just snapping some pictures during your daily walk, the Twin Cities’ parks are full of picture-perfect locations.
4. Attend a Dog-Friendly Brewery
Fall is all about cozying up with a drink, and many breweries in the Twin Cities have dog-friendly patios where you and your pup can relax. Forgotten Star Brewing Co. (Fridley, MN) and Uncommon Loon Brewing Company (Chisago City, MN) are known for welcoming well-behaved dogs, so grab a pint of seasonal beer and let your dog enjoy some social time too!
Pro Tip: Always check online or call ahead to ensure the location is dog-friendly! Most locations also require leashed pets and for owners to pick up after them, of course! Be courteous guests so we can continue to bring our pups with us!
5. Visit a Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patch
What’s more fall than a pumpkin patch? Many farms around the Twin Cities welcome dogs (on a leash, of course). Check out Pleasant Valley Orchard (Shafer, MN) or Tom's Pumpkin Farm (Lindstrom, MN) where you and your pup can find the perfect pumpkin, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and snap some seasonal photos.
Pro Tip: Always check online or call ahead to ensure the location is dog-friendly! Most locations also require leashed pets and for owners to pick up after them, of course! Be courteous guests so we can continue to bring our pups with us!
6. Check Out a Dog Costume Parade
Is your dog’s Halloween costume ready? Each year, the Twin Cities hosts several dog-friendly Halloween events, including costume contests and parades. Howl-o-Ween at Alimagnet Park (Burnsville, MN) or Barktoberfest at InBound Brew Co (Minneapolis, MN) are great places to show off your dog’s spooky or cute outfit, and you'll get plenty of entertainment from seeing all the other costumed pups! Check out my blog post highlighting the best pet-friendly fall events!
7. Take a Stroll Around a Local Lake
If your dog enjoys a good walk, Minnesota’s lakes are a wonderful fall destination. The cooler weather makes it easier to enjoy longer strolls, and there’s nothing like watching the sunset over the water at places like Lake Nokomis or Lake Harriet. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy fall together.
8. Enjoy a Backyard Bonfire
If you’ve got the space, a backyard bonfire can be a cozy and relaxing way to spend an evening with your dog. Grab some blankets, roast marshmallows, and let your dog curl up by your side as the fire crackles. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they stay safe near the flames.
9. Take a Fall Camping Trip
For the more adventurous pups, a fall camping trip might be just the thing. Cooler temps make hiking and camping more enjoyable for you and your dog, and Minnesota's state parks offer some beautiful spots to set up camp. Try Whitewater State Park (Altura, MN) or Itasca State Park (Park Rapids, MN) for dog-friendly campsites with lots of trails to explore.
10. Visit an Outdoor Farmers Market
Farmers markets aren't just for humans! Many markets in the Twin Cities are dog-friendly and offer a chance for both you and your dog to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of fall. Visit Stillwater Farmers Market (Stillwater, MN) or the White Bear Lake Farmers Market (White Bear Lake, MN) to grab some fresh produce, maybe a homemade dog treat, and enjoy a leisurely morning together.
Pro Tip: Always check online or call ahead to ensure the location is dog-friendly! Most locations also require leashed pets and for owners to pick up after them, of course! Be courteous guests so we can continue to bring our pups with us!
Wrapping Up the Fall Fun
Fall is the perfect season to get out and enjoy the Twin Cities and beyond with your dog. Whether you’re hiking through the woods or just curling up together after a long day, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of autumn. Don’t forget to capture those special moments with your pup – after all, the colorful backdrop of fall won’t last forever!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Minnesota-based pet photographer specializing in capturing the bond between people and their pets. I understand that pets are important family members and I am here to capture those special moments you will treasure for a lifetime. Whether you just added a pet to the family or they've been there for as long as you can remember, it's never a bad time for updated professional photos! Reach out today to schedule your pet photo session with Scruff Life Photography!
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