Forager Brewery & Kutzky Market in Rochester is more than just Minnesota’s best dog-friendly brewery. Early risers can kickstart the day with hot and iced coffee drinks and fresh-baked pastries, while the afternoon crowd can sample an eclectic lineup of year-round and seasonal brews. If you’re feeling peckish, order up tasty eats such as cheeseburgers, Cuban sandwiches and chicken pot pie. Fill up your pup’s water bowl at the dog bar outside and take a picture next to the eye-catching painting of a fire hydrant. Afterwards, let your pooch run and play off leash at River Road / Essex Park.

Don’t want to drive home? Book a room at the nearby TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester.

Over 100 varieties of wildflowers and the largest remnant of Big Woods vegetation in Minnesota await you and your mutt at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Your pooch can join you on 11 miles of hiking trails as well as ungroomed snowshoeing trails at Minnesota’s most dog-friendly state park. Take the self-guided interpretive trail, visit Hidden Falls which freezes over in winter, and admire the vibrant fall foliage in autumn. Birding, picnicking and geocaching are additional activities to enjoy with your furry friend.

From early April to late October, bring your RV, camper or tent and spend a weekend at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground. If your pack prefers a hotel, check in at the Comfort Inn Owatonna.

Planning a trip to dog-friendly Minneapolis? Let loose and unwind at Unleashed Hounds and Hops. Minnesota’s first indoor/outdoor dog park, bar, and eatery invites canines and their owners to blow off steam together in the Twin Cities. Pugs and Chihuahuas can pick on pups their own size in the separate section for small dogs, while bigger pooches who love a bit of “ruff” and tumble can stretch their legs in the main indoor or outdoor space, depending on the weather. Wash your food down with a local brew, seltzer, or wine at Minneota’s most dog-friendly attraction.

When it comes time to drag your dog away, he’ll soon cheer up when he sees his room at Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis. Canine guests receive treats at check-in, and bowls and beds to use during their stay.

Just two hours from the Twin Cities, Crow Wing Lake Campground is situated on 30 wooded acres on the shores of Crow Wing Lake. Fido can play off leash in the fenced pet park, test his skills on the agility equipment, or join you for a paddle around the lake on one of the campground’s rentable kayaks or paddle boards. After a fun-filled day, stop by the pet washing and drying station to get cleaned up. Bring your own dog shampoo, or pick some up from the camp store. At Minnesota’s most dog-friendly campground, two dogs of any size are allowed at all RV sites for no additional fee. There is a $30 fee for any additional dogs.

At 35 acres, Battle Creek Dog Park in Maplewood is one of the largest fully-fenced dog parks in the country and the best dog park in Minnesota. Inside the park, four-legged adventurers can lead the way along wooded trails and walking paths, find shade under the tree canopy, or go for a paddle in the large fenced pond or in one of two smaller ponds nestled between rolling hills. If your pup loves to fetch, seek out the social area fields and challenge other visiting pups to a tennis ball race. Don’t forget to bring your own water along with you as there are no water stations in the park.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Paul Woodbury is a popular pet-friendly hotel just a short drive from Battle Creek. Book a room and enjoy the spacious outdoor area for walks before bed.

Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors boasts 20 miles of pet-friendly trails along the Gooseberry River, but the real spectacles here are the grand waterfalls on display. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop takes visitors to the foot of a terrific tiered waterfall, which makes a great place for a photograph and Minnesota’s top trail to hike with your dog. This loop trail is three miles long and is rated easy. If Fido prefers the level nature of a rails-to-trails adventure, a paved section of the Gitchi Gami State Trail is also located within the park.

Pups can put their paws up around the fireplace at Knife River Gooseberry Suites. The closest lodging to the state park has access to pet-friendly trails beyond the backdoor.

The Merryweather Inn in the heart of the historic district of Duluth proudly spoils dogs who come to stay which is why it’s Minnesota’s best dog-friendly B&B. At check-in, guests are greeted by two gorgeous Great Pyrenees who live on the property full time. Inside the elegant home, there’s a selection of spacious pet-friendly rooms with a variety of standout features like four-poster beds, fireplaces, and big bay windows. Breakfast is prepared using fresh ingredients from the garden, where you’re also free to walk around with your leashed pooch. If Fido needs a longer stroll, head to the Lakewalk, a paved trail along the shoreline of Lake Superior.

The Merryweather Inn allows two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $100 per pet, per stay.

Benefiting Minnesota’s Animal Humane Society, the annual Whisker Whirl is Minnesota’s can’t miss dog event. Dress Fido up in his best bowtie and pull on your glad rags for this glitzy ball to raise money for a great cause. Look out for volunteers handing out pupcakes while you eat a meal of your own, then bid on items in the silent auction. If your pooch needs a break from the action, hand him over to a canine concierge who will take him for a jaunt outside. With specialized pup props, take plenty of snaps, and be sure to tag #bringfido.

Spend the night in the mix at nearby Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis, where dogs stay for free.

If our Best of Minnesota preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!