Dog-Friendly Bloomington, Minnesota
From off-leash play and refuge trails to pet-friendly stays near Mall of America, Bloomington makes an easy Twin Cities base for traveling with your dog.
Bloomington, MN
Best for off-leash fun
A 25-acre city dog park with hills, trees, separate fenced areas, and a pond.
Best for leashed walks
Leashed dogs are welcome on refuge trails, including Bloomington trailheads like Bass Ponds.
Dog-friendly paved and natural trails for on-leash walks close to west Bloomington.
Good to know
Minnesota law allows dogs at permitted outdoor food and beverage establishments, and Bloomington has a local permit process for participating patios.
Mall of America allows only ADA-defined service animals inside, not pets.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Bloomington, MN
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis
A polished full-service stay near MSP and Mall of America with one of the clearest published dog policies in Bloomington.
3200 East 81st Street, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit WebsiteHomewood Suites by Hilton Minneapolis-Mall of America
An all-suite option across from Mall of America with kitchens, breakfast, and a straightforward dog-and-cat policy.
2261 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit WebsiteHome2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington
A practical south Bloomington base with suites, free breakfast, and one of the lower published pet fees in town.
2270 West 80 1/2 Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
Visit WebsiteHoliday Inn Bloomington W MSP Airport Area
Convenient for airport access and west Bloomington errands, with a published dog-only policy.
5120 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, MN 55437
Visit WebsiteResidence Inn by Marriott Bloomington by Mall of America
A reliable Marriott option for longer stays with kitchenettes and free breakfast near the mall district.
7850 Bloomington Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit WebsiteHampton Inn Minneapolis Bloomington West
A west Bloomington stay that works well for travelers prioritizing freeway access and lower-friction pet rules.
5400 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, MN 55437
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants and Patios in Bloomington
Full Tilt Tavern
A standout pick for dog owners thanks to its dog-friendly patio and a dedicated dog menu with items like grilled chicken, a pup cup, and a beef patty.
8301 Normandale Boulevard, Bloomington, MN 55437
Visit WebsiteNorthStar Tavern
A neighborhood tavern with a large three-level patio and firepits, making it one of Bloomington’s better patio hangs with a dog.
5101 W 98th Street, Bloomington, MN 55437
Visit WebsiteSmack Shack Bloomington
A casual coastal spot with a spacious patio that works well for a relaxed lunch or dinner with your leashed dog.
3801 Minnesota Drive, Bloomington, MN 55435
Visit WebsiteGyropolis
A local favorite for gyros and Greek plates; the rebuilt location added a patio, making it a useful casual stop with your dog.
2325 W 90th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
Visit WebsiteWilly McCoys
A lively tavern with outdoor service and a broad comfort-food menu, good for travelers staying in west Bloomington.
10700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55437
Visit WebsiteCaribou Coffee - Mall of America, 2nd Floor North
An easy coffee stop near the mall with outdoor seating options for a quick break with your dog before or after a walk.
60 East Broadway N-224, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities in Bloomington
Bloomington Off-Leash Recreation Area
The city’s signature off-leash space with 25 acres, open grassy areas, hills, trees, separate fenced sections, and a pond for water-loving dogs.
Nesbitt Avenue and W 111th Street, Bloomington, MN 55438
Visit WebsiteMinnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds Trailhead
A favorite for leashed walks, birding, and easy trail time with your dog near the river bottoms.
2501 86th Street East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit WebsiteMinnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bloomington Visitor Area
A strong pick for scenic leashed walks and wildlife viewing close to the mall district and airport corridor.
3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Visit WebsiteHyland Lake Park Reserve
A large park reserve with dog-friendly trails that gives you a quieter, more natural outing than the mall area.
10145 Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Visit WebsiteNine Mile Brewing
A dog-friendly taproom where well-behaved leashed pups are welcome inside or on the patio, ideal after a park outing.
9555 James Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Bloomington
This plan balances easy logistics near Mall of America with real outdoor time for your dog.
Day 1: Arrival and easy neighborhood exploring
Check into a pet-friendly hotel like Home2 Suites, Homewood Suites, or Hyatt Regency Bloomington. After travel, keep the first outing simple with a neighborhood sniff walk or hotel relief break.
Head to the Bloomington Off-Leash Recreation Area so your dog can burn energy in the fenced 25-acre park. If your dog prefers leashed outings, swap in Hyland Lake Park Reserve trails.
Dinner on a dog-friendly patio at Full Tilt Tavern or NorthStar Tavern. If you want a quieter night, grab takeout and settle in at your hotel.
Day 2: Refuge trails and patio lunch
Start at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, using the Bass Ponds trailhead for a scenic leashed walk. Bring water, waste bags, and keep your dog on a 6-foot leash.
Refuel with patio lunch at Gyropolis, Smack Shack, or Willy McCoys. If you’re traveling with another adult, one person can also make a quick Mall of America stop while the other walks the dog outside, since pets are not allowed inside the mall.
Wind down at Nine Mile Brewing, where leashed dogs are welcome, or return to your hotel for a relaxed evening and early night.
Day 3: Coffee, one more walk, and departure
Grab coffee at Caribou Coffee and fit in one last leashed walk at Hyland Lake Park Reserve or the refuge before checkout.
Check out and hit the road, or continue on to Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Stillwater for the next leg of your dog-friendly Midwest trip.
If you’re extending the trip, choose a nearby destination with more urban patios or riverfront walking trails.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Minneapolis, MN
~15 minutesA bigger-city add-on with more patios, parks, and riverfront walking options.
Saint Paul, MN
~20-25 minutesGreat for brewery patios, historic neighborhoods, and scenic Mississippi River walks.
Stillwater, MN
~45 minutesA charming river town with walkable streets and a weekend-getaway feel.
Northfield, MN
~45 minutesA smaller college town with relaxed pacing and pleasant downtown strolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed inside Mall of America?
No. Mall of America’s published rules say only ADA-defined service animals are permitted inside. Pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Bloomington, MN?
Yes. Bloomington operates the Bloomington Off-Leash Recreation Area, a 25-acre dog park with separate fenced areas, hills, and a pond.
Can dogs go on restaurant patios in Bloomington?
Yes, at participating patios. Minnesota law allows dogs at permitted outdoor food and beverage establishments, and Bloomington has a local permit process for businesses that choose to allow them.
Where can I hike with my dog in Bloomington?
Two of the best options are Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Dogs must stay leashed on these trails.
What do Bloomington pet-friendly hotels usually charge?
Published pet fees commonly fall around $50 to $125 per stay, though some hotels charge more for longer stays or have weight limits and pet-count caps.
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