Mutt Pawprints on Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Luie Boone
- 25 minutes ago
- 10 min read
This travel spot is featured in our sixth blog series, Mutts Mingle.
Luie Boone loves water. Puddles, lakes, mysterious dripping hoses...as long as the mysterious dripping hoses don't get pointed at him. Anyways, Minnehaha Falls? That’s a whole different level of water-related pawsome-ness.
Minnehaha Falls isn’t just pretty to look at. It’s deeply rooted in Dakota culture and spirituality, which even Luie Boone knows means that you don’t just run in full speed and cannonball. The name “Minnehaha” comes from Dakota words meaning “curling water,” and for centuries this place, called Wakán Tipi or “Sacred Dwelling,” has been a space for gathering, storytelling, and connecting with the earth. Luie thinks that’s something even the hoomans should slow down for.
To the Dakota people, water is sacred and holds the power to heal. Minnehaha Falls has long been seen as a safe and spiritually significant place, and that meaning still carries through today. Luie Boone may not fully understand healing energy, but he does understand when a place feels worth a quiet sit.
Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis, Minnesota is one of the most beautiful spots in the city for a relaxing and dog-friendly vacation, and Luie Boone would absolutely back that up. The parkway follows Minnehaha Creek for miles, winding through neighborhoods, parks, and wooded green spaces before reaching the Mississippi River and the iconic Minnehaha Falls. Lined with trees, walking paths, bridges, and scenic picnic areas, it creates a peaceful stretch through the city where visitors and their dogs can enjoy long walks, take in the views, and actually slow down for a bit. With so many connected trails, it’s easy to spend hours exploring while listening to the creek and staying cool under the shade of mature trees.
Walking along Minnehaha Parkway is one of the best ways to experience the area with your dog, which Luie Boone fully supports. The paved trails follow the creek and offer gentle terrain that feels easy and relaxed for both hoomans and their pups. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to pause and take in the scenery or just enjoy a quiet moment outside. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll see locals out on their daily walks. The trail system also connects to other parts of the Minneapolis park system, so it’s easy to keep going if you’re not ready to head back.
At the eastern end of Minnehaha Parkway sits Minnehaha Regional Park, home to the iconic Minnehaha Falls. The 53-foot waterfall is one of Minneapolis’s most photographed natural attractions and is surrounded by wooded trails and scenic overlooks. Visitors can walk with their dogs along the upper paths near the falls or head down into the gorge where the creek flows toward the Mississippi River. Luie Boone thinks this is where things start to feel extra pawsome, especially with all the shade and space to wander. The park stays comfortable even on warm days, and it’s a great place to settle in for a bit while your dog relaxes right beside you.
For dogs who love to run and make new friends, the nearby Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park is basically the dream, and Luie Boone would call it a top-tier hangout. This large natural area has wooded trails and wide open space, plus access to the Mississippi River shoreline where dogs can splash around like they just discovered water for the first time. The off-leash setup gives pets a chance to really burn off energy after walking the paved trails nearby, which Luie Boone strongly encourages for maximum zoomies. It’s one of the most popular dog parks in the Twin Cities, mostly because it feels less like a typical park and more like a full-on outdoor adventure.
After spending time outdoors, there are several dog-friendly restaurants near the parkway where visitors can enjoy a meal without leaving their dog behind. Longfellow Grill sits along West River Parkway near the eastern end of Minnehaha Parkway, making it an easy stop after walking the creek trails or visiting the falls. Fido can join you at an outdoor table for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even just a drink. That's exactly how Luie Boone thinks dining should work. The menu has a little bit of everything, from hearty comfort food to lighter options, and breakfast is served all day.
Luie Boone thinks the Minnehaha Parkway is the kind of place where hoomans and dogs both get what they want without compromise. With miles of scenic trails and easy access to beautiful parks, the area makes it simple to explore Minneapolis with your four-legged companion right by your side. Whether you spend your time walking along the creek, visiting the waterfall, relaxing in the park, or grabbing a bite on a dog-friendly patio, the experience feels easy and memorable. Luie Boone would say it’s pawsome from start to finish.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay on Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Perfect Family Bungalow
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3 full baths.
Photos by minnestay.com
It features the following amenities:
Located in the charming Ericsson neighborhood
Furnished front patio with golf course views
Furnished deck with seating
Gas grill for outdoor cooking
Lower-level game room with flat-screen TV, poker table, and arcade games
Detached garage game room with multi-game table, darts, arcade basketball, and mini ping pong
Fenced-in yard
Near Minnehaha Regional Park and waterfall trails
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans picked out the Perfect Family Bungalow to stay at, which feels like a very fitting name if you ask me. I mean… we are a pretty paw-some family. From what I’ve overheard, the rental's right near Minnehaha Parkway, which means long walks, fresh air, and a whole world of new smells waiting for me. That alone makes this trip exciting, but then I heard about the fenced backyard and now I’m really paying attention. A safe place for zoomies? Yeah, this is already sounding like my kind of vacation. The house itself sounds super cozy too, with a living room and fireplace that seems perfect for post-walk naps. My hoomans are excited about cooking and hanging out together, and I’m excited about finding the best spot in the house to stretch out and relax. Ideally somewhere warm. Preferably multiple places. And it’s not just the house. There are places nearby like Minnehaha Regional Park and lakes like Nokomis and Hiawatha, which means even more exploring with my favorite people. New trails, new sights, new smells. I’m basically packed already.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing on Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis, Minnesota!
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
At the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, you can explore more than 60 sculptures from the Walker’s collection across 11 scenic acres in the heart of the city. Luie Boone is very intrigued by this concept and is personally hoping at least one of them is a giant bone. The garden is free and open daily from early morning to midnight, which means plenty of time to wander and investigate. Dogs are welcome to join their hoomans as they stroll through the space, and Luie Boone fully plans on inspecting every single sculpture just in case. You never know what could be important.
Since its opening in 1988, the garden has welcomed millions of visitors and features well-known works like the Spoonbridge and Cherry... and hopefully, the Giant Bone. The mix of modern art and open park space makes it feel relaxed and easy to explore. Luie Boone thinks it’s a solid spot for a walk, even if the sculptures are not edible.
Lake of the Isles
Lake of the Isles has a history that is both geologically and culturally rich, which Luie Boone finds impressive for a place that also looks very good for sniffing. The lake was formed thousands of years ago by glacial activity, creating the basin that eventually filled with meltwater. The area was also used by the Dakota people, and the name “Isles” comes from the small islands scattered across the lake.
In the early 20th century, as Minneapolis grew, the lake became a focal point for development. The shoreline was reshaped and paths were created, giving today’s walkers and their dogs those smooth, curving routes around the water. Luie Boone appreciates a well-designed walking path, especially one with a view. Lake of the Isles is now a year-round destination for outdoor activity, offering space to walk, explore, and enjoy the scenery.
Cedar Lake East Beach
Cedar Lake East Beach, often called Hidden Beach, is a peaceful and tucked-away spot in Minneapolis that immediately gets Luie Boone’s attention. It sits on the east side of Cedar Lake, surrounded by greenery, with a small sandy shoreline that feels a little off the radar in the best way. The name “Hidden Beach” comes from the winding paths you follow to find it, and Luie Boone thinks that just makes the arrival feel more rewarding.
Then there’s the mud pit. Luie Boone heard “natural mud pit” and immediately decided this might be the greatest place on earth. It's messy and fun! There’s even a local known as the Mud Man, who covers himself head to toe in mud and chats with visitors. Luie Boone would absolutely join him, no hesitation, and probably leave looking like a completely different dog.
Boom Island Park
Boom Island Park is located just north of the Mississippi River and feels like a calm pocket of green right in the city. The area has a layered history, from its early use by the Ojibwe people to its time with lumberyards and even an amusement park in the late 1800s. Today, it’s a favorite spot! There are paths for walking and biking, open green space for relaxing, and views of the Boom Island lighthouse that make the whole place feel scenic without trying too hard.
The park is also home to The Survivors Memorial, the first permanent memorial in the nation dedicated to survivors of sexual violence. Break the Silence helped bring the project to life, and the space is designed for reflection and support. Winding, pup-friendly paths lead to a quiet plaza with benches and tall mosaic panels by artist Lori Greene that tell a story of community and care. Luie Boone gives this space big respect and knows it’s a place to slow down and be thoughtful.
The Stone Arch Bridge
The Stone Arch Bridge is the only bridge of its kind over the Mississippi River, and Luie Boone thinks it looks to be very important. Built from native granite and limestone, the bridge stretches more than 2,000 feet across the river with 23 arches spanning the water below St. Anthony Falls. Today, it has pedestrian walkways and bike lanes that make it easy for hoomans and their dogs to take it all in.
Originally built by railroad baron James J. Hill in 1883, the bridge helped move people and goods across the river during a time when Minneapolis was rapidly growing. It stayed in use as a working railroad bridge until 1978, and now stands as a reminder of that era while serving a much calmer purpose. These days, it’s a favorite spot for walkers and cyclists, offering one of the best views of St. Anthony Falls.
The Witch’s Hat
Tower Hill Park is a 29-acre urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the city. Open to the public since 2005, the park has a dog-friendly trail that winds up to the top of the hill, where you get wide views of Minneapolis that are worth the climb. The 110-foot tower was built in 1913 by architect Frederick William Cappelen and was meant to be more than just a water tower. There was once an idea to use the top as a bandstand, but after one concert, it became clear that hauling instruments up the tight spiral staircase was not the best plan. Now, the observation deck only opens once a year during the Pratt Ice Cream Social, which makes it feel even more special.
At the top of the historic water tower sits the “Witch’s Hat,” and Luie Boone is already imagining himself wearing one to match. The tower’s pointed roof gives it that name, and it adds a slightly magical, old-world feel to the whole park. Luie Boone will be wearing his witch's hat, practicing his spells, befriending frogs, and fully committing to the Witch’s Hat theme.
Winchell Trail
The Winchell Trail, located in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park, is a five-mile hiking route along the Minneapolis side of the Mississippi River that feels a little more tucked away than you’d expect. Luie Boone thinks this is the kind of trail where the sniffs are elite and the vibes are calm. The trail is rated moderate and works well for hikers with their pups who are ready for a longer walk.
The entire trail runs alongside the river, with views peeking through the trees as you go. You’ll catch glimpses of the water between the leaves, with even clearer views in early spring or late fall when the trees open up a bit. The path moves through a mature hardwood forest with a mix of paved and dirt sections, all within close reach of the river. It has a quiet, natural feel that makes it easy to forget you’re still in the middle of the city. Luie Boone would say it’s a very solid choice when you want a walk that feels more like a true escape.
Stanley's Northeast Bar Room
Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room serves up burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer, and Luie Boone immediately noticed the part where dogs are very welcome. The patio is dog-friendly and even has heaters, so it stays comfortable no matter the season.
Dogs get their own water dishes and a special menu with options just for them, which Luie Boone considers elite treatment. There’s even a three-course menu for furry guests, which feels a little fancy in the best way. During the colder months, the “Pawtio” is tented and heated, so the experience doesn’t stop when the weather changes. There are a few simple rules like one dog per human, and Yappy Hour runs from 3 to 6 each day. Luie Boone would say it’s a very strong choice for treating your best friend and yourself at the same time.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis, Minnesota
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I heard something about long trails and a creek called Minnehaha Creek, which sounds like the perfect place to explore and maybe find a really good stick. I’m bringing my stuffed mallard duck, Macho, along because he refuses to be left behind. He got very excited when he heard about something called the annual Duck Race and now thinks this trip is about him. I'm supportive, but also a little skeptical. Why? Because my hoomans mentioned that the creek can flood after a lot of rain, which means muddy and slippery trails. They sounded concerned, but I personally see no issue with mud. In fact, I think it could improve the experience. The plan is to check things out when we get there and adjust. If the water is calm, we’ll walk along the creek. If it’s flooded, we’ll stick to safer trails. Either way, Macho and I are ready for whatever happens.
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