A couple of people walking on a path towards a rack of canoes with a dog

Last Updated on June 26, 2025.

Whether your dog is your ride-or-die adventure partner or simply enjoys getting pampered on a patio, Duluth rolls out the red carpet for four-legged friends! Our city offers an abundance of pet-friendly experiences perfect for your pup, ensuring your best friend is always welcome on your next trip to Duluth. From scenic trails and wide-open dog parks to inviting patios and cozy lodging, get ready to unleash the fun and share some truly Duluthy adventures with your furry co-pilot! Below are just a few of the paws-itively perfect ways to explore our city with your beloved companion.

Paws-itively Perfect Outdoor Adventures

From invigorating strolls along the shores of Lake Superior to challenging hikes across rugged bluffs, you’ll find an outdoor adventure perfectly suited for every kind of pup and their human. To ensure a fantastic visit for everyone, please always keep your dog on a leash (unless in a designated off-leash area) and be sure to bring plenty of bags for picking up after your pooch.

A man sits on the summit of ely's peak with a dog in duluth, mn

The Superior Hiking Trail

A true gem for outdoor enthusiasts! The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) features sections for all levels (human and canine), with more than 30 miles of this incredible 300-plus-mile trail passing directly through Duluth. Leashed dogs are warmly welcomed on the SHT, so just pack water for you and your pup, and remember to pack out any waste – preserving the natural beauty of Duluth’s North Shore for all.

Check the Trails

Elderly woman walking her dog on a paved path

The Lakewalk

Enjoy nearly eight miles of scenic, dog-friendly paved pedestrian and bike trails stretching along the majestic shores of Lake Superior, from Bayfront Festival Park all the way to Kitchi Gammi Park (Brighton Beach). This iconic path offers stunning views of the aerial lift bridge and the bustling harbor, with plenty of benches along the way if you just want to take in the vista with your best friend.

Hit the Lakewalk

Park Point Beach

Imagine the joy of your dog romping along the sandy shores of Lake Superior! Park Point Beach offers miles of beautiful shoreline perfect for you and your dog to stroll, play fetch, and breathe in that refreshing lake air. Make a full day of it and pack a picnic for a truly relaxing escape.

Explore Park Point

A dog standing off-leash on a log at a dog park in duluth, mn

Duluth Dog Parks

For some truly unbridled fun, let your dog run leash-free and burn off energy at one of Duluth’s fantastic dog parks. Our city boasts four dedicated off-leash areas within city limits. It’s a great way for your pup to socialize and enjoy some spirited play!

Sniff Out a Dog Park

Treats & Treasures for Your Best Friend

When your dog has been a very good boy or girl (which, let’s be honest, they always are in Duluth!), there are many dog-friendly gift shops and boutiques where you can reward them with a special souvenir. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate your shared time in our unique city!

A Place for Fido: Located in the historic Fitger’s complex, A Place for Fido is your go-to for collars, leashes, food, treats, toys, beds, and much more, all geared towards the “active, outdoor, and working dog.” Stop by with your dog – the friendly staff would absolutely love to meet them!
Fido’s Pawsome Gifts: Just across the hall from A Place for Fido in the charming Fitger’s Complex, you’ll find Fido’s Pawsome Gifts. This delightful shop offers an array of unique, pet-themed items, including Duluth-based Minnesota Nice Dog Company tee-shirts, picture frames, signs, and other fun collectibles that celebrate the bond with your furry companion.
Matilda’s Dog Bakery & Boutique: Situated in the cozy Lakeside neighborhood, Matilda’s is a must-visit for gourmet treats! They offer all-natural, handmade treats and goodies for both dogs and cats. Their Buckaroo Biscuits, bark-scotti, and seasonal treats are freshly made onsite. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of accessories, including toys, leashes, and bandanas, making it a perfect stop for a special “Duluthy” gift.

Dining & Drinking with Your Dog

A dog sitting next to a table at one of the outdoor patios in duluth, mn

Duluth’s culinary scene warmly welcomes dogs on many restaurant patios, offering a chance to savor local flavors together. Always be sure to check ahead of time or look for signage, as policies can vary.

Patios for Every PalatE

Love Creamery: After a day of Duluth adventures, you’ll both deserve a tasty treat! Dogs are welcome on Love Creamery’s two patios, and they even provide delightful “pup cups” for your furry friend – a truly sweet experience near Canal Park.
Fitger’s Brewhouse: While restaurants inside the historic Fitger’s complex are not dog-friendly indoors, dogs are very welcome on Fitger’s Brewhouse patio. This is a great option to enjoy a brew with your pup, and you can even stroll through select shops within the complex with your leashed companion, making it a convenient stop even in cooler weather.
At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe: Known for its delicious, locally sourced fare, the staff at At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe happily welcomes your dog to their large, inviting patio. They even supply water bowls and plenty of pets – it’s a truly welcoming spot for a relaxed meal.
Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake: Does your dog enjoy live music and stunning views of Lake Superior? Who doesn’t! Bring them along next time for an outdoor concert or just a casual meal on Sir Ben’s patio, a favorite local spot.
Vitta Pizza: Craving a slice? Both Vitta Pizza locations invite you to enjoy delicious, wood-fired pizza with your furry pal on their patios.

Caffeinate & Celebrate with Your Canine!

A man smiles as he pets his dog while enjoying a locally made brew at one of the pet-friendly breweries, cideries, and distilleries found in duluth, minnesota.

What goes together better than a cold brew and your best friend? In Duluth, most of our fantastic breweries and cideries warmly welcome dogs on their “paw-tios” year-round, many with heaters for those cooler days, while a few spots even allow pups inside.

Enjoy unbeatable lakefront views from Canal Park Brewing’s patio to the often-heated patio at Bent Paddle Brewing Co., where you’re sure to find the perfect spot.
Duluth Cider’s and Wild State Cider’s dog-friendly patios are also popular spots for enjoying crisp, local ciders.
At Ursa Minor Brewing, your pooch might even become a featured “Patio Pup” on their social media channels, showing off their Duluthy charm!

In addition to outside seating, many of Duluth’s welcoming coffee shops also allow dogs indoors, providing a cozy retreat for you and your canine companion. These include Amity Coffee, Yellow Bike (inside Fitger’s), 190 Coffee and Tea, and The Back Alley. Perfect places to caffeinate and connect with your canine by your side.

Rest Your Paws in Duluth

A dog lying on grass with people sitting around at one of the campgrounds in duluth, mn

After a full day of fun and exploration in Duluth, everyone will be ready to put their feet (and paws!) up. Our city offers a variety of comfortable, pet-friendly lodging options that welcome you and your furry family member. Some of the great options include:

To ensure a smooth check-in and understand specific policies (like pet fees or room type availability), be sure to call ahead directly to your chosen hotel and inquire about their pet-friendly room availability and policies. For an even more comprehensive list of dog-friendly hotel lodging options in Duluth, check out this valuable resource from DogApproved.biz.

Ready for More Duluthy Adventures?

This is just a sniff of the incredible dog-friendly experiences awaiting you and your best friend in Duluth, Minnesota! From scenic strolls to patio hangs and cozy sleeps, our city welcomes every tail wag. Ready to plan your next adventure? Dive into our trip planning resources to discover even more ways to explore Duluth with your beloved canine companion!