The Twin Cities have many off-leash parks so dogs can burn lots of energy and socialize. You could also socialize. I'm sure your pooch would not mind. Hopefully you bring a ball to toss around just in case you happen to be the only ones there.

We all need to burn up some energy. Take the dog out and enjoy some fresh air and maybe take a few pictures. The parks that are dog friendly includes one long trail through three counties. Plus a couple of fenced-in areas.

Some suggestions to taking your pooch to a dog park include: only stay while your dog is having fun, stay calm, talk quietly, watch the dogs, and relax, enjoy yourself.

Here is a list of dog-friendly areas in southern Minnesota:

  • white pomeranian dog isolated on white background. ThinkStock
    white pomeranian dog isolated on white background. ThinkStock
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    1

    Owatonna Dog Park

    Owatonna Dog Park is an off-leash dog park at County Road 45 (State Avenue) at Lake Chase. It also includes an area for small dogs. Membership is required.

  • Cavalier King Charles Dog Portrait. ThinkStock
    Cavalier King Charles Dog Portrait. ThinkStock
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    2

    Owatonna Trails

    Owatonna also has a few trails that are leashed-dog friendly. The parks even have plastic bags handy so you can pick up dog do. Some parks include: Kaplan Woods, Lake Kohlmeier Trails and Leo Rudolph Nature Reserve.

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    yorkshire terrier, ThinkStock
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    3

    Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

    Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It travels through three counties: Le Sueur, Blue Earth and Rice. It is near Cannon River. It includes Faribault, Morristown, Waterville, Elysian and Mankato.

  • Close-up of dog. ThinkStock
    Close-up of dog. ThinkStock
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    4

    Northfield Dog Park at Babcock Park

    Babcock Park is near Highway 3 and 19. It is a fenced dog park that also has shelter, benches and picnic tables.

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    dog in the rain. ThinkStock
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    5

    Kiwanis Park in Mankato

    Kiwanis Park in Mankato is on Highway 169, north of the Highway 14 intersection. It is a fenced wooded area with a good water supply. Going to the park is free and it is open from 6:30AM to 10:30PM.

  • Border Collie. ThinkStock
    Border Collie. ThinkStock
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    6

    Red Jacket Trail in Mankato

    One of 1,600 trails that is part of the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy. It is about 13 miles near North Minnesota River Trail and near U.S. Highway 169 to Huffy Lane in Mankato.

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