Half-Day Dog-Friendly Getaways For You and Your Pup During the Pandemic

While there are some ways Minnesota’s stay-at-home order is right in my wheelhouse (like saving the world by watching Amazon Prime on my couch), even a sedentary Joe like me can only take so much. And my dog Leeroy is only passable as a couch-laying TV watcher. I love my local dog park, but frankly, some folks there are not social distancing. So what the heck can a good boy and his designated driver do during a pandemic–for *free* (Leeroy is permanently furloughed)? Head to a Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) or a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for some half-day dog-friendly getaways on the wild side. 

So what the pup is a WPA or WMA? Each of these publicly owned wonderlands  contains more than 100 acres of undeveloped woods, open grasslands, and ponds and creeks. While there are no trails per se, there are multiple natural paths, which Leeroy gave a 13/10 on our Sunday trip. A committed researcher,  he sniffed and explored with immense focus as we watched Trumpeter Swans fly by overhead, gazed at ducks and geese float by on the lake, and heard and saw pheasants and wild turkey scuttle all over the place. Two hours later, we were both tired, relaxed, and renewed.

Wanna sniff out these half-day dog-friendly getaways? Here’s what to expect:

• No groomed trails. If you’re uncomfortable wandering without guidance, this might not be for you. 
• BYO towels. There are wetlands, creeks, ponds, and lakes. If your pooch is like mine, they’ll be exquisitely muddy and soaking wet in no time.
• Bring fresh water. Also options: snacks and alcohol.
• Watch out for burrs. The wild grasslands and brushy edges will likely contain sticky things that can get caught up in your dog’s fur. Leeroy is an English Setter and exceedingly prone to picking up any and every burr and snag in the field, but we gathered only a couple. 
• Check for ticks afterward. If you find one, here’s how to remove it. 

Locations:

Two Near Howard Lake, MN
Just south and west of Howard Lake and both on County Rd 5.

Grass Lake Wildlife Management Area
120 acres of mixed grass and woodlands, with a creek flowing through the middle. Bordered by farm fields, good parking on both the west and east boundaries.

Victor Waterfowl Production Area
Hardwood lots, grassland, wetlands and a lake. Good parking in two separate places.

(Photos by Rob Johnstone)

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